The definitive story of The Stone Roses by Simon Spence

Based on 400 hours of interviews with over seventy of The Stone Roses' closest associates, including six former band members, War and Peace is the first major biography of the band that defined a generation.

Originally planned in collaboration with Reni, the reclusive drummer, this book had been a year in the making when the Roses, against all odds, announced their re-formation. It is a remarkable coda to an astonishing story. In 1989 their debut album and the single 'Fools Gold' made them the most exciting British export since the Sex Pistols. With their incendiary aura the Roses became figureheads of the 'Madchester' movement.

War and Peace traces the band's genesis, studded with violent gigs and abandoned recordings, and shaped by their infamous manager Gareth Evans. The Roses' legendary gigs culminated in the era-defining Spike Island show in 1990. From this pinnacle the unravelling was spectacular.

But the true story behind their rise and fall - and resurrection - has never been told. Until now. From the Manchester backwaters to the worldwide 2012 tour, War and Peace lays bare the irresistible tale of the last of the great bands.

* With 40 unseen photos, including from renowned rock photographer Dennis Morris

'This is the one. It's the definitive biography of the band, stuffed with photos that have never been seen before. The writing feels really fresh and definitive. It's a classic' Alex Heminsley BBC 6 Music Book of the Month

'A comprehensive, no-holds-barred account... details with steely, forensic precision the story of the group's ascent, heyday and spectacular implosion. All the triumphs and disasters are here' The Sunday Times

'A forensic, detailed and beautifully researched history of the Stone Roses.... full of new stuff' John Harris

'For the casual listener, or die-hard fanatic, this is a genuine masterpiece' What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision

'This is the one Stone Roses book fans will want to read. Copies of this superb biography will not remain on shop shelves for long' The Bookseller

'An era-defining, definitive biography' Q

'A loving and detailed biog' Mojo

'Cute on the machinations of the industry and internal band politics' The Times, Book of the Week

'Brilliant... forensically put together' Gordon Smart, XFM