Black Sabbath Announces First Book

British heavy-metal Black Sabbath have confirmed the release of their first official book, *The Masters of Reality – Why Black Sabbath Matters*. Overseen by longtime photographer Ross Halfin, the volume will be published by Rufus Publishing in October and chronicles the band’s history from its late-1960s Birmingham formation to the final “Back To The Beginning” concert in July 2025.

First Official Black Sabbath Book The Masters of Reality Coming This Fall

Formed in Birmingham in the late 1960s, Black Sabbath defined heavy metal for five decades. The band’s last performance, “Back To The Beginning,” occurred in July 2025. Frontman Ozzy Osbourne died shortly after, prompting a pause in the book project. The book features contributions from members Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, Bill Ward, essays by Classic Rock writers Geoff Barton and Dave Ling, and photographs by Halfin.

First Official Black Sabbath Book The Masters of Reality Coming This Fall

Three editions are offered. The Super Deluxe Signed Metal edition is limited to 200 copies, 303 mm × 426 mm, silk art paper, brushed-metal cover, recycled-leather spine, purple-white foil embossing, signed by Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward, priced at £950. The Super Deluxe Signed edition is limited to 300 copies, same size, black recycled leather, foil debossing, inlaid 1970 band print, signed by the same members, £650. The Standard edition is unlimited, 246 mm × 346 mm, hardback with foil-stamped “Henry” cover and cloth slipcase, £99. All editions contain over 500 pages of rare photos, memorabilia, and essays.

"Ozzy signed the book plates months before the final show." Black Sabbath announce first ever official book, featuring rare photographs and memorabilia, plus in-depth interviews with all four originalFirst Official Black Sabbath Book The Masters of Reality Coming This Fall

Ross Halfin explained that Ozzy and Sharon intended the book’s release soon after the Birmingham finale, but Ozzy’s sudden death halted the plan. He added that Ozzy had already signed the book plates months before the final concert, as had the other members, and that the team chose to announce the project one year after “Back To The Beginning” as a tribute.

First Official Black Sabbath Book The Masters of Reality Coming This Fall

> “Ozzy and Sharon wanted the book out soon after the final show in Birmingham, but Ozzy suddenly passing away caused the music world to stop. Ozzy was fully involved with the book and he signed the book plates months before the final show, as did all the band members. So now we all thought the time was right, one year after ‘Back To The Beginning,’ to announce the project. A book we all feel celebrates both Black Sabbath and Ozzy and illustrates just how important they are. I hope fans enjoy it.” — Ross Halfin, photographer

First Official Black Sabbath Book The Masters of Reality Coming This Fall"Ozzy signed the book plates months before the final show." Black Sabbath announce first ever official book, featuring rare photographs and memorabilia, plus in-depth interviews with all four original

The volume consolidates Black Sabbath’s visual and oral history, giving fans rare images and first-hand accounts. Signed limited editions link the band’s final era to Ozzy Osbourne’s legacy, while the book’s release highlights ongoing demand for archival rock projects.

First Official Black Sabbath Book The Masters of Reality Coming This Fall

Black Sabbath has recovered early demo recordings from their pre-Sabbath incarnation, Earth, which are currently under evaluation for possible future release, indicating further archival projects may follow the book’s launch.

First Official Black Sabbath Book The Masters of Reality Coming This Fall