A book by Philipp Röttgers
Genesis: Song by Song offers a comprehensive exploration of one of rock music’s most innovative and enduring bands. Tracing the group’s remarkable development from early progressive experiments to global chart success and beyond, the book examines Genesis through the music itself, one song at a time.
Each entry combines close musical analysis with historical and cultural context, illuminating how Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins, Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford, Steve Hackett and Anthony Phillips shaped a body of work marked by continuity as much as change. Studio anecdotes, lyrical themes, performance details and reception history shed light on both the creative process and the personalities behind the music.
From the epic storytelling of Supper’s Ready and the conceptual ambition of The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway to the precision-crafted singles of the 1980s, Genesis: Song by Song treats well-known tracks and deep cuts with equal care. Written with clarity and restraint, the book offers fresh perspectives for long-time listeners and new readers alike, and invites a deeper understanding of the music, legacy and lasting appeal of Genesis.
Book details
Title: Genesis: Song by Song
Author: Philipp Röttgers
Publisher: Fonthill Media (of Pen & Sword Books)
Publication date: 28 February 2026
Format: Paperback / eBook
Language: English
About the Author
Philipp Röttgers (M.A.) is a writer, musician and historian. He studied English Literatures and Cultures and German Studies at the University of Bonn and has published extensively in both English and German on music history, literature and cultural memory.
His work often combines close analysis with broader historical context, bridging scholarship and storytelling. Philipp is the founder of the literary agency Opera Scriptorium and of London Beyond Time and Place, a cultural platform dedicated to British history, literature and music. He is also the drummer of the rock band PARIAHLORD.
Philipp is currently writing Phil Collins: Song by Song for Fonthill Media.
Review Copies & Media Enquiries
Review copies
Review copies of Genesis: Song by Song are available for:
- music writers and journalists
- bloggers and content creators focusing on music and culture
- podcasters and YouTube essayists
- reviewers with a clear interest in Genesis, progressive rock or popular music history
Digital review copies (PDF / ePub) can be provided in advance of publication.
Printed copies may be available in selected cases, depending on availability.
There is no obligation to publish a review, and no expectation of a positive response.
Honest and independent reactions are always appreciated.
Media enquiries
Phil has been a consultant for several newspaper articles on Genesis and interviewed by international papers.
For review requests, interview enquiries or further information, please contact:
When getting in touch, a short note about your platform or publication is helpful.
Links
Goodreads: Coming soon.
6. Reviews & Coverage
I’ve been enjoying reading the new book by Philipp Röttgers , Genesis: Song by Song. In this book, Philipp Röttgers analyzes every song released by Genesis, using quotations direct from the band members and other sources to deepen the reader’s understanding of each track. He also places the songs in the context of the band’s history, with narrative sections between the album releases.
There have been many books on Genesis published, but Röttgers’s latest stands out for a few reasons. Firstly, he never loses sight of the purpose of the book. It would be easy to let the history part take over the song analysis, but he manages to strike a great balance, using the story of Genesis to provide context of the songs he describes. Secondly, Röttgers also uses a good mix of quotations and original writing, which allows the reader to hear directly from the band members while also avoiding becoming a repetitive, interview-type read.
Overall, this is book is must-have for Genesis fans. Even hard-core fans will learn something new from it. It comes in a very nice hardcover edition with a jacket. It’s available to order now from Font Hill Media (Pen & Sword Books).
genesis_collector (on Instagram)