The Bruce Library

Bruce Springsteen: The Rolling Stone Files (1996)

All articles and reviews published in Rolling Stone magazine from 1973 to 1996. Also a great introduction by Parke Puterbaugh. It's extremely interesting to read about the early Bruce as written when it was happening rather than in the hindsight of most books.

Bruce (2012)

Peter Ames Carlin

An almost authorized biography based on interviews with some of the people closest to Bruce and Bruce himself.

Big Man: Real Life & Tall Tales (2009)

Clarence Clemons

Co-written with his friend Don Reo, this is Clarence Clemons' autobiography. While it does have lots about Bruce, the focus is on Clarence.

Backstreets: Springsteen - The Man and His Music (1989)

Charles R. Cross

A book for the really serious fans by Backstreets Magazine. It features some of the best articles from the magazine, the E Street Band Family Tree, a sessionography, and a list of performances from 1963-89 (the paperback edition from 1992 has an updated performance list).

Bruce Springsteen and the Promise of Rock 'n' Roll (2012)

Marc Dolan

Biography that puts Springsteen's music in a broad context of national, local and personal events that took place as it was written or performed.

For You: Original Stories and Photographs by Bruce Springsteen's Legendary Fans (2007)

Lawrence Kirsch (production editor)

Bruce Springsteen seen through the eyes of his fans whose tales, photos and enthusiasm make up this book.

Springsteen: Born to Run (1979)

Dave Marsh

The first and one of the best Springsteen biographies. The author is a close friend of Bruce and has had unique access to Bruce making it one of the most authoritative books on its subject. When that is said, if you're looking for dirt and private details from Bruce's personal life, you won't find it here. Dave Marsh remains loyal to his friend and admits to subjectivity.

Glory Days: Bruce Springsteen in the 1980s (1987)

Dave Marsh

The sequel to Dave Marsh's Born to Run. It tells the story from 1980 till 1987 where Bruce went from a big star to a gigantic star. Again, Dave Marsh shares his insight and sheds light on Bruce's career and personality. Despite its uncritical approach it's still an indispensible book in your Springsteen boiok collection. If you buy one book, this should probably be it.

Songs (1998)

Bruce Springsteen

Authorized lyrics book with Springsteen himself writing introduction to the various album chapters. While no huge news is offered, it's still a nice read.

Born to Run (2016)

Bruce Springsteen

Bruce's autobiography and without a doubt the best and most important Bruce Springsteen book there is with its honest and well-written account of a life that, before this book, few people were aware was so complicated and difficult.

Springsteen: Saint in the City 1949 - 1974 (2013)

Craig Statham

A great look at the years before the fame and Bruce's early bands. The author interviewed several of his old band mates and altogether did thorough research.