Marc Bolan: Wilderness of the Mind

"He was the greatest little giant in the world." -DAVID BOWIE Over the last few years as rock music has taken stock of itself, the reputation of Marc Bolan and T. Rex has been steadily growing, so that where Marc might once have been regarded as a slight, frivolous figure of early '70s glam rock he is now appreciated as a unique talent, a real innovator, and as the maker of some truly classic records. Wilderness of the Mind is a celebration of Marc's life and work through a host of photographs, drawings, lyrics, notes and personal reminiscences, the vast majority of which have never been published before, making it a treasure-trove for fans and collectors-and an eye- opener for more casual admirers, as Marc's diaries and scribbles openly reveal his sexuality and early way of life ("No rent to pay, landlord's a queen."). Many of the photographs were taken by co-author Caron, and are published here for the first time. There are dozens of pieces-lyrics, notes, letters, diaries and drawings-Marc's own hand, many given personally by Marc to Caron, or to Caron and John by Marc's parents after his death. Few of these have been seen before. Among those interviewed exclusively for the book are MIKE PRUSKIN, Marc's friend and early manager ("No-one has ever interviewed me before, and I'm the one who got Marc his first recording contract!"); ANDY ELLISON, co- member of John's Children; Marc's manager TONY HOWARD, who has remained silent until now and who also contributes an approving Foreword to the book; and MIKE MANSFIELD, producer of Supersonic and other notable rock shows, who talks about Marc's showmanship and their friendship. Morrissey offers a charming appreciation of his early hero. The book also includes a detailed look at Marc's TV and film appearances plus Carter's first-hand recollections of the eventful T.Rex tours of 1976-7; an unexpurgated look at life on the road, in particular the Futuristic Dragon tour on which Marc was struggling with a drink...