A new book chronicles the albums of Island Records

Learn the stories behind Island Records’ most iconic vinyl and artwork.

Manchester University Press is releasing a new book documenting the history of Island Records.

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The Island Book of Records (1959-1968) has been edited by Island’s former head of press, Neil Storey, and is the first volume of a collection that will dive into the entirety of Island’s records.

Each album in the book is illustrated with labels, booklets, die-cut covers and foreign editions. The stories behind each record will be told through interviews with the musicians, designers, photographers, producers and teams involved. Volume one features interviews with Island founder Chris Blackwell, photographers Dick Polak, John Benton-Harris, Gered Mankowitz, Barrie Wentzell, and many more.

Particularly interesting titles in the book’s credits include; Boogie in my Bones via Half Moon Bay – Chris Blackwell’s first productions and the first Jamaica-only LPs and Did you ever wonder why all those early 45s were faded at 2’50”? Graeme Goodall on engineering early recordings.

Sized like a vinyl record, the book is 392 pages long and also contains an illustrated discography of 45s and EPs, gig adverts, magazine covers and LP adverts.

Ahead of the book’s release on October 3, we have a special preview of a few of its colourful, detailed spreads. Take a look below and pre-order the book now.