The Velvet Underground is an astonishing assembly of rare objects and artworks and the first book of its scale to document the formative years of the band Time Out magazine named the greatest New York musicians of all time. From never-before-seen photographs of the band's first live show in New York to Andy Warhol's cover and poster designs, Lou Reed's handwritten music and lyrics, underground press clippings and controversial reviews, flyers, handbills, and posters, the materials here comprise a uniquely comprehensive survey of the first rock group ever to transcend the genre and embrace underground popular culture. Including a conversation recorded especially for the book between founding members Lou Reed and John Cale, and contributions from drummer Maureen Tucker, this beautifully illustrated book is the first to present a definitive picture of the band's genesis and development in the extraordinary New York scene of the mid- to late-1960s.

Deluxe Edition Special Features:
--Limited to 400 copies
--Book is encased in a windowed clamshell box featuring type design from a rare Velvet Underground concert poster
--Includes 7" 45rpm record with extremely rare versions of two Velvet Underground tracks. The tracks--"Real Good Time Together" and "If You Close the Door"--are taken from the personal collection of Mo Tucker and are produced by Universal Records. The record sleeve features an early version of the cover art for the band's second album "The Velvet Underground" drawn by friend of the band Steve Nelson as well as the track listing for the record.
--CDR with the same two rare tracks packaged inside the book allows for digital downloads of these collector's cuts.

Foreword by: Lou Reed
Contributions by: Vaclav Havel, Maureen Tucker