A History Of Punk (Hardback)

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Punk Never Dies
Punk has always been more than just music—it’s an attitude, a movement, and a way of throwing two fingers up at the ordinary. In A History of Punk, Stephen Palmer dives headfirst into this chaotic, defiant world and delivers a book that feels as alive and energetic as the music itself. From the early underground rumblings to the cultural waves that followed, Palmer captures the spirit of punk in a way that is both accessible and exciting, even if you’re not already a die-hard fan.

A Walk Through the Noise
The book takes readers on a journey through punk’s origins, tracing its messy but brilliant birth in the 1970s and following its evolution into countless offshoots across the globe. Palmer doesn’t just name-drop bands or list discographies—he explores the social, political, and creative forces that gave punk its bite. Along the way, we get glimpses of legendary figures, rebellious fanzines, and the grassroots communities that kept the fire burning. It’s a narrative that balances detail with momentum, making it both informative and a genuine page-turner.

Why It Works
What makes A History of Punk such a great read is Palmer’s enthusiasm for the subject. His writing hums with the same restless energy that fueled punk itself, giving the book a raw edge that feels authentic. He treats the subject with respect but never lets it become dry or overly academic, striking the perfect balance between analysis and storytelling. Whether you’ve been blasting The Clash since day one or you’re just curious about what punk really stood for, this book makes the movement come alive.

A Book About Punk Rock
At its core, A History of Punk is a love letter to a culture that refused to stay quiet. Palmer’s writing reminds us that punk isn’t locked away in the past—it’s a spirit that resurfaces whenever people decide they’ve had enough. It’s a book that informs, entertains, and inspires, and it’s hard not to walk away from it feeling a little more rebellious yourself. For anyone interested in music history, social change, or simply the joy of raucous noise, this one deserves a spot on your shelf.

NetGalley, Amanda Sedlak-Hevener

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I've long been both an admirer of Stephen Palmer's fiction and a sucker for any book about music, so when Palmer comes up with a history of punk rock, what am I to do? When I first heard of this book, it didn't seem an obvious fit. Among other things, Palmer is the author of a previous book on Tangerine Dream and hippy trippy sf novel Memory Seed, and a fine musician in his own right. Prog rock, ambient music, world music, electronica, yes, but punk? I should have known better, of course. Palmer's tastes are nothing if not eclectic, and for anyone growing up in the 1970s, punk was impossible to ignore. And it turns out that Palmer is the perfect guide to the genre, a writer who understands both where punk came from and how its influence has rippled out across all kinds of music. This is more than just a well-informed guide to punk, though; it's a personal journey, it's punk rock as experienced by a young musician both immersed in it and standing back from it, and a writer with a gift for observation and joining the dots that others may miss. Highly recommended to anyone with a even a hint of rebel in their heart, young and old alike.

NetGalley, Keith Brooke

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Music News Ltd

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book, having hit the bars as this music was being played by bands. There is a lot explained in it about the anger and truth. Loved it!

NetGalley, Susan Benedict

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This is a fascinating book though only taking in the first year or so of punk and mentioning New Wave and not really going into the anarchopunk movement
As expected for the era covered the book mainly covers the main protagonists from this era focussing on the Sex Pistols, the damned and Clash . Other bands are mentioned that existed in this sphere but with not nearly as much depth.
An easy read and pretty informative.

NetGalley, Tony Stephens

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I thought I knew a little about punk but this book changed that view. It is well researched and gives fascinating insights into how punk came about and also the class difference between this and other music genres. The book was also a nostalgic roll back to the 70s when I was fascinating with the haircuts and attitudes of the punk rockers. It's an excellent addition to anyone who loves reading about music.

NetGalley, Rachael R

As someone who has loved punk music for years, I found A History of Punk: Punk & Pistolry to be a fascinating and immersive look into one of the most important cultural movements in music history. Stephen Palmer captures not just the sound and chaos of 1976–77 Britain, but the deeper political and social unrest that fueled punk’s rise.

This isn’t just about the music—it’s about the art, the attitude, and the rebellion against a rigid and class-divided society. I appreciated the way Palmer explored punk’s ethic of anti-racism, feminism, and personal creative freedom alongside its notorious fury and shock value.

While it’s clear this is a work of passion, it also serves as a well-researched historical document. A must-read for punk fans and music history lovers alike.

NetGalley, Chrystal Mahan

Really enjoyed the nostalgic and informative deep dive into the history of punk music. It was very much a history of that era as it was a sociological take on what made the music so memorable and how it helped define the times. Recommended!

NetGalley, Aggie Adkins

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Well researched and executed, this book balances the presentation of facts with entertaining stories and makes for a fantastic read. There is a balance of information across a multitude of bands, giving appropriate coverage to the better known acts while also identifying those which were important to the punk movement even though they did not achieve the fame or notoriety of others. I particularly enjoyed the analysis of how fashion, particularly in relation to women’s hair, and welcomed the inclusion of class consideration as a driving force, too. A terrific book.

NetGalley, Louise Gray

As someone of similar age to the author but living an ocean apart, the only things I knew of the punk movement were from records my older brother played. Therefore, I very much enjoy the way Palmer lays out this discussion and appreciate the education on the factors that contributed to the rise of the punk movement in the UK.

Looking back now, decades later, I recognize many of the names and players in the movement. Over time, I became familiar with many from the post-punk and new-wave movements that followed. All of it I can look back on fondly as I enjoy so many types of music from that time period. I am glad to have the history documented in such a manner.

NetGalley, Martin Maenza