 Book cover (UK) | |
| Author | Lucy O'Brien |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Subject | Madonna |
| Genre | Biography |
| Publisher | Bantam Press |
Publication date | 27 August 2007 |
| Publication place | United Kingdom |
| Media type | Print (Hardcover and Paperback) |
| Pages | 432 |
| ISBN | 0-593-05547-0 |
Madonna: Like an Icon is a biography by English author Lucy O'Brien, chronicling the life of American singer Madonna. The book was released on 27 August 2007, by Bantam Press in the United Kingdom, and on 18 October 2007, by HarperCollins in the United States. Madonna: Like an Icon chronicles the life of the singer from her birth, up to the release of her eleventh studio album, Hard Candy, in 2008. Initially critical of her work, O'Brien had become a fan of Madonna after seeing her perform on television for The Virgin Tour in 1985. From that point of time, the author followed Madonna's career closely, attending her concerts, and collecting interviews, magazines, and albums.
When O'Brien finally decided to write a biography on Madonna in 2005, she wanted the book to be more about the singer's contribution to her music, rather than delving too much into her personal life, unlike other Madonna biographers. The author then interviewed dancers, choreographers, musicians, and producers who worked with Madonna. After its release, the book received a mixed response from critics. They were unanimous that the over-emphasis given on the singer's discography was unnecessary, instead more thought should have been given on exploring her personal life, which would have made the biography compelling.