Us and Them: The Authorised Story of Hipgnosis: The visionary artists behind Pink Floyd and more...

Mark Blake's Us and Them delivers a hugely entertaining history of the design house Hipgnosis, the creative force behind some of the most iconic and instantly recognisable album artwork of the late '60s and early '80s. This was the golden era of the 12-inch LP, a time when The Beatles' Sgt Pepper established the record sleeve as the ultimate artistic playground, just before new technology threatened to sideline vinyl altogether.

Initially brought in by their mates Pink Floyd to design an album cover, students Aubrey 'Po' Powell and Storm Thorgerson went on to shape the visual identity of rock and roll for the next fifteen years. Their groundbreaking artwork for The Dark Side of the Moon swiftly propelled them to international acclaim, paving the way for collaborations with other music giants. Soon, Led Zeppelin, Paul McCartney, Genesis, Black Sabbath, ELO, and Yes were stepping into Storm and Po's surreal world of photographic design, resulting in seminal Hipgnosis creations.

In this authorised account, Mark Blake gains access to previously unpublished material and exclusive insights from the likes of David Gilmour, Jimmy Page, Peter Gabriel, Roger Waters, Robert Plant, and even Aubrey Powell himself. He takes us behind the scenes of the Hipgnosis partnership, revealing the pioneering ambition and grand vision that fuelled their success, alongside the inevitable clashes of ego and artistic differences that ultimately tested it.

Us and Them also provides hitherto-unseen glimpses into some of music's most legendary bands, all viewed through the unique lens of the people who crafted their imagery and helped solidify their cultural legacy. With the work of Hipgnosis continuing to be referenced, reproduced, and deeply admired across the globe, Blake's book serves as a vibrant celebration, a cautionary tale of creative partnerships, and a compelling human drama, exploring the vital and often fascinating intersection where art and music collide.