Rough Trade Books of the Year #22

Over the course of her life, Nico was an ever-evolving myth, an enigma that escaped definition. Though she is remembered for contributions to The Velvet Underground & Nico, her artistry and influence are often overlooked, whilst fellow Velvets Lou Reed and John Cale are hailed as icons. Defying the sexist casting of Nico's life as the tragedy of a beautiful woman losing her looks, youth and fame, You Are Beautiful and You Are Alone cements her legacy as one of the most vital artists of her time, inspiring a generation of luminaries including Henry Rollins, Bjork, Morrissey and Iggy Pop. Containing over a hundred new interviews and rare archival material, this is the Nico biography we have been waiting for.

What I have in common with Nico is the understanding of her furious frustration at not being recognised

- Marianne Faithful