Ed Sheeran: A Visual Journey Book Review

Posted February 16, 2016 by shooting in Uncategorized / 23 Comments

Ed Sheeran: A Visual Journey by Ed Sheeran and Philip Butah


Review by Lauren


source: library copy; all opinions are my own


Official SummaryEd 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.

source

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.

source

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!

23 responses to “Ed Sheeran: A Visual Journey Book Review

  1. 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 🙂

  2. 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

  3. 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.

  4. 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!!!!!!!!!!!

  5. 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?

  6. 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!

  7. 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.

Leave a Reply

(Enter your URL then click here to include a link to one of your blog posts.)

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.