The World of Music Video

An unprecedented panoramic history of the music video from “Bohemian Rhapsody” to Billie Eilish

Music videos are signs of our time, and a nucleus of the global entertainment industry. Bringing together 90 music videos from more than 30 countries, this volume charts the history of the medium, examining its formal qualities and its treatment of contemporary issues, such as climate change or AI. Examples in this book range from early forms of short music film to Queen’s 1975 Bohemian Rhapsody to empowerment scenes of the 2020s by Lady Gaga, Beyoncé and the Carters. Also included are works from musicians and artists such as Laurie Anderson, Roger Ballen, Joseph Beuys, David Bowie, Björk, Childish Gambino, Chris Cunningham, Daft Punk, Billie Eilish, Romain Gavras, Michel Gondry, Spike Jonze, Leningrad, Little Big, Massive Attack, Nuka, Yoko Ono, Pussy Riot, Rammstein, Stromae, Vaundy, Andy Warhol, Yello, Zoot Woman and many more.