Being Britney

Part biography, part social history, Being Britney pieces together a collage of stories, interviews, legends and fan experiences to construct a definitive portrait of one of the biggest stars in recent history.

In her unique narrative, acclaimed music author Jennifer Otter Bickerdike provides a sympathetic yet objective re-examination of Britney's trajectory from girl next door to woman trapped by fame. Being Britney is the compelling account of a talented, troubled and talked-about modern icon, whose life, work and individual significance will be recognised for many decades to come.


'After years of being framed as a victim, Britney deserves to be celebrated as the fighter, inspiration and enigma she truly is.' - Jennifer Otter Bickerdike

'This shocking biography details the misogyny and exploitation that have scarred the singer's life ... Bickerdike is on a mission to free Britney by restoring her reputation as a cultural icon ... [An] astute reckoning with modern celebrity.' -- The Times
'Being Britney gathers up fragments of news stories, fan gossip, documentaries, chat forums, opinion pieces and more ... this fragmented style is fitting for the digital age in which we live. The book sets up the star as a blank canvas on to which audiences can project whatever they like ... its broad brushstrokes make for a wild read.' -- The Guardian
'A well-researched, measured account about one of the world's most recognisable singers.' -- The Sun
'A great, thorough piece of work from a Britneyologist.' -- Pandora Sykes
'Britney is blessed to have such a talented writer and perceptive mind broaching the complexities of her story thus far.' -- Shirley Manson, Garbage
'Yassss! At last, a book that truly celebrates the queen that is Britney Spears. Bickerdike goes deep in Being Britney: Pieces of a Modern Icon to reveal a unique, heartbreaking and funny perspective on Spears.' -- Big Freedia
'Jennifer Otter Bickerdike's book on Britney Spears is a masterclass in analysis and an insight into one of the most intriguing and fascinating cultural icons of our time. Essential reading.' -- Stuart Brathwaite, Mogwai
'Jennifer is smart and insightful. Being Britney offers a thorough look at Britney's life, including the fraudulent conservatorship that stripped her of her human rights and her fight for freedom.' -- Megan Radford, #FreeBritney campaigner

Professor Jennifer Otter Bickerdike is an authoritative name in the world of pop culture. Drawing on more than thirty years' industry experience, she brings a unique and informed perspective to the discussion of contemporary media and music.

An academic, writer, presenter and historian, Jennifer has authored several books on the topics of pop, rock, fandom and celebrity - most recently, the critically acclaimed You Are Beautiful and You Are Alone: The Biography of Nico and the 2017 number-one best-seller Why Vinyl Matters: A Manifesto from Musicians and Fans.


She is a professor and global ambassador for the British and Irish Modern Music Institute.

'[An] astute reckoning with modern celebrity' - The Times 'A wild read' - The Guardian Part biography, part social history, Being Britney pieces together a collage of stories, interviews, legends and fan experiences to construct a definitive portrait of one of the biggest stars in recent history. In her unique narrative, acclaimed music author Jennifer Otter Bickerdike provides a sympathetic yet objective re-examination of Britney's trajectory from girl next door to woman trapped by fame. Being Britney is the compelling account of a talented, troubled and talked-about modern icon, whose life, work and individual significance will be recognised for many decades to come. 'After years of being framed as a victim, Britney deserves to be celebrated as the fighter, inspiration and enigma she truly is.' - Jennifer Otter Bickerdike

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