I have nearly finished reading the first volume of the Mark Lewisohn trilogy. I thought I would find it rather tedious, covering the pre-'62 LIverpool years, thinking I knew pretty much all about it. But Lewisohn's clean, humorous writing and his forensic attention to detail has brought the 1950's Beatles story to vivid life. Particularly great is the description of the coming together of John and Paul, and then how a much younger but determined George became tightly interlocked as a third member of the embryonic band. Their characters were already formed. That dynamic set in 1957 held right through the 1960's, like the bone structure underneath a superficially changing body, finally fracturing visibly during the Let It Be sessions, when John and Paul had to acknowledge George as an equal. Fascinating - yes, when all three volumes have finally been released, I think it will be the definitive historical Beatles reference book!
I really like your videos, John, because I see a person which is using his own stuff (like books, lp's etc.) That's why I do believe in your knowledge and own point of view instead of the guys who's filming their topics like 'this is unopened book nr.0001 or this vinyl wasn't played at all...'I respect the knowledge :)Greetings from Klaipeda (LT)
Hi John, thanks for your wonderful video on Beatles books! You have tempted me many a purchase! Here as a little revenge: Hamburg was definitely an important city for the Beatles: there is now a wonderful new book by Klaus Voormann and his son Maximilian called 'Hamburg Stomping Guide'. I've just received it and think it's fantastic and can only recommend it. You can get it directly on Voormann's site, even signed! Enjoy!😎
Just watched a superb documentary on Don McCullin. I hadn't realised just how famous he was and how much great work he's done. I think Beatles fans should be grateful that he did the Mad Day Out on July 28 1968. He has a genius in selecting what and how to photograph. Respect.
My first Beatles book was purchased in 1978; it was the oft-quoted Carr and Tyler book. I think I bought it twice as I cut up all the album cover images to make a wall collage...Now both lost in a move across the Atlantic where space was at a premium. I'm in agreement on the Nicholas Schaffner book (Beatles Forever); I remember it as enjoyable and informative. Along the lines of "The Beatles' London:, there was a similarly geographic book called "The Beatles' England (Bacon and Maslov) that came out in about 1981.
Ah the Beatles Illustrated, by Roy Carr. My first Beatles Book when I was about 12. My edition had a Pepper photo on it and went up to 1974. Sadly I lost it tthrough moving about but was able to buy it again (a later edition) on e-bay. Ah the memories you have brought back!
'Twilight Of The Gods' by Wilfred Mellers (1973) would have made the Top 10 but is currently missing from my collection, very technical (chord structures etc) but also very rewarding.
John, Great video. That Mark Hertsgaard A Day In The Life book was the first Beatles book I ever read. I was about 10 years old at the time and must admit I think it was a bit too dense for me to grasp at the time. I think I'd like to revisit it after hearing your feelings on it. I'm 34 now so I should have a better handle on it! I love that there seems to be endless books and info on The Beatles. It will keep us entertained for the rest of our lives trying to acquire and read them all. Thanks for sharing your collection and thoughts. - Bob
I recommend You Never Give Me Your Money: The Battle For The Soul of The Beatles by Peter Doggett, if anyone hasn't read it. (Side note: The US subtitle is The Beatles After The Break-up, but it's essentially the same book.) Not an easy read by any means, it delves deep into the messiness that was going on as The Beatles were disintegrating, and how it all trickled down into the members' solo careers. Interesting read, nonetheless, and highly recommended.
Oh, good! Glad you enjoyed it. And I'm in complete concurrence with you about Anthology; it's a beautiful book (especially when you remove the jacket), but the day it showed up at my doorstep, I couldn't believe how large it was. Needless to say it doesn't exactly sit on the shelf with my other books :-)
John I have to let you know, you may already know, Beatles Forever is available on Amazon. It was the first Beatles book I ever purchased but lent it to someone long ago and would like to get a copy. I'm glad you featured it in this video because I didn't remember the name or author - so thanks!!!! Oh and Beatles Illustrated Record is also available on Amazon. What isn't? I suppose...
