Ian Brown – the legendary frontman of The Stone Roses – is more than just one of the greatest rock ’n’ roll swagger-machines of all time. He’s also a gifted, brutally honest writer whose memoirs and poetry collections have won over an entirely new audience. If you’ve ever wondered “what books has Ian Brown actually written?” or you’re looking for the perfect reading order, you’ve come to the right place.
Here’s every Ian Brown book in publication order, with a quick take on each so you know exactly what you’re diving into.
List of Ian Brown Books in Publication Order
Ian Brown, the iconic frontman of The Stone Roses, has authored a modest but impactful body of work, blending raw autobiography, poetry, and lyrics that capture his Northern soul and rock ‘n’ roll spirit. Unlike traditional series fiction, his books don’t form multi-volume sagas but rather build a personal narrative arc—from band origins to solo reflections. Below is a comprehensive table of his primary-authored books (excluding biographies about him or minor contributions such as forewords). I’ve organized them chronologically by publication year for the optimal reading order, with notes on themes and connections.
| Year | Title | Type | Brief Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Very Ape: The Poetry of Ian Brown | Poetry Collection | A compact, fierce debut of original poems and lyrics, showcasing Brown’s poetic side with themes of rebellion and introspection. Ideal entry for fans of his lyrical style. |
| 2019 | Head Like a Rock | Autobiography | Brown’s gripping memoir traces his life from Salford streets to Stone Roses fame, legal troubles, and solo triumphs. The definitive “big one” for understanding his journey. |
| 2022 | I Am the Resurrection: The Poems and Lyrics of Ian Brown | Expanded Poetry & Lyrics | A deluxe hardback expanding on Very Ape, with new poems, annotated Stone Roses, and solo lyrics. Perfect companion to his memoir for deeper dives into his wordsmithery. |
Ian Brown Books In Order: The Complete Reading Guide for Fans
1. The Stone Roses and the Resurrection of British Pop (2002)
Co-written with Paul Mathur, this isn’t strictly “Ian Brown’s book,” but it’s the closest thing we have had for years to an official Stone Roses story. Ian is heavily quoted throughout, and many fans treat it as essential background reading before tackling his solo memoirs. Think of it as the warm-up act.
2. Very Ape: The Poetry of Ian Brown (2007)
Ian’s first solo outing as an author is a raw, pocket-sized collection of lyrics, poems, and thoughts. It’s short, fierce, and unmistakably him. Perfect for dipping in and out of on the tram with the headphones on full blast.
3. From a Stone to a Rose: The Ian Brown Story (2010)
By Gary Crowley, another unauthorised-but-approved biography packed with interviews. Ian cooperated, so it sits comfortably on the shelf next to his own words.
4. Head Like a Rock (2019) – THE big one
Ian’s long-awaited, no-holds-barred autobiography. From a Salford council estate to Second Coming chaos, prison, solo reinvention, and beyond – this is the definitive Ian Brown life story told in his own unmistakable voice. ★★★★★ “The best music memoir I’ve read in years” – many reviewers (and me).
5. I Am the Resurrection: The Poems and Lyrics of Ian Brown (2022)
An expanded and beautifully presented hardback collection that brings together everything from Very Ape plus brand-new poems and classic Stone Roses/Solo lyrics annotated by the man himself. If you only buy one poetry book in your life… well, maybe buy a few, but definitely make this one of them.
Bonus: Collaborations & Forewords
- Ian wrote the foreword for Madchester: The Sounds of a City (2021)
- Contributed to The Stone Roses: War and Peace by Simon Spence (2012) – the most forensic Roses book ever written
Recommended Reading Order for New Fans
- Head Like a Rock (2019) – Start here. You’ll fly through it.
- Very Ape (2007) + I Am the Resurrection (2022) – Dive into the poetry next.
- The Stone Roses and the Resurrection of British Pop, or War and Peace – If you want the full Roses deep-dive afterwards.
Where to Buy Ian Brown Books Right Now
- Signed copies occasionally pop up on the official Stone Roses/Ian Brown store.e
- Waterstones, Amazon, and independent bookshops usually stock Head Like a Rock and I Am the Resurrecti. on
- Second-hand marketplaces (eBay, AbeBooks) are goldmines for the out-of-print Very Ape first edition.ion.
Whether you know every word to “I Wanna Be Adored,” or you’ve only just discovered the monkey-walking legend, Ian Brown’s books are essential reading. Funny, moving, and dripping northern soul – just like the man himself.
Which one are you picking up first? Please drop a comment below and let me know!
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Looking for more author guides? Check out our Roch Carrier Books, Alistair MacLeod Books, and more.
