Six-String Stories was first published in 2012 as a limited edition of 2,000 copies signed by Eric Clapton, and as a bookstore edition available worldwide in 2021.

Featuring some of the most famous guitars ever played, Clapton guides the reader through nearly 300 instruments as he discusses their provenance, reveals insights about his own playing, and shares anecdotes from a spectacular life in music.

To celebrate the return of Eric Clapton's legendary Crossroads Festival in 2023, we are excited to announce that a short run of 500 special Publisher's Copies will be created.

Eric Clapton recording his famous guitar solo for The Beatles' song

Eric Clapton performing with Cream in the late 1960s - photographed by Brad LeMee

Eric Clapton performing with Blind Faith at Hyde Park, London, 1969.

Eric Clapton onstage during the 1991 Legends Tour, photographed by Brian Roylance

Collage of photographs of Eric Clapton throughout his career - working with Cream, Blind Faith and the Yardbirds

Collage of photographs of Eric Clapton throughout his career - featuring his later solo career and collaborating with various artists at the Crossroads Festivals

THE PHOTOGRAPHY

Six-String Stories (Publisher's Copies)

Every piece in Eric Clapton's extensive collection has been photographed, showing the beauty of the design and the wear and tear often caused by years on the road.

'As an avid rock or blues fan, I would look at all the pictures in this book.' - Eric Clapton

The instruments are also shown in play, with performance shots of Clapton taken by over 80 of the world's best photographers including David Bailey, Terry O'Neill, Dominique Tarlé and Lord Snowdon. See Clapton's evolution from the psychedelic sixties, through the stripped-back seventies, electric eighties and unplugged nineties, right up to the 2011 Crossroads auction.

Open pages of Six-String Stories featuring Eric Clapton's Zemaitis 12-string acoustic guitar, featuring a distinctive heat-shaped soundhole and matching heart-shaped inlays - 1960s

Open pages of Six-String Stories featuring photographs of Eric Clapton's album cover for his solo release in 1970 - also Eric Clapton performing at West Palm Beach, International Raceway, Florida - 1974

Open pages of Six-String Stories featuring Eric Clapton's famous stratocaster guitar 'Blackie' which sold at auction for $959,500

Open pages of Six-String Stories featuring Eric Clapton's Gibson ES-335 in cherry red finish, used during his time with Cream

Open pages of Six-String Stories featuring Eric Clapton with Cream, alongside his 1962 Gibson SG/Les Paul Standard and 1962 Gibson SG/Les Paul Junior

Open pages of Six-String Stories featuring Eric Clapton on the cover of Rolling Stone, 1988 - alongside photographs of his 1987 Fender Stratocaster Eric Clapton Signature Model and 1986 Guild Nightbird Custom

Open pages of Six-String Stories featuring Eric Clapton onstage performing at the Shoreline Amphitheater, Mountainview, California, 1990

THE MANUSCRIPT

Six-String Stories (Publisher's Copies)

Eric recalls the instruments he bought to emulate his heroes, the guitars with unknown origins that became their own legend, the ones that never left his side, and the legacy they left behind.

'These guitars have been really good tools; they're not just museum pieces. They all have a soul and they all come alive.' - Eric Clapton

You can see and hear the guitars in use, with playlists and concert dates accompanying the instruments used on records and at public appearances. Our 50-year documentation of Clapton's performance history, included within the book, allows you to further reference the guitars against Clapton's life's work.

Historical and technical information is provided for every piece of Clapton's vast collection to complete the story behind each guitar.

THE PUBLISHER'S COPIES

Six-String Stories (Publisher's Copies)

Strictly limited to only 500 sets, these Publisher's Copies include a hardback book signed by the publisher and are presented in a specially designed slipcase.

The Publisher's Copies will also include four exclusive 8" x 10" photographic prints. Featuring a portrait of Clapton on the 1991 Legends Tour of Japan taken by Genesis founder, Brian Roylance. As well as three of Clapton's iconic guitars, the 1956 Fender Stratocaster 'Blackie', the 1956 Fender Stratocaster 'Brownie' and the 1964 Gibson ES-335TDC 'Cherry'. The set is completed with a bespoke multi-plectrum card.

Page Size: 194 x 244mm (7½" x 9½")

Page extent: 376 pages
Binding: Quarter bound in red cloth with yellow foil blocking
Extras: Four 8" x 10" prints featuring Clapton's iconic guitars and Clapton on the 1991 Legends Tour by Brian Roylance and a bespoke multi-plectrum card
Publisher's Copies: 500 copies

CROSSROADS CENTRE

Six-String Stories (Publisher's Copies)

Founded by Eric Clapton, Crossroads Centre Antigua offers a therapeutic, supportive and safe environment - away from the confusion of life in addiction - on the beautiful island of Antigua.

'When I asked Brian Roylance to help me out with Crossroads, he asked me, 'Are you willing to go to any lengths?' I said, 'Well, yeah,' not even realising what that meant. But then I found out! The Crossroads Centre is still going, so it all had some substance, and that made parting with my guitars OK.' - Eric Clapton

As with the auction of Eric Clapton's Guitars, proceeds from Six-String Stories (Publisher's Copies) will benefit Eric Clapton's Crossroads Centre Antigua.

Six-String Stories (Publisher's Copies)

The Crossroads Guitars, 1999-2011

Publisher's Copies

Beginning with his blues roots and early days, Clapton chronicles his entire career through the tools of his trade: his guitars. SIX-STRING STORIES is told through Clapton's own words, with background information for each instrument and archival photography spanning five decades.

Available from: September 2023
Page size: 194mm x 244mm
368 pages

ISBN:
9781905662227-open
Publisher's Copies
500 copies
Binding:
Quarter bound in red cloth with yellow foil blocking
Box:
Presented in a Slipcase with red cloth and yellow, red and copper foil blocking
Extras:
Four 8" x 10" prints featuring Eric's iconic guitars and Eric on tour by Brian Roylance and a bespoke multi-plectrum card

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Publisher's Copies
£125

Publisher's Copies
£125