But more than just a look at the music and moving images, this volume also highlights Prince’s relationship with those in the Purple Court—the Revolution, New Power Generation, Third Eye Girl and other band members, his musical influences (from Santana to Stevie to the Stones), the countless individual (Christopher Tracy) and group aliases (Madhouse), protégés (Carmen Electra), the cover artists (the Bangles) and recovery projects (Mavis Staples), and the wives, lovers, and multiple ingénues. And then there are the controversies—the rivalries with Rick James and Michael Jackson, the USA for Africa snub, the questions surrounding his untimely death, the fate of countless unreleased audio and video projects, and, of course, his battle against Warner Bros. and the music industry that caused him to change his name to an unpronounceable symbol. Accompanied by dozens of rare images, Prince FAQ is the go-to volume for all things Prince.

Arthur Lizie is a professor of communication studies who is interested in music, movies, and food. His previous book, Dreaming the World: U2 Fans, Online Community and Intercultural Communication, is accurately described in its title, and he is co-authoring a book about ’60s rock stars in the ’80s. He lives in East Bridgewater, Massachusetts.