A Year with Swollen Appendices: Brian Eno's Diary

Brian Eno's A Year with Swollen Appendices, now republished twenty-five years on with a new introduction by the artist, offers far more than a mere diary. The Guardian rightly recognised it as "one of the seminal books about music... an invaluable insight into the mind and working practices of one of the industry's undeniable geniuses."¹ This republication provides a welcome opportunity for a new generation to delve into the fascinating and multifaceted world of Eno's thought.

What began as a resolution to keep a conventional diary at the close of 1994 quickly evolved into something far more profound and revealing. While Eno's plans for typical leisure activities may have faltered, the resulting written output proved astonishing. Interwoven with his daily ruminations on collaborative work with iconic artists such as David Bowie, U2, James, and Jah Wobble are illuminating correspondences and insightful essays stretching back to 1978.

These "appendices," as Eno aptly termed them, explore the very foundations of his pioneering work in generative and ambient music, alongside his deeply considered beliefs about the true role of an artist and the purpose of their art. The book avoids lofty pronouncements, instead grounding these profound ideas with razor-sharp commentary on his everyday experiences and observations on global events.

This is not simply a chronological account of a year; it's a candid and intimate glimpse into the creative processes and intellectual wanderings of one of the most influential artistic minds of our time. Presented in A5 format, mirroring the original diary, and featuring thoughtful design elements like the pink-edged appendices and two-tone cover, this reissue elevates the reading experience. A Year with Swollen Appendices stands as an essential classic, offering a timeless and deeply engaging exploration of creativity, collaboration, and the ever-evolving role of the artist in the modern world.