Black Sabbath announce first-ever official book
The deluxe editions are signed by Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Bill Ward and Geezer Butler
Last updated 6 hours ago
Black Sabbath have announced their first-ever official book, The Masters of Reality - Why Black Sabbath Matter.
The huge 500-page book from Rufus Publications was created by esteemed photographer Ross Halfin, who worked closely with the members of Black Sabbath including Ozzy Osbourne prior to his death in July 2025.
The Masters of Reality - Why Black Sabbath Matter traces the heavy metal pioneers’ fabled career from their formation in Aston the 1960s through to the historic farewell Back to the Beginning concert last summer.
Focusing on the classic line-up of Black Sabbath - Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward – the weighty tome boasts a smorgasbord of rare photographs and memorabilia, many of which are published for the first time.
The Masters of Reality - Why Black Sabbath Matter is available to pre-order from 3pm today (Monday 6th July) from Rufus Publications’ website.
Three versions are available - The Super Deluxe Signed Metal Edition costing £950, The Super Deluxe Signed Edition (£650), and The Standard Edition (£99) - and they're expected to ship in October 2026.
Ross Halfin commenced work on the book two years ago and it was initially due to be announced in 2025 after Back to the Beginning, however the plan changed in the wake of Ozzy’s passing.
“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,” says Halfin.
“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."
Full details on the three editions of The Masters of Reality - Why Black Sabbath Matter:
The Super Deluxe Signed Metal Edition - only 200 numbered copies:
Measuring an incredible 303mm wide by 426mm tall and running to over 500 pages, printed on silk art paper. This edition is bound in a hand tooled brushed metal cover with a recycled leather spine with purple and white foil embossing. The book comes in a recycled leather clamshell box plus two exclusive limited edition, giclée prints inside. Only 200 numbered copies of this edition are available and each one features a unique book plate, hand signed by Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward. This edition sells for £950 plus worldwide shipping.
The Super Deluxe Signed Edition - only 300 numbered copies:
Measuring an incredible 303mm wide by 426mm tall and running to over 500 pages, printed on silk art paper. This edition is bound in black, recycled leather with purple and white foil debossing plus an inlaid print of the band from 1970. The book comes in a recycled leather clamshell box with a white foiled “Henry” the flying devil on the front plus a limited edition, giclée print inside. Only 300 numbered copies of this edition are available and each one features a unique book plate, hand signed by Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward. This edition sells for £650 plus worldwide shipping.
The Standard Edition:
Measures 246mm x 346mm and features a printed, foiled cover and comes in a cloth slipcase with a white foiled “Henry” on the front. This edition sells for £99 plus worldwide shipping.