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Welcome to Spenwood Books

Spenwood Books is an independent book publisher based in Manchester, UK, specialising in oral histories of music told through the words of fans, with many authorised by the acts concerned.

We’ve worked with Simple Minds, Gary Numan, The Stranglers, Emerson Lake & Palmer, Billy Bragg, Fairport Convention, the Sandy Denny estate, The Wedding Present, The Ukrainians and Iain Matthews. And we've books on Buzzcocks and Throwing Muses in the pipeline.

We’ve also published more than a dozen fan-led books, and we have loads more books coming in 2027!

Browse our books
Submissions
Muisc Book Cover
Muisc Book Cover
Muisc Book Cover
Muisc Book Cover
Muisc Book Cover
Muisc Book Cover
Muisc Book Cover
Muisc Book Cover
Muisc Book Cover

Welcome to Spenwood Books

Spenwood Books is an independent book publisher based in Manchester, UK, specialising in oral histories of music told through the words of fans, with many authorised by the acts concerned.

We’ve worked with Simple Minds, Gary Numan, The Stranglers, Emerson Lake & Palmer, Billy Bragg, Fairport Convention, the Sandy Denny estate, The Wedding Present, The Ukrainians and Iain Matthews. And we've books on Buzzcocks and Throwing Muses in the pipeline.

We’ve also published more than a dozen fan-led books, and we have loads more books coming in 2027!

Browse our books
Submissions
Muisc Book Cover
Muisc Book Cover
Muisc Book Cover
Muisc Book Cover
Muisc Book Cover
Muisc Book Cover
Muisc Book Cover
Muisc Book Cover
Muisc Book Cover
Slade
Muisc Vinyl Record Icon
The who
Muisc Vinyl Record Icon
the beatles
Muisc Vinyl Record Icon
the rolling stones
Muisc Vinyl Record Icon
the clash
Muisc Vinyl Record Icon
Fairport Convention
Muisc Vinyl Record Icon
the jam
Muisc Vinyl Record Icon
the faces
Muisc Vinyl Record Icon
Slade
Muisc Vinyl Record Icon
The who
Muisc Vinyl Record Icon
the beatles
Muisc Vinyl Record Icon
the rolling stones
Muisc Vinyl Record Icon
the clash
Muisc Vinyl Record Icon
Fairport Convention
Muisc Vinyl Record Icon
the jam
Muisc Vinyl Record Icon
the faces
Muisc Vinyl Record Icon

Recent releases

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Explore our latest books celebrating the rich history of legendary artists and the fans who lived the moments. From in-depth people’s histories to vivid fan memories, each title offers a unique perspective on iconic bands and music scenes.
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Sandy Denny: A People’s History

Sandy Denny: A People’s History

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Bob Dylan - A People's History

Bob Dylan - A People's History

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Bruce Springsteen - A People's History

Bruce Springsteen - A People's History

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David Bowie - A People's History - Book Cover

David Bowie - A People's History

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Gary Numan – A People’s History - book cover

Gary Numan – A People’s History

Buy Here

    About us

    Spenwood Books was founded in 2021 in Manchester, UK and is now established as the foremost publisher of ‘people’s histories’ of rock music, with 25 titles to date. These include authorised fan histories (endorsed by the acts concerned) on Simple Minds, The Stranglers, Fairport Convention, The Wedding Present, The Ukrainians, Billy Bragg (October 2025), Iain Matthews (October 2025), Emerson, Lake & Palmer (November 2025) and Sandy Denny (August 2026).

    Managing Director Richard Houghton is also the author of a number of other music books, including authorised fan histories on OMD, Shaun Ryder and Jethro Tull.

    You can find our books on Amazon, in all good book shops in the UK (or they’ll order them in) and via Burning Shed, Louder Than War or Vinyl2Books.

    Our books are also now available in North America, although you may have to ask your neighbourhood bookstore to order a copy in for you.

    Browse our books
    Submissions

    About us

    Spenwood Books was founded in 2021 in Manchester, UK and is now established as the foremost publisher of ‘people’s histories’ of rock music, with 25 titles to date. These include authorised fan histories (endorsed by the acts concerned) on Simple Minds, The Stranglers, Fairport Convention, The Wedding Present, The Ukrainians, Billy Bragg (October 2025), Iain Matthews (October 2025), Emerson, Lake & Palmer (November 2025) and Sandy Denny (August 2026).

    Managing Director Richard Houghton is also the author of a number of other music books, including authorised fan histories on OMD, Shaun Ryder and Jethro Tull.

    You can find our books on Amazon, in all good book shops in the UK (or they’ll order them in) and via (Burning Shed, Louder Than War, Vinyl2Books)

    Our books are also now available in North America, although you may have to ask your neighbourhood bookstore to order a copy in for you.

    Browse our books
    Submissions
    Noddy Holder holding a book
    Bruce Foxton holding a book

    FORTHCOMING releases

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    Stay tuned for new titles from Spenwood Books, featuring unforgettable music moments told by devoted fans with fresh insights and exclusive stories.
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    Buzzcocks - A People's History

    Buzzcocks - A People's History

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    Joy Division - A People's History

    Joy Division - A People's History

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    Throwing Muses - A People's History Book cover

    Throwing Muses - A People's History

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    Music book cover

    Underexposed - Notes From The Pit

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    The Trouble With Morrissey Book cover

    The Trouble With Morrissey

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