David Bowie’s extraordinary spiritual adventures are the subject of a “monumental” new book written by a Courier journalist.

David Bowie and the Search for Life, Death and God, by Peter Ormerod and published by Bloomsbury, tells the story of a quest that powered Bowie’s creativity from his earliest recordings to his final album.

Beginning with the young David’s time as a choirboy at his local church, the book follows his path through Buddhism, occultism, Kabbalah, Gnosticism, Christianity and more, showing how Bowie’s music was shaped by his search for meaning.

Peter, who has lived in Leamington for 26 years and started working at the Courier in 2001, said: “I’m thrilled I’ve been able to tell this story and share it with the world.

'I’m thrilled I’ve been able to tell this story': Peter Ormerod (photo: Jeremy Clack)

placeholder image — 'I’m thrilled I’ve been able to tell this story': Peter Ormerod (photo: Jeremy Clack)

"A lot has been written about David Bowie, but this part of his life and music has often been overlooked. It was fundamental to so much of what he did, and I hope this book will help everyone appreciate his remarkable body of work in a new way.”

David Bowie and the Search for Life, Death and God brings together two of Peter’s deepest interests. He has been a devoted Bowie fan since he was a teenager, and he has had a lifelong fascination with religion, with his father Henry having been a priest in the Church of England.

The book shows how many of Bowie’s most famous songs were part of what he called his “search for a spiritual foundation,” culminating in his final album, Blackstar. The record was released on January 8 2016, two days before Bowie died.

Reviewers have praised the book. Publishers Weekly called it “transfixing” and “a fresh and revealing look at a much celebrated artist”, with Booklist describing it as a “wild journey” and “unique”. Dr Paul Fuller, lecturer in Buddhist Studies at the University of Edinburgh, hailed it as “monumental, compelling and profoundly original”. The i Paper listed it among its recommended reads for January.

David Bowie and the Search for Life, Death and God is published on Thursday January 15, priced at £20.

Peter, who is responsible for entertainments coverage in the Courier, will be talking about the book at a special event at St Mark’s church in Rugby Road, Leamington, on Friday February 27, starting at 7pm. Call 01926 421004 for more information.