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Faber is to publish You Are Beautiful and You Are Alone: The Biography of Nico by Jennifer Otter Bickerdike.
Described by the publisher as "a redemptive, myth-shattering biography of one of the 20th century’s most underestimated creative and artistic forces", the book explores the German singer-songwriter's legacy, and her influence on subsequent musicians. The biography contains more than 100 new interviews and "rare archival material".
The synopsis explains: "The real story of Nico is one of determination, self-destruction and belief in one’s artistic vision, at any cost. Beneath the superficial denigrations and one-dimensional myths was a complicated visionary determined to make art that was truly her own.
"Primarily remembered for her contributions to the Velvet Underground’s seminal debut album—and her relationships with Brian Jones, Bob Dylan and Jim Morrison—Nico’s own artistry and influence have often been overlooked. In You Are Beautiful and You Are Alone, defying the sexist casting of her life as the tragedy of a beautiful woman losing her looks, youth and fame, Jennifer Otter Bickerdike cements Nico’s legacy as one of the most vital artists of her time, inspiring a generation of luminaries including Björk, Morrissey and Iggy Pop."
The publisher acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Matthew Hamilton at the Hamilton Agency. Ben Schafer at Hachette acquired US rights.
Bickerdike is a cultural historian and author, working across music heritage and fandom in broadcast and academia. She has appeared on BBC Radio 6, BBC Four, Channel 4 and ITV and has written for the Guardian. She is the author of several books regarding fan culture, including Why Vinyl Matters (ACC Editions).
Faber will publish on 1st July.