An essential companion to Michael Jackson's music, films, and books, this work offers 21 original, academic essays on all things Jackson—from film, music, and dance to fashion, culture, and literature.
Michael Jackson is regarded as one of the most important musicians of our time. Going well beyond the average celebrity biography, this comprehensive book looks at why that is true, offering insights into every facet of Jackson's art, life, and artistic afterlife. It looks at the methods by which his work was created, presented, received, and appropriated; discusses Jackson's varied personas along with his public and private appearances, albums, conceptual art, short films, and dance; and considers his use of costume, makeup, and reinvention.

To help readers understand the phenomenon that was—and is—Michael Jackson, the book focuses on Jackson's historical context through an analysis of his films, songs, and books, examining him as an artist and shedding light on the political and ideological debates that surrounded him. Not shying away from the controversial aspects of Jackson's life and legacy, it also tackles questions of sexuality and racism, gender, and class, comparing Jackson to artists ranging from J. S. Bach to Andy Warhol. Through its examination of Jackson's entire catalog, the work connects all the aspects of his art and life to exemplify—and explain—the performer's unparalleled influence in the 20th and 21st centuries.


Takes a sophisticated, academic approach to understanding Jackson's art and life, providing insights into his entire body of work from a perspective never before available outside of music/culture journals
Concentrates on aspects of Jackson's art that have not previously been researched, such as his use of costumes and clothing, his poetry, and his function as an auteur
Includes a section focused on Jackson's posthumous work and representation

Connects with the study of literature, especially early modern English writings and, perhaps surprisingly, the works of William Shakespeare

Elizabeth Amisu

Elizabeth Amisu’s works include the dystopian adventure series, 'The Sacerdos Mysteries'; the young-adult fantasy thriller, 'Ripe Earth' and the short story collection, 'Gild Your Shadows'. Her haunting short story, 'The Bestseller' won the Silverwood Publishing ‘Beat the Author’ competition in 2013, and her novel, 'We Burn Daylight', won second prize at the Southend Literary Book Festival in 2010. Amisu is author of the landmark textbook, 'The Dangerous Philosophies of Michael Jackson: His Music, His Persona, and His Artistic Afterlife', and widely subscribed podcast, 'Michael Jackson’s Dream Lives On: An Academic Conversation'.

Elizabeth is an active artist and teacher. She holds an MA in Early Modern English Literature from King’s College London and completed her teacher training at the University College London’s Institute of Education. She received a First-Class BA (Hons) from Bucks New University, where she was also the recipient of the award for Highest Overall Mark in the Faculty of Creativity and Culture (2008), and has eight years’ experience teaching English, Creative Writing, and Film. She is co-founder of 'The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies', where she was editor (2014-2017). Amisu is also a keen writer of fanfics at FanFiction.net.

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01N5K08NW
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Praeger (January 1, 1765)