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Beyoncégraphica: A Graphic Biography of Beyoncé
BEYONCÉ needs only a one-word introduction. Universally recognised and with a platform the world over, she is a singer, an artist, an activist and an icon.
In this innovative graphic biography, Beyoncé’s genius is explored and celebrated like never before, with fun infographics looking at the highlights and successes of her career – from costume changes to record sales, her impressive vocal range to her work off-stage. Beyoncé’s astonishing accomplishments are showcased against fellow legends of the industry in addition to celebrating her achievements in her own right.
Drawing on her 26-year career, Chris Roberts tells the story of how a young singer from Texas transformed herself into a globally revered performer who came to dominate the charts, our screens and even wardrobes. Who has come to represent so much more than the pop industry, through philanthropy, politics and campaigning, Beyoncé has broken the mould of what it means to be a superstar and that star continues to rise.
In this innovative graphic biography, Beyoncé’s genius is explored and celebrated like never before, with fun infographics looking at the highlights and successes of her career – from costume changes to record sales, her impressive vocal range to her work off-stage. Beyoncé’s astonishing accomplishments are showcased against fellow legends of the industry in addition to celebrating her achievements in her own right.
Drawing on her 26-year career, Chris Roberts tells the story of how a young singer from Texas transformed herself into a globally revered performer who came to dominate the charts, our screens and even wardrobes. Who has come to represent so much more than the pop industry, through philanthropy, politics and campaigning, Beyoncé has broken the mould of what it means to be a superstar and that star continues to rise.
- GenresMusic
256 pages, Hardcover
First published September 7, 2017
3 people are currently reading
253 people want to read
About the author
Chris Roberts
20 books1 followerLibrarian Note:
There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Chris Roberts lives in West London. He has written about music, films and books for innumerable publications and websites and interviewed everyone from David Bowie to Janet Jackson. He was the editor of Idle Worship, hailed in the New York Times as ‘the most original book about rock ‘n’ roll ever’, and edited Blondie's Panic of Girls magazine at the band's request.
Often appearing on TV and radio, he has also published books on Kate Moss, Lou Reed, Michael Jackson, Tom Jones, Abba, Talk Talk, Scarlett Johansson, Pharrell Williams, the Gothic arts and many others.
There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Chris Roberts lives in West London. He has written about music, films and books for innumerable publications and websites and interviewed everyone from David Bowie to Janet Jackson. He was the editor of Idle Worship, hailed in the New York Times as ‘the most original book about rock ‘n’ roll ever’, and edited Blondie's Panic of Girls magazine at the band's request.
Often appearing on TV and radio, he has also published books on Kate Moss, Lou Reed, Michael Jackson, Tom Jones, Abba, Talk Talk, Scarlett Johansson, Pharrell Williams, the Gothic arts and many others.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 7, 2017
A wonderfully informative and fact-filled biography loaded with easy to absorb graphs, photos and text. It shares all things Beyoncé from her beginnings, all about her love for music, how her different girl group evolutions came about as such. And more recently, the announcement that she's carrying twins last February. I found it enjoyable and was really impressed with how much she has accomplished in her young life so far. With the amazing work ethic this lady has, it's no wonder she's so massively successful in so many different things. I hadn't realized how many businesses she is involved in along with her singing, recording, writing, and producing career before I read about her, not to mention all of the charities, (over 30). And now with 2 more children added to her family, twins Rumi and Sir, one figures that life must be pretty full. I was given a free ecopy of this book for my review.
December 20, 2023
obviously 5 stars, it’s beyoncé being talked about
September 11, 2017
For an unauthorised and unofficial biography, Chris Roberts has managed to assemble an informative and satisfactory biography of Beyoncé here. Bound in a very attractive hardback edition, Beyoncé's epic rise to fame unfolds in a combination of stunning photographs, intricate infographics and chronological chapters.
Her time with Destiny's Child is covered well, and I was keen to learn more about her hard work ethic and the success of her early days.
Beyoncé's romance and subsequent private marriage to Jay-Z is included as is the release and success of all of her albums. Beyoncé's world tours are covered and her extensive philanthropic work is also mentioned.
