Welcome to Spenwood Books

Spenwood Books is an independent book publisher based in Manchester, UK, specialising in oral histories told through the words of fans.

We’ve published authorised titles in partnership with Simple Minds, The Stranglers, Emerson Lake & Palmer, Billy Bragg, Fairport Convention, The Wedding Present, The Ukrainians and Iain Matthews.

We’ve also published more than a dozen books on other acts and we’ve got loads more books coming in 2026!

Browse our books

Submissions

Welcome to Spenwood Books

Spenwood Books is an independent book publisher based in Manchester, UK, specialising in oral histories told through the words of fans.

We’ve published authorised titles in partnership with Simple Minds, The Stranglers, Emerson Lake & Palmer, Billy Bragg, Fairport Convention, The Wedding Present, The Ukrainians and Iain Matthews.

We’ve also published more than a dozen books on other acts and we’ve got loads more books coming in 2026!

Browse our books

Submissions

Slade

The who

the beatles

the rolling stones

the clash

fairpoint convention

the jam

the faces

Slade

The who

the beatles

the rolling stones

the clash

fairpoint convention

the jam

the faces

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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Is Everybody Ready for the Next Band? The Rolling Stones 1969 US Tour

£20.00

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Iain Matthews: A People’s History

£25.00

Buy Here

Billy Bragg: A People’s History

£35.00

Buy Here

Tell Everyone a People’s History of the Faces

Richard Houghton

£25.00

Buy Here

Jimi Hendrix: The Day I Was There

Richard Houghton

£20.00

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

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