Curepedia: An immersive and beautifully designed A-Z biography of The Cure

Recognised as a Rough Trade Book of the Year 2023 and a Guardian Music Book of the Year 2023, Simon Price's Curepedia is a playful, eccentric, and thoroughly comprehensive A-Z celebrating The Cure, arguably the biggest alternative rock band on the planet. Price's approach mirrors the spirit of the band itself, offering an irreverent yet deeply informative dive into the Cure's multifaceted world.

The statistics speak for themselves: between 1985 and 2000, every Cure album achieved at least Gold status in the UK, the US, or both. Their American discography boasts four Platinum records, and their global album sales are estimated at a staggering 30 million. Their iconic status as elder statesmen of alternative rock remains firmly intact, arguably amplified by their relentless touring, which has cemented their appeal with each passing year. At the heart of it all is Robert Smith, an endlessly fascinating figure for successive generations of fans. The Cure's influence reverberates across genres, from Emo and Goth to Industrial and Indie Rock.

Curepedia embraces an encyclopaedic format, examining and riffing on a delightful array of Cure-related trivia. It features concise biographies of band members, past and present, insightful summaries of each album and selected key songs, detailed accounts of their various tours and films, and thoughtful essays exploring broader topics such as their distinctive image, their often-subtle politics, and their diverse influences.

True to the band's own quirky and individualistic nature, Price's writing is engaging, witty, and never takes itself too seriously. This isn't a dry academic study; it's a passionate fan's guide, delivered with intelligence and humour.

The hardback edition is a treat for devotees, featuring striking interior pages printed in red and black ink, a practical ribbon marker, and bespoke C-U-R-E letter endpapers specially designed by Andy Vella, the celebrated artist and long-time collaborator (as part of Parched Art) responsible for The Cure's iconic album artwork for four decades.

Curepedia is more than just a reference book; it's a loving and comprehensive biography of one of the world's most enduring and influential alternative rock bands. Whether you're a lifelong Goth, a curious newcomer, or somewhere in between, this A-Z offers a deep and enjoyable dive into the captivating universe of The Cure.