+Martin W Hi Martin. Concert wise I have seen Paul many times 1989-2013, George once at Albert Hall in London in1992 and Ringo at Hammersmith (London) the same year and in Budapest recently (2011). And in terms of personal meetings I have been lucky enough to meet Paul a couple of times (see separate video) and Yoko twice here in Budapest (video on that too). Fleeting meetings with George and Ringo in 1987 too. I was too young to meet John unfortunately.
CONGRATULATIONS, MISTER. I GOT SOME OF THOSE BOOKS, YOU KNOW. I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE THE BEATLES. I KNOW YOU UNDERSTAND. MY NAME IS JULIO CÈSAR. I LIVE I PERÙ AND, I AM HAPPY TO KNOW YOU ARE A GREAT BEATLES FAN.
I found "Summer Of Love" (The Making Of Sgt Pepper) by George Martin (with William Pearson) (Pan Books 1994) to be excellent. Nice photos too. I like the Hunter Davies' The Beatles: The Authorised Biography (1968) and Cynthia Twist/Lennon "A Twist Of Lennon" (Star 1978) was interesting with some of her sketches of the "scene", and nice photos.
Hi SuperNevile - Good suggestions. The Hunter Davies book (first iteration) I consumed in a single day in 1968 as a 13 year old, the first book I did that with and it blew me away. I also agree about "A Twist of Lennon" which I thoroughly enjoyed too. If it's all best without Lewisohn, then Pete Brown's "The Love You Make" was a gripping read too although, among others, SATB's Robert Rodriguez has issues with it. I'd name Rodriguez's two "FAQ" books as great resources too.
Very nice collection! I'm definitely adding some of those Books to my own wish list.'Beatles recording sessions' would be in my number 2 spot aswell.My personal favourite Beatles book is 'Beatles gear' by Andy Babiuk it's such a well-researched and well written book,with great stories and gorgeous photos of the Beatles and their iconic instruments,I think Beatles fans who are not musicians themselves would still really enjoy this book.
Hi John. I really enjoy your videos, especially on the Beatles. Are you aware of my book on the Let It Be album that came out in 2004? It’s from Bloomsbury and it’s part of the 33 1/3 series. Cheers! Steve Matteo
I just bought a big book entitled The Beatles Days in their lives it must have over 2 hundred pages , good read . I wonder John, do you suppose that any of the surviving members of the Beatles , have any books on their former band
+mark williams Well mark, The Beatles Anthology probably come closest to that, to date. Not overly satisfactory. But I doubt Paul or Ringo could better that.
Any thoughts on "Growing Up With The Beatles" by Ron Shaumburg? Not the greatest but was one of the first Beatles books I ever picked up, along with "An Illustrated Record." Also, have you picked up the book that George's sister wrote recently? Not got it here, but it's on my order list.
+Matthew Smith Not familiar with the Shaumburg, will look out for it, thanks. George's sister neither. I used to have a book by an Apple scruff Carol Bedford which was called Waiting For The Beatles. Lost it over the years, though I remember it well. Mu next video will be books by the insiders I think.
"Growing Up" came out 1976 or so, back before the market was filled with a million Beatles books. So that, "Illustrated Record," the Hunter Davies book and, a year or so later, "The Beatles Forever" were my go to books for years. No telling how many times I've read them through the years. "Growing Up" is OK. My fondness is probably more nostalgic. Used to have both of those Paul and Wings hardbacks you showed.
I have nearly finished reading the first volume of the Mark Lewisohn trilogy. I thought I would find it rather tedious, covering the pre-'62 LIverpool years, thinking I knew pretty much all about it. But Lewisohn's clean, humorous writing and his forensic attention to detail has brought the 1950's Beatles story to vivid life. Particularly great is the description of the coming together of John and Paul, and then how a much younger but determined George became tightly interlocked as a third member of the embryonic band. Their characters were already formed. That dynamic set in 1957 held right through the 1960's, like the bone structure underneath a superficially changing body, finally fracturing visibly during the Let It Be sessions, when John and Paul had to acknowledge George as an equal. Fascinating - yes, when all three volumes have finally been released, I think it will be the definitive historical Beatles reference book!
