No one book is the perfect reference source on Eric Clapton. Information not in one may be discussed in depth in another. Authors also hold different opinions on the significance of some events in Eric’s life and career. Although some of the titles listed below are out-of-print, they can often be found in second-hand book stores or for sale on the internet.
Autobiography
Clapton, Eric: Clapton with Christopher Simon Sykes - The Autobiography (Broadway Books NY 2007) United States
Clapton, Eric with Christopher Simon Sykes: Clapton - The Autobiography (R Books 2007) United Kingdom
As of late 2007, Eric Clapton’s autobiography was slated to be published in 11 additional languages: Dutch, French, German, Portuguese, Danish, Czech, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Swedish and Finnish.
Biographies
Coleman, Ray: Clapton - An Authorized Biography (Warner Books NY 1986).
First published in Great Britain as Survivor! The Authorised Biography Of Eric Clapton (Sidwick & Jackson 1985). Updated trade paperback published in Great Britain as Clapton - The Authorised Biography (Pan Books, 1995).
Pidgeon, John: Eric Clapton - A Biography (Panther / Granada 1976)
Roberty, Marc: Slowhand - The Life And Music Of Eric Clapton (Octopus Publishing - Great Britain / Harmony Books - New York 1991). Revised edition published by Crown Trade Paperbacks - New York in 1993.
Sandford, Christopher: Clapton - Edge Of Darkness (Victor Gollanez - London 1994). Updated edition available from DeCapo Press (1999).
Schumacher, Michael: Crossroads - The Life And Music Of Eric Clapton (Hyperion - New York 1994). Updated edition available from Citadel Press (2003)
Shapiro, Harry: Slowhand - The Story Of Eric Clapton (Proteus Books 1984). Updated edition published as Eric Clapton - Lost In The Blues (Guinness Publishing Ltd. UK / DeCapo Press Inc. - New York 1992)
Books With Eric Clapton Interviews
Editors Of Rolling Stone: The Rolling Stone Interviews 1967-1980 (St. Martin’s Press / Rolling Stone Press - New York 1981)
Henderson, David: ‘Scuse Me While I Kiss The Sky - The Life Of Jimi Hendrix (Bantam Trade Edition 1996). The 1996 revised edition has a transcript of a taped conversation between Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix and two unidentified people.
Roberty, Marc: Eric Clapton - In His Own Words (Omnibus Press - London 1993)
Turner, Steve: Conversations With Eric Clapton (Abacus / Sphere 1976)
White, Timothy: Rock Lives - Profiles And Interviews (Henry Holt & Co. - New York 1990)
Music Guides
Fellowes, Steve: Unofficial Full Color Collectors Book And Discography On Eric Clapton (Mastertone Multimedia Ltd. - London 1997). A CD-sized book, it also came with an ‘audio documentary’.
Roberty, Marc: Eric Clapton (Orion Books - London, 1994). A CD-sized book containing a brief biography and a detailed discography. Updated edition published by Carlton Books in 1996.
Roberty, Marc: Eric Clapton - A Visual Documentary (Omnibus Press - London 1986). A day-by-day guide to Clapton’s career starting in October 1963. Includes tour dates, set lists and a complete discography. The first edition covered up until 1985. Updated edition published by Omnibus Press - London in 1990 as Eric Clapton - The New Visual Documentary. A third edition, covering October 1963 through March 1993 was published by Carol Publishing in 1994.
Roberty, Marc: Eric Clapton - The Complete Recording Sessions 1963 - 1992 (Blandford Press - Great Britain / St. Martin’s Press - New York 1993). A serious reference work detailing Clapton’s studio and live sessions over a thirty year period. Revised edition published in 1994 contained recording information for From The Cradle on the inside back cover.
Roberty, Marc: The Complete Guide To The Music Of Eric Clapton (Omnibus Press - London 1995). A CD-sized book that provides a detailed overview of Clapton’s recordings.
Roberty, Marc: Eric Clapton - The Complete Guide To His Music (Omnibus Press - London 2005). Updated version of The Complete Guide To The Music Of Eric Clapton (1995) that provides a detailed overview of Clapton’s recordings through Me and Mr. Johnson. The book was resized as a traditional paperback.
Roberty, Marc and Chris Welch: Eric Clapton - The Illustrated Disco / Biography (Omnibus Press - London 1984). Brief biography and discography.
Collectors Guides
Roberty, Marc: The Eric Clapton Album - Thirty Years of Music & Memorabilia (Penguin Books 1994)
Books on Bands Eric was a member of
Clayson, Alan: The Yardbirds (Backbeat Books / Balafon 2002)
Newman, Richard: John Mayall Blues Breaker (Castle Communications 1995)
Reid, Jan: Derek And The Dominos - Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs (Rodale / 2006)
A comprehensive look at the band and the recording of this legendary album from 1970.
Thompson, Dave: Cream - The World’s First Supergroup (Virgin Books / 2005)
Welch, Chris: Cream - The Legendary Sixties Supergroup (Balafon 2000)
Whitaker, Robert and Chris Welch: Cream - The Lost Scottish Tour (Repetoire Books / 2006)
Photographs and commentary about Cream’s gigs in Scotland.
Other
Boyd, Pattie with Peggy Junor: “Wonderful Today: The Autobiography” (Headline Review / 2007)
UK edition
Boyd, Pattie: “Wonderful Tonight: George Harrison, Eric Clapton & Me” (Crown Publishing Group / 2007)
US edition
Hjort, Christopher: “Eric Clapton & The British Blues Boom 1965-1970” (Jawbone / 2007)
Harrison, George and others: “Live In Japan: George Harrison with Eric Clapton and Band” (Genesis Publications / 1993)
Limited Edition
Taylor, Derek and Peter Blake: “24 Nights: The Music of Eric Clapton, The Drawings of Peter Blake” (Genesis Publications / 1991)
