Ed Sheeran: A Visual Journey by Ed Sheeran and Philip Butah
Review by Lauren
source: library copy; all opinions are my own
Official Summary: Ed Sheeran is the soulful singer-songwriter from England who has captivated American audiences. With words by Ed Sheeran and illustrations by his childhood friend, artist Phillip Butah (who produces artwork for Sheeran’s albums and singles), and accompanying photos, Ed Sheeran: A Visual Journeyis an exclusive, fully authorized, first-person account by Ed of how he became an internationally renowned singer-songwriter. In the book, Ed explores his early musical experiences and influences as well as his time recording and touring, right up to the release of his second album, ‘x’. The book reveals what drives and inspires Ed as he continues to evolve as an artist, while coping with stratospheric success. With close to 100 photographs and illustrations this is a book that all Ed Sheeran fans would love to own and cherish.
Review: I’ve wanted to check this book out for as long as I knew it was being released. Therefore, I was really excited when I saw it at the library I work at and I immediately checked it out. This is a book that big Ed Sheeran fans would really love as it gives you a look at his musical career and how he became to be this huge of a star. I love that the artwork for this book (and his albums) were done by a childhood friend, Philip Butah. It’s exciting when you hear about famous people who still have friends from before because it makes you think they haven’t changed all that much with the fame and money, and Sheeran definitely seems like one of those guys.
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As for the actual book, it’s broken up into sections and Ed writes most of it, chronicling early shows, EPs, and experiences. Butah’s artwork is interspersed throughout. The end of the book gives Butah a chance to talk about his art and career and each illustration he did is listed in the back, with what Butah used to create it. If you’re someone who likes to draw or paint, especially if you like doing portraits, then this is something that would be really interesting for you! I know I was intrigued and I can barely draw a circle.
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I’ve been a fan of Sheeran for years, but it was still nice getting a closer-up look at how his career has gone and what he hopes to do in the future. If you’re looking for secret details about his personal life, then don’t read this. Sure, he talks about his parents and some friends, but it’s mostly focused on his musical career. I liked hearing about his writing for other groups as well, such as One Direction.
Definitely worth checking out if you’re a fan!
I'm such a big Ed Sheeran fan, it's unreal – I absolutely loved this book, and all it entailed. The artwork in it is amazing, indeed (fun fact: sometime last year, I was musing about how much I loved it on twitter, and Philip Butah tweeted me saying thanks. I was so excited! :P)
Such a good review! Will definitely be following for more 🙂
Oh that sounds wonderful! I love him to bits too! One of my blog goals is to get him to follow the blog. Ha! I had no idea about this book. Totally adding it to my list 😀
This sounds like such a great book for his fans!! I like him but I am so out of music right now. Great review!
I've only heard a couple of songs from him, but his voice is incredible!
xx
I remember that I liked him back when I had to order his music from the UK. It wasn't available anywhere here yet.
I also saw him a few times when he was just an opening act (then once headlining) but you could tell he was going to take off. The crowds went crazy for him and then left after he did – not even sating for the main act.
He seems so nice so I'm happy to see he's so successful now.
Karen @For What It's Worth
Sounds perfect for all the Ed Sheeran fans out there, my sister included.
Those illustrations are beautiful. I'm immediately drawn into them. I've marked the book as TBR!
I have only recently been a fan of Ed, I will have to check my library for this one.
This sounds like a really cool book! What a fun way to do a biography 🙂
That sounds great how this book is written by someoen who was his friend from before he became famous. Must make for an original perspective. Sounds like a good book for fans of him.
I'm glad you enjoyed this! I didn't even know it was a thing, not surprising considering I don't really get into any music haha
I like Ed Sheeran but I'm like Grace – I'm so out of touch with music right now. How awesome of him to do this book and share his artist friends work!!! I agree with you; it says something about a person if they're still friends with the people they knew back then 🙂
Great review!!!!!!!!!!!
It sounds great for fans! I like him well enough (Give Me Love is a favorite!), but I'm kinda out of touch with pop music lately.
Aww, I just love how sweet that is that his childhood friend drew the pictures!! What a stand-up guy. It's impossible not to like him 🙂
I love his songs but not sure to the point that I would like to read a book about him…
This sounds like a great way to do a biography, very original and unique, especially because there's artwork rather than photos only.
Great review, Lauren!
Lexxie @ (un)Conventional Bookviews
I love this boy! I didn't know this book exists!
I did not know he had a book out! I love Ed Sheeran! I think my teen would really enjoy this. Thanks for the heads up.
Great review Lauren – as you say something for Ed Sheeran fans to enjoy. Isn't it great that two creative people became friends at a young age and have grown that friendship?
This is the first I hear of Ed Sheeran. I don't know very many singer-songwriters from England to begin with, other than Adele and The Beetles, of course, ha! In any case, this book looks fantastic, the illustrations are so vivid!
Do you know what'd funny…whilst reading your post, Ed Sherran is playing on the music channel I am listening to!
Glad you enjoyed this deeper insight into Ed! Looks like a great read.
I love seeing/hearing when theyre still friends with people from before they became famous, too.
Glad you enjoyed this one. I do like Ed Sheeran's music he's very talented.