I really like your videos, John, because I see a person which is using his own stuff (like books, lp's etc.) That's why I do believe in your knowledge and own point of view instead of the guys who's filming their topics like 'this is unopened book nr.0001 or this vinyl wasn't played at all...'I respect the knowledge :)Greetings from Klaipeda (LT)
Vilius LP thanks a lot for watching and commenting!
Wow. I had those Beatles Forever and Illustrated Record books when i was a kid. That flashback recognition was fun.
Hi John, thanks for your wonderful video on Beatles books! You have tempted me many a purchase! Here as a little revenge: Hamburg was definitely an important city for the Beatles: there is now a wonderful new book by Klaus Voormann and his son Maximilian called 'Hamburg Stomping Guide'. I've just received it and think it's fantastic and can only recommend it. You can get it directly on Voormann's site, even signed! Enjoy!😎
Just watched a superb documentary on Don McCullin. I hadn't realised just how famous he was and how much great work he's done. I think Beatles fans should be grateful that he did the Mad Day Out on July 28 1968. He has a genius in selecting what and how to photograph. Respect.
My first Beatles book was purchased in 1978; it was the oft-quoted Carr and Tyler book. I think I bought it twice as I cut up all the album cover images to make a wall collage...Now both lost in a move across the Atlantic where space was at a premium. I'm in agreement on the Nicholas Schaffner book (Beatles Forever); I remember it as enjoyable and informative. Along the lines of "The Beatles' London:, there was a similarly geographic book called "The Beatles' England (Bacon and Maslov) that came out in about 1981.
Ah the Beatles Illustrated, by Roy Carr. My first Beatles Book when I was about 12. My edition had a Pepper photo on it and went up to 1974. Sadly I lost it tthrough moving about but was able to buy it again (a later edition) on e-bay. Ah the memories you have brought back!
'Twilight Of The Gods' by Wilfred Mellers (1973) would have made the Top 10 but is currently missing from my collection, very technical (chord structures etc) but also very rewarding.
John Heaton the songwriting secrets of the Beatles is worth a read.
John, Great video. That Mark Hertsgaard A Day In The Life book was the first Beatles book I ever read. I was about 10 years old at the time and must admit I think it was a bit too dense for me to grasp at the time. I think I'd like to revisit it after hearing your feelings on it. I'm 34 now so I should have a better handle on it! I love that there seems to be endless books and info on The Beatles. It will keep us entertained for the rest of our lives trying to acquire and read them all. Thanks for sharing your collection and thoughts. - Bob
I recommend You Never Give Me Your Money: The Battle For The Soul of The Beatles by Peter Doggett, if anyone hasn't read it.
(Side note: The US subtitle is The Beatles After The Break-up, but it's essentially the same book.)
Not an easy read by any means, it delves deep into the messiness that was going on as The Beatles were disintegrating, and how it all trickled down into the members' solo careers.
Interesting read, nonetheless, and highly recommended.
yes i like it
Oh, good! Glad you enjoyed it.
And I'm in complete concurrence with you about Anthology; it's a beautiful book (especially when you remove the jacket), but the day it showed up at my doorstep, I couldn't believe how large it was.
Needless to say it doesn't exactly sit on the shelf with my other books :-)
That book left me depressed for days afterwards…
John I have to let you know, you may already know, Beatles Forever is available on Amazon. It was the first Beatles book I ever purchased but lent it to someone long ago and would like to get a copy. I'm glad you featured it in this video because I didn't remember the name or author - so thanks!!!! Oh and Beatles Illustrated Record is also available on Amazon. What isn't? I suppose...
Rubber Soul is my favorite Beatles Album and favorite picture of them. Not that it matters. lol
Good review. 👌🤘🤘
I love the Beatles Illustrated! It is very colorful and an interesting read.
+Martin W Yes I never tire of dipping into it!
