If you you’re looking for the perfect gift for a musician, a music lover, or someone who’s just addicted to Guitar Hero… here are some books that will rock their world.

VAN HALEN: A Visual History 1978-1984 by Neil Zlozower (Chronicle Books).

Let’s face it, you miss the high-kicking, guitar blazing, stadium-shaking, good old days of rock and roll. Oh, and let’s not forget the spandex. VAN HALEN is a photo-rich tribute to the legendary band from their friend and photographer, Neil Zlozower. Click here to look inside the book.

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RUNNIN’ DOWN A DREAM: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers by Tom Petty (Chronicle Books).

This is Tom Petty by Tom Petty. RUNNIN’ DOWN A DREAM is a personal volume that includes hundreds of photographs, many never before published, plus a selection of souvenirs and keepsakes from Petty’s personal archives, Petty’s own personal recollections, new interviews that have never before been published and personal tributes from artists and rock luminaries close to Petty, including Cameron Crowe, Johnny Depp and Stevie Nicks.

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THE JIM MORRISON SCRAPBOOK by James Henke (Chronicle Books).

My favourite feature of THE JIM MORRISON SCRAPBOOK is that it’s an interactive scrapbook: you can remove and examine mementos and personal documents detail Morrison’s life, from handwritten lyrics and poetry to his last will. The book also includes rare photographs from the Morrison estate, exclusive interviews with surviving family and Doors members, plus a 60-minute CD that includes five minutes of unreleased spoken-word poetry from Jim Morrison.

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ELLIOTT SMITH by Autumn de Wilde, with a foreword by Beck Hansen and Chris Walla (Chronicle Books).

ELLIOTT SMITH is a beautiful tribute to the musician, created by his close friend, photographer Autumn de Wilde, and authorized by Smith’s family. It includes a CD of unreleased live acoustic performances, 200 photos and conversations with Smith’s surviving friends, family and fellow musicians such as members of the bands Death Cab for Cutie and Nada Surf. Click here to look inside the book.

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THE ART OF MODERN ROCK MINI #1: A-Z by Dennis King (Chronicle Books).

Think of this as an alphabet book for adults. Adults who like to rock. Filled with the best poster art, THE ART OF MODERN ROCK MINI #1: A-Z includes all the key artists and studios, from Mark Arminski to Alison Zawacki, as well as poster genres and top bands. All the artwork is conveniently arranged from “Anarchy” to “Zombie”. (D is fotr Devil Girl, O if for Octopus, R is for Roller Girl...)

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For more info on all these books—and to enter our Chronicle Music Contest with Exclaim! Magazine—visit raincoast.com/music/

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If none of these books struck a chord with you, check out our other Raincoast Gift Guides.