The Encyclopedia Madonnica Turns 20

Back in 1995, the late Bedtime Stories era, St. Martin's Press published the first book by writer Matthew Rettenmund. Before he wrote and published the acclaimed novel Boy Culture, which would be made into a movie and provide inspiration for a popular blog, Rettenmund created the Encyclopedia Madonnica.

"A humorous, irreverently reverent, exhaustive, unofficial A-to-Z on the life and career of Madonna," is how superfan Rettenmund describes it. In those early days of the Internet, the encyclopedia was the most trusted resource for Madonna followers, chronicling everything from the superstar's numerous loves (Basquiat to Beatty) to her infamous feuds (Paula Abdul to Elton John).

Even after the Internet took over everything and Madonna herself got on Instagram, fans badgered Rettenmund for an updated version of the Enyclopedia Madonnica.

The author, who has done everything from edit a successful teen magazine to help reality star Bethenny Frankel run her website, launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund the 20th anniversary addition.

Surpassing his $22,000 goal by more than $10,000, the book is now out, just in time for Madonna's critically acclaimed Rebel Heart tour.

A limited edition version, featuring exclusive photos and a cover by the British street artist Pegasus, has already sold out its run of 500 copies (Rettenmund says more may become available). Fear not, though -- a 584-page regular edition is still available for $65 and features "never-before-seen images of Madonna," including a little-known 1981 gig and rare pics from the Desperately Seeking Susan set.

The book features original interviews, including the producer on Madonna's Broadway debut and one of the star's first stylists. Spanish artist Alejandro Mogollo provided illustrations that pepper the enyclopedia.

Rettenmund updated the book with information up to Rebel Heart, catching readers up on the Evita and Ray of Light triumphs, the yoga phase, Kabbalah era, children's book author days, Guy Ritchie drama, and her present days as defiant, sexy single lady.

"This is the book for people even more interested in Madonna than Madonna is interested in Madonna," Rettenmund says. "It's for people who love her music, understand her contribution to pop culture and despise anyone who thinks she should be vaporized for daring to live past the age of 30, let alone have fun, make art, piss people off, and nail 20-somethings while doing it."

For more info on Enyclopedia Madonnica, click here.