John, have you ever seen any of the Beatles in person? I was fortunate to catch Ringo and Paul in separate concerts in California years ago.
+Martin W Hi Martin. Concert wise I have seen Paul many times 1989-2013, George once at Albert Hall in London in1992 and Ringo at Hammersmith (London) the same year and in Budapest recently (2011). And in terms of personal meetings I have been lucky enough to meet Paul a couple of times (see separate video) and Yoko twice here in Budapest (video on that too). Fleeting meetings with George and Ringo in 1987 too. I was too young to meet John unfortunately.
Thanks for the info, John. As you can tell, I just discovered your videos here on CZcams. Keep up the good work!
CONGRATULATIONS, MISTER. I GOT SOME OF THOSE BOOKS, YOU KNOW. I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE THE BEATLES. I KNOW YOU UNDERSTAND. MY NAME IS JULIO CÈSAR. I LIVE I PERÙ AND, I AM HAPPY TO KNOW YOU ARE A GREAT BEATLES FAN.
Thanks Julio. Yes The Beatles is not something one grows out of or tired of!!
I found "Summer Of Love" (The Making Of Sgt Pepper) by George Martin (with William Pearson) (Pan Books 1994) to be excellent. Nice photos too. I like the Hunter Davies' The Beatles: The Authorised Biography (1968) and Cynthia Twist/Lennon "A Twist Of Lennon" (Star 1978) was interesting with some of her sketches of the "scene", and nice photos.
Hi SuperNevile - Good suggestions. The Hunter Davies book (first iteration) I consumed in a single day in 1968 as a 13 year old, the first book I did that with and it blew me away. I also agree about "A Twist of Lennon" which I thoroughly enjoyed too. If it's all best without Lewisohn, then Pete Brown's "The Love You Make" was a gripping read too although, among others, SATB's Robert Rodriguez has issues with it. I'd name Rodriguez's two "FAQ" books as great resources too.
Very nice collection! I'm definitely adding some of those Books to my own wish list.'Beatles recording sessions' would be in my number 2 spot aswell.My personal favourite Beatles book is 'Beatles gear' by Andy Babiuk it's such a well-researched and well written book,with great stories and gorgeous photos of the Beatles and their iconic instruments,I think Beatles fans who are not musicians themselves would still really enjoy this book.
Thanks! Not familiar with the gear book, will keep an eye out for it.
I have read a lot of Beatles books and would have The Beatles recording sessions at no:1 also for all its faults still enjoyed Shout...
Hi John. I really enjoy your videos, especially on the Beatles. Are you aware of my book on the Let It Be album that came out in 2004? It’s from Bloomsbury and it’s part of the 33 1/3 series. Cheers! Steve Matteo
I just bought a big book entitled The Beatles Days in their lives it must have over 2 hundred pages , good read . I wonder John, do you suppose that any of the surviving members of the Beatles , have any books on their former band
+mark williams Well mark, The Beatles Anthology probably come closest to that, to date. Not overly satisfactory. But I doubt Paul or Ringo could better that.
Any thoughts on "Growing Up With The Beatles" by Ron Shaumburg? Not the greatest but was one of the first Beatles books I ever picked up, along with "An Illustrated Record."
Also, have you picked up the book that George's sister wrote recently? Not got it here, but it's on my order list.
+Matthew Smith Not familiar with the Shaumburg, will look out for it, thanks. George's sister neither. I used to have a book by an Apple scruff Carol Bedford which was called Waiting For The Beatles. Lost it over the years, though I remember it well. Mu next video will be books by the insiders I think.
"Growing Up" came out 1976 or so, back before the market was filled with a million Beatles books. So that, "Illustrated Record," the Hunter Davies book and, a year or so later, "The Beatles Forever" were my go to books for years. No telling how many times I've read them through the years. "Growing Up" is OK. My fondness is probably more nostalgic. Used to have both of those Paul and Wings hardbacks you showed.
Can I have your business mail??
It is 2020 now!!! :D
hi John whT is your latest video? Not sure I am.up.to.datr, cheers!
Ken 👍