Many of the infographics were unexpectedly detailed and a few were a little difficult to work out at first. My favourite infographic of the book showed how much it costs to maintain Beyoncé's body per year and the amount of money she spends on her hair was out of this world. (Particularly given I had just received a haircut that cost me $27).
The photographs are impressive and definitely capture Beyoncé's beauty and allure as an icon for feminism and girl power around the world.
In summary, I recommend Beyoncégraphica - A Graphic Biography of Beyoncé by Chris Roberts to fans of Beyoncé and her back catalogue of music; those interested in the music industry; readers with an interest in feminism and music, and those curious about the rise and influence of celebrity in our society.
* Copy courtesy of Murdoch Books *
Her time with Destiny's Child is covered well, and I was keen to learn more about her hard work ethic and the success of her early days.
Beyoncé's romance and subsequent private marriage to Jay-Z is included as is the release and success of all of her albums. Beyoncé's world tours are covered and her extensive philanthropic work is also mentioned.
Many of the infographics were unexpectedly detailed and a few were a little difficult to work out at first. My favourite infographic of the book showed how much it costs to maintain Beyoncé's body per year and the amount of money she spends on her hair was out of this world. (Particularly given I had just received a haircut that cost me $27).
The photographs are impressive and definitely capture Beyoncé's beauty and allure as an icon for feminism and girl power around the world.
In summary, I recommend Beyoncégraphica - A Graphic Biography of Beyoncé by Chris Roberts to fans of Beyoncé and her back catalogue of music; those interested in the music industry; readers with an interest in feminism and music, and those curious about the rise and influence of celebrity in our society.
* Copy courtesy of Murdoch Books *
September 21, 2017
Although I am not a die hard fan of Beyoncé, I have long admired her dance and singing abilities and also her apparently strong work ethic. This book emphasized that she has worked hard her entire life in order to accomplish her goals. This bio highlights her earlier life, the evolution of Destiny’s Child, her move toward being a solo artist, her marriage and parenthood. It is full of gorgeous photos, many of which are from her concerts. Infographics also aid in the conciseness and adds a break from the narrative.
I started reading this bio not knowing much about Beyoncé. I learned a few things, but it may be repetitive for her loyal fans. But I think it would be a great edition for her admirer’s library.
I read this as an Advanced Reader Copy so I didn’t get to experience the full impact as I probably would have in the hardback edition. I highly suggest to go with the hardback edition. Overall a great bio the iconic star.
I started reading this bio not knowing much about Beyoncé. I learned a few things, but it may be repetitive for her loyal fans. But I think it would be a great edition for her admirer’s library.
I read this as an Advanced Reader Copy so I didn’t get to experience the full impact as I probably would have in the hardback edition. I highly suggest to go with the hardback edition. Overall a great bio the iconic star.
November 23, 2017
It was like Christmas came early when I got the notification that I was approved to read this book! I am a lover of all things Beyonce and this book hit the spot. The author does a great job of immersing the reader in the life of Beyonce and the pictures and information that accompany it are totally amazing! This would be an amazing holiday gift for any Beyonce fan!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in collaboration with NetGalley so that I could create an honest review!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in collaboration with NetGalley so that I could create an honest review!
September 10, 2017
The advertising blurb for ‘Beyoncégraphica’ boasts over 100 specially commissioned infographics and photos. There are, in fact, 40 infographics, several of which deal with interesting topics including changes in Destiny’s Child personnel; Beyoncé’s charitable work; her relationship to the number 4; her business interests; her riders; and her vocal range compared with that of other female singers.
There are, however, several respects in which these infographics (the book’s big selling feature) are less satisfactory. Firstly, an awful lot of them list quite pedestrian and easily accessible facts, such as chart positions and awards, or record pretty pointless trivia, such as the number of times the words ‘Jelly’, ‘Vibealacious’ and ‘Bootylicious’ are repeated in the song of that name.
Secondly, sometimes the information is only tangentially related to Beyoncé, such as other celebrity couples with twins or the fact that Destiny’s Child was originally Girls Tyme providing the ‘justification’ for an infographic on other bands that changed their name.
Thirdly, some infographics seem incomplete, with Madonna missing from the one comparing Beyoncé’s height to that of other female singers, whilst Mariah Carey/Mimi is absent from the one looking at other female singers with alter egos.
Fourthly, a few of the infographics are really difficult to interpret. For example, I’ve stared at the one comparing Beyoncé’s earnings with those of other high-earning women for some considerable time and still find it confusing.
On the other hand, the photographs have been well chosen and the text is good, albeit veering towards the sycophantic (“another zeitgeist-capturing flourish”).
In short, Chris Roberts has been a busy bee and his honied words will do much to endear his book to the Beyhive, despite the fact that sadly its central visual idea doesn’t fully live up to expectation.
There are, however, several respects in which these infographics (the book’s big selling feature) are less satisfactory. Firstly, an awful lot of them list quite pedestrian and easily accessible facts, such as chart positions and awards, or record pretty pointless trivia, such as the number of times the words ‘Jelly’, ‘Vibealacious’ and ‘Bootylicious’ are repeated in the song of that name.
Secondly, sometimes the information is only tangentially related to Beyoncé, such as other celebrity couples with twins or the fact that Destiny’s Child was originally Girls Tyme providing the ‘justification’ for an infographic on other bands that changed their name.
Thirdly, some infographics seem incomplete, with Madonna missing from the one comparing Beyoncé’s height to that of other female singers, whilst Mariah Carey/Mimi is absent from the one looking at other female singers with alter egos.
Fourthly, a few of the infographics are really difficult to interpret. For example, I’ve stared at the one comparing Beyoncé’s earnings with those of other high-earning women for some considerable time and still find it confusing.
On the other hand, the photographs have been well chosen and the text is good, albeit veering towards the sycophantic (“another zeitgeist-capturing flourish”).
In short, Chris Roberts has been a busy bee and his honied words will do much to endear his book to the Beyhive, despite the fact that sadly its central visual idea doesn’t fully live up to expectation.
November 6, 2017
Please no attacks from the Bey Hive, this is me being honest. I don’t get the big deal about Beyonce. Yes she can sing, dance, act, etc. That is great. But why is she so great that not only does she have a “hive” but the hive can be deadlier than the most poisonous wasp? I was hoping for an answer to that as I read through this book. Did I get a full answer, no, but I enjoyed the trip.
This book is part biography, part music history, and part photographic table book. There are gorgeous pictures, and great graphics that explain everything from her range as a singer, compared to other great singers, and how well each album performs. Without knowing any better I would say this book was done by a drone of the hive. Everything is glowing, sunshiny day. Nothing bad, no feuds, etc. It seems like a one sided view of her life. It works well, and I can see many of her fans loving every page.
This book is part biography, part music history, and part photographic table book. There are gorgeous pictures, and great graphics that explain everything from her range as a singer, compared to other great singers, and how well each album performs. Without knowing any better I would say this book was done by a drone of the hive. Everything is glowing, sunshiny day. Nothing bad, no feuds, etc. It seems like a one sided view of her life. It works well, and I can see many of her fans loving every page.
March 21, 2020
A fine overview, but it read like an extended edition of People magazine. Found it weird that the author didn’t directly mention Parkwood Entertainment, instead making it sound like Bey was under Jay’s label. I picked it up due to the charts and graphs, but they were either basic or boring. I. Want. More.
September 14, 2017
If you're in the Venn diagram overlap between Beyoncé fans and infographic fans, this book is for you. I reviewed Beyoncégraphica for The Current.
January 25, 2024
I loved this book, I loved the pictures and the vibe. I don’t usually read in english and it was a bit difficult to me, but I love Beyonce even more after knowing his story better and empowered and motivated me.
February 8, 2023
Some well-demonstrated facts and comparisons with other artists. However it was so sycophantic to the point of embarrassing
December 31, 2025
Super knížka
September 4, 2017
I am always weary of who gets to tell people's stories, as I do not know that someone from a different background can authentically do as much justice to one's narrative, but this was enjoyable.
November 13, 2017
This book has great infographics about the life and successes of Beyonce. It follows her career up to present day.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews