ALL TOGETHER NOW--A Compendium of Beatles Books Compiled and edited by Steve Carter (stevedc@central.sussex.ac.uk) Last Update: 1 July 1993 ------------------------------------------------------------------ This list comprises Beatles-related publications, first by author name, then by title. Entries are in the following format: - Author or editor (if any) - Date (if known; last two digits give year) - Brief description of subject matter. A shorter list of books is available from dmac@math.ucla.edu (saki); ask for BOOKS, which lists only the essentials. Completists may read the following list with (one hopes) substantial relish. Please send comments on what you think should be included or corrected to saki (dmac@math.ucla.edu). ------------------------------------------------------------------ ALPHABETICAL BY AUTHOR: The Beatles Film 64 1964 cash-in book of photo's about the making of Hard Day's Night - seemingly produced by the Sun Newspaper group. ed. Roger Akehurst Beatles Now ?? Attempt by real fans to produce a magazine in the format of The Beatles Monthly, but avoiding being so bland. Finances make it intermittent. Available from 'Beatles Now, 33 The Avenue, Highams Park, London E4 9LB'. ed. Alan Aldridge The Beatles Illustrated Lyrics 69 Much reprinted timecapsule of pschycedelic illustrations to the lyrics. If the images interest you as much as the music, then this is for you. (Volume 2 also produced). ed. Alan Aldridge The Beatles Illustrated Lyrics : 2 71 See Volume 1. ed. Neil Aspinall The Beatles Get Back 69 Wonderful photos of what was to become the 'Let It Be' sessions. This book was originally available with the album, only in the UK. Definitely worth seeking out. ed. Johnny Dean The Beatles Book : The Original Official Monthly Magazine ?? Still going strong after 27 years despite a short break. Essential reading if you want to keep up with news about the Boys. Available on subscription from 'The Beatles Book, 45 St Mary's Grove, Ealing, London, W5 5RQ'. Usually totally uncritical, but Lewisohn's column of news makes it worthwhile. ed. Paul Gambaccini Paul McCartney in His Own Words 76 A well illustrated interview-plus with one of the UK's best rock interviewers (an american). Dated, but that adds to the interest. ed. Liverpool Echo Lennon : A Special Tribute by the Liverpool Echo ?? The leading daily paper from John's home town put together this reprint of some (of the very many) articles it had published about him, from the Birth Announcement through to the very end. Essential. ed. Andy Peebles The Lennon Tapes 81 The transcript of (most of) John's last major radio inter- view just before his murder. Lucid, sensible, witty.... (The full tapes are now legally available on CD). ed. Rolling Stone The Ballad of John and Yoko 82 Rolling Stone's weighty tribute to the murdered John. Collected reflections, writings, and criticisms - the source and the subject make this required reading. Not a 'cash in' project - all profits to a Good Cause. ed. Andrew Solt and Sam Egan Imagine : John Lennon 88 Lavishly produced film tie-in. Excellent photos, well printed. Because this is an 'official' book, it tends to the bland, but the range and quality of the photos makes up for that. ed. Elizabeth Thomson and David Gutman The Lennon Companion : Twenty-Five Years of Comment 87 The editors aimed 'simply to present the best of 25 years of comment and commentary engendered by the man and his music'. They succeeded. An excellent book, and hopefully a precursor to more that realise that the average Beatles fan is likely to be more than a pre-pubescent teen-wailer, and mature - to boot! (See also 'Come Together : Jon Wiener'). ed. Bill Wyman Blinds and Shutters : The Photographs of Michael Cooper 90 Cooper was a good photographer, trusted by The Beatles (and many others). This book lavishly re-prints some of his best, with comments by the subjects. Includes out-takes from the Sgt Pepper cover photo session. Sadly, this is a hugely expensive very limited edition. ed. Bill Adler Love Letters to The Beatles 64 The title tells it all. Assuming (?) these are genuine it tells how the Boys broke hearts across the length and breadth of the USA throughout 1964. ? John Lennon : Summer of 1980 84 The holiday snaps from John's last summer. Beautiful photos, upsetting book. ? A Pixerama Foldbook of The Beatles 63 One of a series of 'concertina' like booklets on popular themes (others include 'London Airport' and 'The Rolling Stones'). A delightful timepiece, still available from The Beatles Shop in Mathew Street. Jeff Augsburger, Marty Eck, & Rick Rann The Beatles Memorabilia Price Guide 88 0929207009 Inevitably flawed by having the prices frozen at the date of publication. However the range of memorabilia well illustrated more than makes up for this. Serious collectors will be able to normalise prices for their local markets. A good book. David Bacon and Norman Maslov The Beatles' England 82 Columbus A delightful tour (with great BW photo's) of spots the Beatles made famous in London, Liverpool and elsewhere. Can be used as a guide book for tourists. Julia Baird (with Geoffrey Giuliano) John Lennon, My Brother 88 Although Julia Baird was not really brought in the same family as her step-brother John, this book has some value. Reading between the less than critical lines it is just possible to catch a glimpse of what life really was like in Liverpool in the 1950's and early 60's. And that makes it an interesting book. Glenn A. Baker The Beatles Down Under : The 1964 Australia & N.Z. Tour 82 Well researched, extensively illustrated account of The Beatles 1964 Tour (the one Jimmy Nichol played on). Tells a tale not often told. First Class. Tony Barrow PS We Love You - The Beatles Story 1962-3 82 0859393283 1982 cash-in on the 20th Anniversary of the Fab's first hits in their home land. Tony Barrow's involvement in this Mirror Group production saves it, and renders it acceptable. Carol Bedford Waiting For The Beatles : An Apple Scruff's Story 84 The first one-third of this book takes a determined reader to get through. After that the book is a delight (change of editor?), and becomes a must for anyone wanting to re- capture the heady days of The Apple Scruffs. Ms Bedford has an intimate encounter with one of the Fabs! Tastefully told. Pete Best (with Patrick Doncaster) Beatle! : The Pete Best Story 85 The (let's face it) rather sad tale of someone who very nearly made it. Good because it is first hand. The only surprising thing about the book is that Pete took 20 years to get round to writing it! John Blake All You Needed Was Love : The Beatles After The Beatles 81 A moderately balanced view of the interwoven lives of our Fab Four from about the time of the Rooftop Concert - right up until John's murder. An acceptable starting point for more serious reading. Tony Bradman John Lennon 85 0241115612 A competent children's book introducing the young reader to the life and murder of John Lennon. Michael Braun Love Me Do : The Beatles Progress 64 Arguably the first (1964) real attempt to look at the whole phenomenon and to try to understand it and see why and what made it all happen. Fenton Bresler The Murder of John Lennon 89 A thorough, but inconclusive and marginally dubious study made by a leading UK barrister/journalist. Its main merit is that it might have broken new ground for other investigators. Peter Brown (with Steven Gaines) The Love You Make 83 Macmillan A one-sided (to put it mildly) impression by a Beatles' associate (Brown was originally with Epstein in NEMS), dealing with the Apple era in particular. John Burke (from Alun Owen) A Hard Day's Night 64 A novelization of the script of the Boy's first Film. Researchers will delight in the entire Shirt Scene. Rob Burt and Michael Wells Rockups : The Beatles Story 85 The Beatles' story told in 5 pages of witty pop-ups. The best is the Rooftop Concert, when the book plays 'Hey Jude!' Every home should have one! Colin Campbell and Allan Murphy Things We Said Today A scholarly concordance and interpretation of The Beatles' songs. Unfortunately limited edition so may be difficult to find. Most interesting are the reproductions of The Beatles' worksheets for various songs, as they were being composed. (Reprinted by Pierian Press and sometimes avaliable from the US Beatlefest people, 1-800-BEATES) Roy Carr and Tony Tyler The Beatles : An Illustrated Record 75 New English Library Out of date, slightly opinionated, but a very nice book to browse through. Harry Castleman & Walter J. Podrazik All Together Now : The First Complete Beatles Discography 73 First, probably. Complete, probably not. Never mind, a praiseworthy effort, breaking ground for others to follow later, and better. Very American. Castleman & Prodrazik The Beatles Again? 77 Sequel to their first book. Castleman & Podrazik The End of the Beatles? 85 Another sequel, with indices covering all three volumes. A new all-inclusive volume is said to be in the works. Alan Clayson Call Up The Groups : The Golden Age of British Beat 62-67 Catches the development of British pop at the moment the Beatles were up and coming, follows the careers of the well-known and little-known Beat groups of the First Wave Alan Clayson The Quiet One : A Life of George Harrison 90 0283998628 Quite a well written and researched volume with a below average number of errors. It tells the story from George's viewpoint, which gives it a slightly fresher feel than some of the biographies. In common with the more recent books the underlying scholarship is improving. Ray Coleman Brian Epstein : The Man Who Made The Beatles 89 As would be expected from Ray Coleman (Melody Maker editor 70-81 and a member of the 'inner circle') this well researched, well written, and detailed biography is both interesting, but slightly anodyne. Goes better and further into Brian's life than other accounts. Ray Coleman John Ono Lennon 84 A two volume set ('John Winston Lennon' accompanies this volume), and the only biography on the Essential list, based on its careful scholarly research, first-hand interviews and documentation, and thoroughness. Coleman edited Melody Maker and knew Lennon from 1967 onwards. (Coleman's member- ship of the 'inner circle' of 1960's rock personalities does render some of his work slightly suspect). Available in one volume in US, just reissued in 1992. Ray Coleman John Winston Lennon 84 See companion volume 'John Ono Lennon'. Philip Cowan Behind The Beatles' Songs ? Collected, carefully chosen, Beatle-quotes about each of their songs. Few surprises. Hunter Davis The Beatles : The Authorized Biography 67 Out of date but extremely well written, funny, by an exper- ienced journalist who is also a Beatles fan. The first major work on The Beatles' early career. To retain its official approval it had to be somewhat censored because the families had veto power (John's Aunt Mimi would not allow Davies to write that John swore as a child). Nevertheless, much biographical information from this and subsequent editions has worked its way into other biographies. Julia Delano The Beatles Album 91 185627098X A surprisingly good collection of photo's (little text), spread across the career of the Fabs. Richard DiLello The Longest Cocktail Party 73 DiLello was the Apple 'House Hippy'. An undoubtedl entertaining read, but no guesses for the sustained accuracy of the tales. Malcolm Doney Lennon and McCartney 81 0859362361 The Lennon & McCartney story in 120 pages. If read as a first introduction to the story of the Fabs, perhaps for a 11/12 year old, then this book is a digestible introduction. (Was that its aim?) William J. Dowlding Beatlesongs Useful as a compendium of recording information; it pulls together basic facts from various sources, and most interestingly, attempts to assign writing credit based on a decimal system to either McCartney, Lennon, Harrison, Starkey, or whomever. Brian Epstein (with Derek Taylor) A Cellarful of Noise 64 Brian, with Derek Taylor, presents his whitewashed, totally sanitized, vision of life and involvement in the music business. More useful for an insight into Brian's view of show-biz. Mike Evans and Ron Jones In The Footsteps of The Beatles 81 Excellent pocket-sized guide to The Beatles' home town, complete with addresses, photos and maps. No visitor should be without it. Mike Evans The Art of The Beatles 84 From 4th May to 30th September 1984 the Boy's home town presented a comprehensive exhibition of fine art (some of Stuart Sutcliffe's paintings), as well as plastic art (originals of album cover artwork - including the *other* Sgt Pepper drumskin!), clippings, and so on -- all involving the phenomenon of The Beatles. (An expanded version of the Exhibition Catalogue) Mike Evans The Art of The Beatles : Exhibition Catalogue Walker Art Gly 84 From 4th May to 30th September 1984 the Boy's home town presented a comprehensive exhibition of fine art (some of Stuart Sutcliffe's paintings), as well as plastic art (originals of album cover artwork - including the *other* Sgt Pepper drumskin!), clippings, and so on -- all involving the phenomenon of The Beatles. Mike Evans Nothing to Get Hung About A probably mid-70's publication from the City of Liverpool Public Relations Office. The city was only just waking up to the potential arising from its four most famous sons. Short. Worthwhile. (If only because it led on to other acheivements) Anthony Fawcett John Lennon : One Day at a Time 76 Fawcett worked for the Lennon's for the two years 68-70. An insider's book about an interesting period. Could be more analytical, and critical. The author's position saves it. Barbara Fenick Collecting The Beatles 82 0876501471 A book by a real enthusiast. Before drowning in an avalanche of faked memorabilia, any serious collector would be well advised to add this book to their collection. Stuffed full of excellent photos and reference lists. An update on the 1982 edition would be most welcome. Barbara Fenick Collecting The Beatles Volume 2 85 0876501765 Update of the 1982 volume. Just as good. Paul Flattery The Illustrated History of Pop An excellent treatment of 1950's-1960's British Pop. Out of print since mid-70's, but if you find it (Wise Publishers, England) you'll learn all about Dickie Valentine, Adam Faith, Helen Shapiro, Cliff Richards, and all the British stars whose careers were permanently derailed by the Fab Four. Chet Flippo McCartney : The Biography 88 A flawed, heavily tabloid flavour of a biography, based on interviews with people only remotely connected with Macca's life. Pete Frame The Complete Rock Family Trees 86 Compulsive diagrams showing who formed, left, re-joined which groups and when. Little on The Beatles, but lots of essential other information. Robert Freeman Beatles Ltd 64 Large format 1964 official Beatles issue of Robert Freeman's photos. Robert Freeman The Beatles : a private view 90 1855100231 Beautifully printed and high priced reproductions of Freeman's photographs. The same author's Yesterday book is better value, but if you don't have that and you see this second hand or remaindered it is worth getting! Robert Freeman Yesterday : Photographs of The Beatles 83 The photographer of the "With The Beatles", "Beatles For Sale", and "Rubber Soul". Nice stuff. H V Fulpen The Beatles : An Illustrated Diary 82 0859650707 Derivative. For completists Geoffrey Giuliano The Beatles : A Celebration 86 Glossy coffee table book that is as much about printing some (excellent) photos of Giuliano's memorabilia collection as it is about The Beatles. Only buy if remaindered. Geoffrey Giuliano Dark Horse : The Secret Life of George Harrison 89 Giuliano spent a lot of time with people peripheral to George and has some solid information about George's parents and childhood, religious involvement, marriages, and friendships. The musical biography is limited; we never see what motivates the "inner" George, but it's not bad reading. John Green Dakota Days 83 John Green is a Tarot Card reader. Unsurprisingly this book is nonsense. Martin A. Grove Beatle Madness 78 Shallow and almost worthless account of The Beatles on record entirely from the point of view of the US record buying public. Charles Hamblett Here Are The Beatles 64 A swift book, mainly of photos with little text, published to cash in on the huge popularity of the Boys. As a timepiece it is invaluable. George Harrison (with Derek Taylor) I Me Mine 82 Once a limited (and very expensive) edition, copies of this currently out of print book may be found in used book stores and the like. There are some interesting observations on songwriting and growing up in Liverpool, but the focus of this (unique) Beatle autobiography is quite scattered. Bill Harry Beatle City 84 Catalogue for the sadly short lived Beatle City museum in Liverpool. Bill Harry The Beatles Volume 3 : Paperback Writers The full title continues... The History of The Beatles in Print. Harry used to produce 'MerseyBeat', the Liverpool newspaper that was the first to recognize the Boy's talents. (Bill Harry once shared a flat with Lennon and Sutcliffe, which of course helped!). Bill Harry The Beatles Volume 4 : The History of The Beatles on Film The passage of time, plus the widespread proliferation of video since the first publication, means that this otherwise good book could do with an update. Bill Harry The Beatles Volume 5 : Beatles for Sale - Memorabilia Guide It must be impossible, by definition, to do a definitive guide to the world of ephemera. Excellent as a snapshot, useful to collectors for addresses and background reading. Bill Harry The Beatles : Who's Who 82 A useful compendium of who was who in the unfolding story of The Beatles. Good reference book. Bill Harry The Book of Beatle Lists 85 0713715219 Once a genuine friend of John and Stu, and once having shared a flat with them gives Bill Harry an inside track on first hand information. Mildly interesting. Will the next book in the series be ' a book of bill harry beatle books'? Bill Harry MerseyBeat : The Beginnings of The Beatles 77 Strangely out of print essentail reprints of 'everything of importance on them that Merseybeat ever published'. A reprint would be welcome - or even a complete re-print of all 90 issues! Essential reading, especially for believers in the Raymond Jones Theory. Al Hine (from Marc Behm) The Beatles in HELP! 65 A novelization of the script of the Boy's second Film. Hipgnosis Hands Across The Water : Wings Tour USA 78 0891695001 Acceptable large format photo record of Paul's 1976 tour Dezo Hoffman The Beatles Conquer America 84 Hoffman's excellent photo diary of his trip with The Beatles from Jan 14 to Feb 22 1964. A good photographer, trusted by the Boys. Very Good Dezo Hoffman With The Beatles 82 Hoffman was their press photographer in 1962 and 1963, and has lots of interesting sharp prints. Famous for many images, especially the "jump" series of photo's on the "Twist and Shout" EP. Dezo Hoffmann John Lennon 85 0862871972 Hoffman was the first of the few really good photographers to be allowed any sort of regular access to The Beatles. This volume, much of which has been seen before in other collections, although relatively weak, is still worthwhile. Kevin Howlett The Beatles at the BEEB 82 Deals with The Beatles' BBC (BEEB) radio career during 1962-1965, when The Beatles were often heard on The BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation). Kevin Howlett & Mark Lewisohn In My Life : John Lennon Remembered 90 0563361050 The book of the BBC series that marked ten years since John's murder. Like the radio series, it starts poorly, but improves. Some interesting text, some interesting photo's. Ron Jones The Beatles' Liverpool 91 0951170317 An excellent short book well written by a real fan. A great guide to the town. Available from the author (who signs copies he sends out it seems) at 60 Woodside Park, Woodside Birkenhead, Wirrall, L41 1EH - 4.95 UK Pounds + P&P Peter Kaye Beatles in Liverpool 87 By FAR the best collection of Beatles Liverpool photos. Not surprising since Peter Kaye was their first studio photo- grapher. An excellent book, prepared with loving care. Published by Starlit Liverpool Ltd, 3 Brandreth Delph, Parbold, Lancs. L. R. E. King Help! : A Companion to The Beatles : Recording Sessions 89 An essential companion volume to Lewisohn's Book. It indexes takes used by album, and songs by sessions. Rochelle Larkin The Beatles: Yesterday...Today...Tomorrow 74 An enthusiastic book written by a fan whose enthusiasm would have benefited from a good editor. A curio. Sam Leach Follow The MerseyBeat Road 83 Sam Leach was on of the original Liverpool Concert Promoters and this is his guide to places the Boys knew and loved. Some anecdotes, some details. Read before visting Liverpool. Sam Leach The Beatles on Broadway 64 The title says it all in this 1964 book. Quite a nice collection of photos of the first US trip. Spencer Leigh Let's Go Down The Cavern : Story of Liverpool's Merseybeat Focuses on the Liverpool Scene concurrent with The Beatles' development. Cynthia Lennon A Twist of Lennon 78 Cynthia, still devoted to John, writes slightly better than she draws, but her heart is in the right place - even if objectivity goes out the window. John Lennon In His Own Write 64 Billed as 'his first book' in fact the majority of the writings were first published in Bill Harry's Merseybeat. Extensively analysed elsewhere. Essential reading. John Lennon The Penguin John Lennon 66 The immense success of the two short books, In His Own Write and Spaniard in the Works, led Penguin (then the UK's leading paperback publisher) to publish both in one volume. John Lennon Skywriting by Word of Mouth : and other writings 86 Obviously part finished and incomplete writings which should be read, and judged, as such. Shows a frustrating glimpse of what John's autobiography might have been like... if.. John Lennon A Spaniard In The Works 65 The second compilation of John's writings. Analysed exhaustively elsewhere. Essential reading. Mark Lewisohn The Beatles : 25 Years in the Life Also known in the U.S. as The Beatles Day By day 87 A day-by-day compendium (1962-) of the Beatles' private lives, parties, personal appearances, vacations. No index. Helpful for settling arguments (just when was Ringo in Sardinia??) Mark Lewisohn The Beatles Live! 86 A thorough source for Beatles' live club and concert dates, with lots of information on repertoire, bookings, contracts, appearances. Excellent scholarship. Lewisohn's books have raised the standard of reliability in the whole area. No index, but a free flexi-disc. Mark Lewisohn The Beatles Recording Sessions/Complete Beatles Recording Sessions 88 A meticulous, virtually complete and more-than-most-people- could-ask-for reference to the Abbey Road studio recordings, beginning with June 1962 (the infamous "audition") and continuing to the end of their official recording career. Includes a discography of official releases, glossary, index, and an interview with McCartney at the beginning. Loaded with documentation and photos. Mark Lewisohn The Complete Beatles Chronicle 92 Partially an update of The Beatles Live! (now out of print), incorporating some information from The Beatles Recording Sessions (see above), plus some newly discovered information that makes this the most complete and accurate chronology of the Beatles' career, from 1957-1970. Pricey ($40 U.S.) but essential. Peter McCabe and Robert D.Schonfeld Apple to the Core : The Unmaking of The Beatles 72 Early and surprisingly perceptive analysis of the problems, trials and tribulations at Apple. Too early to be definitive, but will provide later scholars with guides to good sources. Paul McCartney The Paul McCartney World Tour Programme 89 Well produced concert programme that was supposed to have been, but wasn't, given out 'free' to everyone who went to the 89/90 tour concerts. Michael McCartney Mike Mac's Whites and Blacks (plus one colour) Paul's brother had a nice flair for photography and preserved some very early shots of the Boys at the Cavern, and that fab colour picture (c.1958) of the proto-Beatles standing in Auntie Jin's front parlour. Mike McCartney Thank U Very Much : Mike McCartney's Family Album 81 Paul's brother's photo-based light autobiography. Witty tales, excellent early photos. Paul McCartney Give My Regards To Broad Street 84 Paul's glossy book-of-the-story-of-the-film. An interesting memento of a film that this author enjoyed (so there!). Nicely printed photos William McCoy and Mitchell McGeary Every Little Thing Full title continues... A Definitive Guide to Beatles Recording Variations, Rare Mixes & Other Musical Oddities, 1958-1986. An interesting resource for tracking down many of the currently available variants in the trading world. Wilfrid Mellers Twilight of The Gods : The Beatles in Retospect 73 An extremely learned book about the actual music, written by a real professor of music. Too deep for this writer! Its appearance added to William Mann's efforts in establishing the Boys as real (as against 'pop') musicians. Miles The Beatles In Their Own Words 78 A good, well selected and illustrated selection of quotes on a variety of predictable subjects. Lee Minoff (et. al.) Yellow Submarine Gift Book 68 Large format hardback illustrated (drawings from film) version of the book-of-the-film. A pschycedelic timepiece. (No idea why it is a "gift" book). Lee Mintoff (et al) Yellow Submarine 68 A novelization of the script of the Boy's third Film. A pschycedelic delight. Carolyn Lee Mitchell All Our Loving : A Beatles Fan's Memoir 88 0856014951 The personal account of one of the Beatles Fans who came to the UK from the USA just to hang around outside Paul's London House. A love/hate relationship with Paul, and no great fan of Linda. Badly written. For completists only. Philip Norman Shout! : The True Story of The Beatles 81 Norman, a journalist, wrote the first "realistic" (ie down- and-dirty) biography, daring to suggest that The Beatles were not the sweet young men the media promoted, but were ordinary fellas of exraordinary talent caught up in the miracle and morass of Beatlemania. Norman, for all his careful research, relied more than necessary on unsubstan- tiated, opinions, and many inaccuracies remain in this book. Read, as with Hunter Davis, with this in mind. Yoko Ono Grapefruit 64 Essential reading for anyone who wants to try to understand the extraordinary attraction between John and Yoko. Alun Owen The Beatles in A Hard Day's Night 64 Official United Artists photo-book of the making of the film Norman Parkinson & Maureen Cleave The Beatles Book 64 Stark, arty, high contrast Black & White photographs from a trendy 60's London photographer. Most not seen elsewhere. Text by Cleave incidental. Re-printed in smaller format in very late 60's. Gareth L. Pawlowski How They Became The Beatles 89 The author probably didn't intend it this way, but the photographs are much more valuable here than the text, which is an unimaginative (and flawed) rehash of other sources, (still useful if you haven't read those other sources). You'll see outtakes from the Boy's first photo sessions, rare record labels, documents, and rare sightings of all sorts, building an impression of the generative years from 1960-64. John Platt London's Rock Routes 85 A useful, but not quite essential, guide to what was/is where in London. Useful section on The Beatles' London. A.J.S.Rayl & Curt Gunther Beatles '64 : A Hard Day's Night In America 89 Rayl travelled with them, and Gunther took the photos. A good insiders' photo diary of the tour. Necessarily censored, but some fine images. Charles Reinhardt You Can't Do That : Beatles Bootlegs and Novelty Recordings So much has come out since this book was published that you are advised to look on it as an early history of Beatles bootlegs. For more contemporary information, try a back issue of the music-trader's publication, Goldmine, esp. the Nov 17th 1989 issue which featured Beatles rarities. Tom Riley Tell Me Why Best when musicologist Riley sticks to submediants and stays away from Beatles Interpretation 101. But a welcome successor to Wilfred Mellors' Twilight of The Gods. Jeff Russell The Beatles Album File and Complete Discography Somewhat fraught with inaccuracies; in America it's called The Beatles On Record. Chris Salewicz McCartney : The (Definitive) Biography 86 Not definitive, because Macca didn't co-operate with this effort. However, some other close confidants must have given some information (Mike Mac?) because the latter half of the book is rather revealing. The first part seems gleaned from other sources. (See Davis, Norman, et. al.) Anthony Scaduto The Beatles 68 Full title "Sex, Drugs, Music, Meditation ... what Next? The Beatles - yesterday, today and tomorrow!" Painfully dated nonsense, so bad that it is fascinatingly absorbing reading. How did this ever get published? Nicholas Schaffner The Beatles For Ever 77 Excellent extensively illustrated volume showing the range of memorabilia generated by the Boys who 'changed our culture'. Tom Schultheiss The Beatles : A Day in The Life 80 Dates from their diaries - 1960-70. Selective. David Sheff (ed. G. Barry Golson) The Playboy Interviews with John Lennon & Yoko Ono 80 A major interview with John shortly before his murder. Because it is among the last major interviews it will provide material for researchers into John's life for the rest of time. The transcript format makes it hard reading. Billy Shepherd The True Story of The Beatles 64 Early biography rushed out by the publishers of 'The Beatles Book'. A wonderful timepiece, valuable for what it typefies and not what it says (more accurately does not!). Mark Shipper Paperback Writer 77 The title continues... The Life and Times of The Beatles: The spurious chronicle of their rise to stardom, their triumphs & disasters, plus the amazing story of their ultimate reunion. A Good Read, but file under fiction. Pete Shotton (with Nicholas Schaffner) John Lennon : In My Life 83 Shotton was one of John's longest childhood friends, and was an original Quarryman. That alone makes the book worthwhile. A stronger co-author would have dropped the rose tinted glasses a bit from time to time. Denny Somach, Kathleen Somach, S Muni Ticket to Ride 89 0708847870 Interviews about the Beatles with 48 pop stars. A good idea that didn't quite come off. Brian Southall Abbey Road 82 An EMI publicist writes about the history of the famous EMI studios in Abbey Road, pre-Beatles and during The Beatles time there. A good read. Helen Spence The Beatles Forever ?? Very glossy photo book. Some very nice photos, almost no text. Worth picking up from a remainders bin. (Also published as 'The Beatles'). Neville Stannard The Beatles Volume 1 : The Long and Winding Road A history of The Beatles on Record. One of the first well researched and thorough references, but the passage of time means that a newer edition is needed. Neville Stannard and John Toben The Beatles Volume 2 : Working Class Heroes The full title continues... The History of The Beatles Solo Recordings. The passage of time since publication renders this quite out of date. Geoffrey Stokes The Beatles 81 Large format, coffee table sized, 320 photos, cover by Warhol. Includes good prints of Avedon's famous 1967 photo session for LOOK magazine. Derek Taylor It Was Twenty Years Ago Today 87 Tied in with the mass media 'events' of 1987 this book sets the context of The Summer of Love. Written by Derek Taylor, therefore a good read, but take those pinches of salt. Derek Taylor As Time Goes By 74 Witty, entertaining autobiography from someone who has moved in (and out) of The Beatles inner circle over the years. His continuing close friendship with George of course precludes any real insights. A Good Read. George Tremlett The John Lennon Story 76 NME writer and former Conservative London Councillor cuts a mean job with a cuttings file. George Tremlett The Paul McCartney Story 75 NME writer and former Conservative London Councillor cuts a mean job with a cuttings file. Mark Wallgren The Beatles on Record (Not the same as Russell's US edition). Somewhat more accurate than Russel's volume, but not up to Stannard's Alan J. Weiner The Beatles : A Recording History 86 Wiener subdivides his volume into helpful categories like Alternate Takes, Bootlegs, Solo Years, as well as the main- stream material. Everything is cross-referenced, and the index is handy. He uses many sources, and occasionally mistakes in the original remain uncorrected in this edition, but he's planning an updated edition someday. Jann Wenner Lennon Remembers : The Rolling Stone Interviews 70 This was John's first major in-depth interview since the break-up of The Beatles. It makes fascinating reading of his thought processes, and how he saw things in the immediate aftermath. Bob Whittaker The Unseen Beatles 91 185029335X Whittaker belongs to that exclusive group who actually took a Beatles album cover shot (The Butcher cover, and the back of Revolver). With this pedigree, the book is as good as you'd expect. Excellent. Jon Wiener Come Together : John Lennon In His Time 84 An intelligent, academic, analysis of John's works written for an intelligent, academic, readership. Readable, well researched and accurate. (See also 'The Lennon Companion : ed. Elizabeth Thomson). Alan Williams (with William Marshall) The Man Who Gave The Beatles Away 75 Williams, The Beatles first "manager", weaves a nearly bitter tale of the Boy's early attempts to make it in the music business. Some good (but suspect) accounts of the early trips to Hamburg. Bob Woffinden The Beatles Apart 81 A fairly shallow account of the peroid between the break-up and the murder. Nicely presented, with some reasonable photos. Bill Wyman Stone Alone 90 Although about The Other Band, this well written (not ghosted) and researched book touches upon the interraction between the two Great British bands of the 1960's. ----------------------------------------------------------- ALPHABETICAL BY TITLE: Brian Southall Abbey Road 82 An EMI publicist writes about the history of the famous EMI studios in Abbey Road, pre-Beatles and during The Beatles time there. A good read. Carolyn Lee Mitchell All Our Loving : A Beatles Fan's Memoir 88 0856014951 The personal account of one of the Beatles Fans who came to the UK from the USA just to hang around outside Paul's London House. A love/hate relationship with Paul, and no great fan of Linda. Badly written. For completists only. Harry Castleman & Walter J. Podrazik All Together Now : The First Complete Beatles Discography 73 First, probably. Complete, probably not. Never mind, a praiseworthy effort, breaking ground for others to follow later, and better. Very American. John Blake All You Needed Was Love : The Beatles After The Beatles 81 A moderately balanced view of the interwoven lives of our Fab Four from about the time of the Rooftop Concert - right up until John's murder. An acceptable starting point for more serious reading. Peter McCabe and Robert D.Schonfeld Apple to the Core : The Unmaking of The Beatles 72 Early and surprisingly perceptive analysis of the problems, trials and tribulations at Apple. Too early to be definitive, but will provide later scholars with guides to good sources. Mike Evans The Art of The Beatles 84 From 4th May to 30th September 1984 the Boy's home town presented a comprehensive exhibition of fine art (some of Stuart Sutcliffe's paintings), as well as plastic art (originals of album cover artwork - including the *other* Sgt Pepper drumskin!), clippings, and so on -- all involving the phenomenon of The Beatles. (An expanded version of the Exhibition Catalogue) Mike Evans The Art of The Beatles : Exhibition Catalogue Walker Art Gly 84 From 4th May to 30th September 1984 the Boy's home town presented a comprehensive exhibition of fine art (some of Stuart Sutcliffe's paintings), as well as plastic art (originals of album cover artwork - including the *other* Sgt Pepper drumskin!), clippings, and so on -- all involving the phenomenon of The Beatles. Derek Taylor As Time Goes By 74 Witty, entertaining autobiography from someone who has moved in (and out) of The Beatles inner circle over the years. His continuing close friendship with George of course precludes any real insights. A Good Read. ed. Rolling Stone The Ballad of John and Yoko 82 Rolling Stone's weighty tribute to the murdered John. Collected reflections, writings, and criticisms - the source and the subject make this required reading. Not a 'cash in' project - all profits to a Good Cause. Pete Best (with Patrick Doncaster) Beatle! : The Pete Best Story 85 The (let's face it) rather sad tale of someone who very nearly made it. Good because it is first hand. The only surprising thing about the book is that Pete took 20 years to get round to writing it! Bill Harry Beatle City 84 Catalogue for the sadly short lived Beatle City museum in Liverpool. Martin A. Grove Beatle Madness 78 Shallow and almost worthless account of The Beatles on record entirely from the point of view of the US record buying public. Anthony Scaduto The Beatles 68 Full title "Sex, Drugs, Music, Meditation ... what Next? The Beatles - yesterday, today and tomorrow!" Painfully dated nonsense, so bad that it is fascinatingly absorbing reading. How did this ever get published? Geoffrey Stokes The Beatles 81 Large format, coffee table sized, 320 photos, cover by Warhol. Includes good prints of Avedon's famous 1967 photo session for LOOK magazine. Mark Lewisohn The Beatles : 25 Years in the Life U.S. Title The Beatles Day By Day 87 A day-by-day compendium (1962-) of the Beatles' private lives, parties, personal appearances, vacations. No index. Helpful for settling arguments (just when was Ringo in Sardinia??) A.J.S.Rayl & Curt Gunther Beatles '64 : A Hard Day's Night In America 89 Rayl travelled with them, and Gunther took the photos. A good insiders' photo diary of the tour. Necessarily censored, but some fine images. Tom Schultheiss The Beatles : A Day in The Life 80 Dates from their diaries - 1960-70. Selective. Julia Delano The Beatles Album 91 185627098X A surprisingly good collection of photo's (little text), spread across the career of the Fabs. Jeff Russell The Beatles Album File and Complete Discography Somewhat fraught with inaccuracies; in America it's called The Beatles On Record. Bob Woffinden The Beatles Apart 81 A fairly shallow account of the peroid between the break-up and the murder. Nicely presented, with some reasonable photos. Kevin Howlett The Beatles at the BEEB 82 Deals with The Beatles' BBC (BEEB) radio career during 1962-1965, when The Beatles were often heard on The BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation). Hunter Davis The Beatles : The Authorized Biography 67 Out of date but extremely well written, funny, by an exper- ienced journalist who is also a Beatles fan. The first major work on The Beatles' early career. To retain its official approval it had to be somewhat censored because the families had veto power (John's Aunt Mimi would not allow Davies to write that John swore as a child). Nevertheless, much biographical information from this and subsequent editions has worked its way into other biographies. Norman Parkinson & Maureen Cleave The Beatles Book 64 Stark, arty, high contrast Black & White photographs from a trendy 60's London photographer. Most not seen elsewhere. Text by Cleave incidental. Re-printed in smaller format in very late 60's. ed. Johnny Dean The Beatles Book : The Original Official Monthly Magazine ?? Still going strong after 27 years despite a short break. Essential reading if you want to keep up with news about the Boys. Available on subscription from 'The Beatles Book, 45 St Mary's Grove, Ealing, London, W5 5RQ'. Usually totally uncritical, but Lewisohn's column of news makes it worthwhile. Sam Leach The Beatles on Broadway 64 The title says it all in this 1964 book. Quite a nice collection of photos of the first US trip. Geoffrey Giuliano The Beatles : A Celebration 86 Glossy coffee table book that is as much about printing some (excellent) photos of Giuliano's memorabilia collection as it is about The Beatles. Only buy if remaindered. Dezo Hoffman The Beatles Conquer America 84 Hoffman's excellent photo diary of his trip with The Beatles from Jan 14 to Feb 22 1964. A good photographer, trusted by the Boys. Very Good Glenn A. Baker The Beatles Down Under : The 1964 Australia & N.Z. Tour 82 Well researched, extensively illustrated account of The Beatles 1964 Tour (the one Jimmy Nichol played on). Tells a tale not often told. First Class. David Bacon and Norman Maslov The Beatles' England 82 Columbus A delightful tour (with great BW photo's) of spots the Beatles made famous in London, Liverpool and elsewhere. Can be used as a guide book for tourists. , The Beatles Film 64 1964 cash-in book of photo's about the making of Hard Day's Night - seemingly produced by the Sun Newspaper group. Nicholas Schaffner The Beatles For Ever 77 Excellent extensively illustrated volume showing the range of memorabilia generated by the Boys who 'changed our culture'. Helen Spence The Beatles Forever ?? Very glossy photo book. Some very nice photos, almost no text. Worth picking up from a remainders bin. (Also published as 'The Beatles'). ed. Neil Aspinall The Beatles Get Back 69 Wonderful photos of what was to become the 'Let It Be' sessions. This book was originally available with the album, only in the UK. Definitely worth seeking out. Alun Owen The Beatles in A Hard Day's Night 64 Official United Artists photo-book of the making of the film ed. Alan Aldridge The Beatles Illustrated Lyrics 69 Much reprinted timecapsule of pschycedelic illustrations to the lyrics. If the images interest you as much as the music, then this is for you. (Volume 2 also produced). ed. Alan Aldridge The Beatles Illustrated Lyrics : 2 71 See Volume 1. Roy Carr and Tony Tyler The Beatles : An Illustrated Record 75 New English Library Out of date, slightly opinionated, but a very nice book to browse through. H V Fulpen The Beatles : An Illustrated Diary 82 0859650707 Derivative. For completists Al Hine (from Marc Behm) The Beatles in HELP! 65 A novelization of the script of the Boy's second Film. Peter Kaye Beatles in Liverpool 87 By FAR the best collection of Beatles Liverpool photos. Not surprising since Peter Kaye was their first studio photo- grapher. An excellent book, prepared with loving care. Published by Starlit Liverpool Ltd, 3 Brandreth Delph, Parbold, Lancs. Miles The Beatles In Their Own Words 78 A good, well selected and illustrated selection of quotes on a variety of predictable subjects. Mark Lewisohn The Beatles Live! 86 A thorough source for Beatles' live club and concert dates, with lots of information on repertoire, bookings, contracts, appearances. Excellent scholarship. Lewisohn's books have raised the standard of reliability in the whole area. No index, but a free flexi-disc. Ron Jones The Beatles' Liverpool 91 0951170317 An excellent short book well written by a real fan. A great guide to the town. Available from the author (who signs copies he sends out it seems) at 60 Woodside Park, Woodside Birkenhead, Wirrall, L41 1EH - 4.95 UK Pounds + P&P Robert Freeman Beatles Ltd 64 Large format 1964 official Beatles issue of Robert Freeman's photos. Jeff Augsburger, Marty Eck, & Rick Rann The Beatles Memorabilia Price Guide 88 0929207009 Inevitably flawed by having the prices frozen at the date of publication. However the range of memorabilia well illustrated more than makes up for this. Serious collectors will be able to normalise prices for their local markets. A good book. ed. Roger Akehurst Beatles Now ?? Aattempt by real fans to produce a magazine in the format of The Beatles Monthly, but avoiding being so bland. Finances make it intermittent. Available from 'Beatles Now, 33 The Avenue, Highams Park, London E4 9LB'. Mark Wallgren The Beatles on Record (Not the same as Russell's US edition). Somewhat more accurate than Russel's volume, but not up to Stannard's Robert Freeman The Beatles : a private view 90 1855100231 Beautifully printed and high priced reproductions of Freeman's photographs. The same author's Yesterday book is better value, but if you don't have that and you see this second hand or remaindered it is worth getting! L. R. E. King Help! : A Companion to The Beatles : Recording Sessions 89 An essential companion volume to Lewisohn's Book. It indexes takes used by album, and songs by sessions. Mark Lewisohn The Beatles Recording Sessions/Complete Beatles Recording Sessions 88 A meticulous, virtually complete and more-than-most-people- could-ask-for reference to the Abbey Road studio recordings, beginning with June 1962 (the infamous "audition") and continuing to the end of their official recording career. Includes a discography of official releases, glossary, index, and an interview with McCartney at the beginning. Loaded with documentation and photos. Alan J. Weiner The Beatles : A Recording History 86 Wiener subdivides his volume into helpful categories like Alternate Takes, Bootlegs, Solo Years, as well as the main- stream material. Everything is cross-referenced, and the index is handy. He uses many sources, and occasionally mistakes in the original remain uncorrected in this edition, but he's planning an updated edition someday. Bill Harry The Beatles Volume 3 : Paperback Writers The full title continues... The History of The Beatles in Print. Harry used to produce 'MerseyBeat', the Liverpool newspaper that was the first to recognize the Boy's talents. (Bill Harry once shared a flat with Lennon and Sutcliffe, which of course helped!). Bill Harry The Beatles Volume 4 : The History of The Beatles on Film The passage of time, plus the widespread proliferation of video since the first publication, means that this otherwise good book could do with an update. Bill Harry The Beatles Volume 5 : Beatles for Sale - Memorabilia Guide It must be impossible, by definition, to do a definitive guide to the world of ephemera. Excellent as a snapshot, useful to collectors for addresses and background reading. Neville Stannard The Beatles Volume 1 : The Long and Winding Road A history of The Beatles on Record. One of the first well researched and thorough references, but the passage of time means that a newer edition is needed. Neville Stannard and John Toben The Beatles Volume 2 : Working Class Heroes The full title continues... The History of The Beatles Solo Recordings. The passage of time since publication renders this quite out of date. Bill Harry The Beatles : Who's Who 82 A useful compendium of who was who in the unfolding story of The Beatles. Good reference book. Rochelle Larkin The Beatles: Yesterday...Today...Tomorrow 74 An enthusiastic book written by a fan whose enthusiasm would have benefited from a good editor. A curio. William J. Dowlding Beatlesongs Useful as a compendium of recording information; it pulls together basic facts from various sources, and most interestingly, attempts to assign writing credit based on a decimal system to either McCartney, Lennon, Harrison, Starkey, or whomever. Philip Cowan Behind The Beatles' Songs ? Collected, carefully chosen, Beatle-quotes about each of their songs. Few surprises. ed. Bill Wyman Blinds and Shutters : The Photographs of Michael Cooper 90 Cooper was a good photographer, trusted by The Beatles (and many others). This book lavishly re-prints some of his best, with comments by the subjects. Includes out-takes from the Sgt Pepper cover photo session. Sadly, this is a hugely expensive very limited edition. Bill Harry The Book of Beatle Lists 85 0713715219 Once a genuine friend of John and Stu, and once having shared a flat with them gives Bill Harry an inside track on first hand information. Mildly interesting. Will the next book in the series be ' a book of bill harry beatle books'? Alan Clayson Call Up The Groups : The Golden Age of British Beat 62-67 Catches the development of British pop at the moment the Beatles were up and coming, follows the careers of the well-known and little-known Beat groups of the First Wave Brian Epstein (with Derek Taylor) A Cellarful of Noise 64 Brian, with Derek Taylor, presents his whitewashed, totally sanitized, vision of life and involvement in the music business. More useful for an insight into Brian's view of show-biz. Barbara Fenick Collecting The Beatles 82 0876501471 A book by a real enthusiast. Before drowning in an avalanche of faked memorabilia, any serious collector would be well advised to add this book to their collection. Stuffed full of excellent photos and reference lists. An update on the 1982 edition would be most welcome. Barbara Fenick Collecting The Beatles Volume 2 85 0876501765 Update of the 1982 volume. Just as good. Jon Wiener Come Together : John Lennon In His Time 84 An intelligent, academic, analysis of John's works written for an intelligent, academic, readership. Readable, well researched and accurate. (See also 'The Lennon Companion : ed. Elizabeth Thomson). Pete Frame The Complete Rock Family Trees 86 Compulsive diagrams showing who formed, left, re-joined which groups and when. Little on The Beatles, but lots of essential other information. John Green Dakota Days 83 John Green is a Tarot Card reader. Unsurprisingly this book is nonsense. Geoffrey Giuliano Dark Horse : The Secret Life of George Harrison 89 Giuliano spent a lot of time with people peripheral to George and has some solid information about George's parents and childhood, religious involvement, marriages, and friendships. The musical biography is limited; we never see what motivates the "inner" George, but it's not bad reading. Ray Coleman Brian Epstein : The Man Who Made The Beatles 89 As would be expected from Ray Coleman (Melody Maker editor 70-81 and a member of the 'inner circle') this well researched, well written, and detailed biography is both interesting, but slightly anodyne. Goes better and further into Brian's life than other accounts. William McCoy and Mitchell McGeary Every Little Thing Full title continues... A Definitive Guide to Beatles Recording Variations, Rare Mixes & Other Musical Oddities, 1958-1986. An interesting resource for tracking down many of the currently available variants in the trading world. Sam Leach Follow The MerseyBeat Road 83 Sam Leach was on of the original Liverpool Concert Promoters and this is his guide to places the Boys knew and loved. Some anecdotes, some details. Read before visting Liverpool. Mike Evans and Ron Jones In The Footsteps of The Beatles 81 Excellent pocket-sized guide to The Beatles' home town, complete with addresses, photos and maps. No visitor should be without it. Paul McCartney Give My Regards To Broad Street 84 Paul's glossy book-of-the-story-of-the-film. An interesting memento of a film that this author enjoyed (so there!). Nicely printed photos Yoko Ono Grapefruit 64 Essential reading for anyone who wants to try to understand the extraordinary attraction between John and Yoko. Hipgnosis Hands Across The Water : Wings Tour USA 78 0891695001 Acceptable large format photo record of Paul's 1976 tour John Burke (from Alun Owen) A Hard Day's Night 64 A novelization of the script of the Boy's first Film. Researchers will delight in the entire Shirt Scene. Charles Hamblett Here Are The Beatles 64 A swift book, mainly of photos with little text, published to cash in on the huge popularity of the Boys. As a timepiece it is invaluable. Gareth L. Pawlowski How They Became The Beatles 89 The author probably didn't intend it this way, but the photographs are much more valuable here than the text, which is an unimaginative (and flawed) rehash of other sources, (still useful if you haven't read those other sources). You'll see outtakes from the Boy's first photo sessions, rare record labels, documents, and rare sightings of all sorts, building an impression of the generative years from 1960-64. George Harrison (with Derek Taylor) I Me Mine 82 Once a limited (and very expensive) edition, copies of this currently out of print book may be found in used book stores and the like. There are some interesting observations on songwriting and growing up in Liverpool, but the focus of this (unique) Beatle autobiography is quite scattered. Paul Flattery The Illustrated History of Pop An excellent treatment of 1950's-1960's British Pop. Out of print since mid-70's, but if you find it (Wise Publishers, England) you'll learn all about Dickie Valentine, Adam Faith, Helen Shapiro, Cliff Richards, and all the British stars whose careers were permanently derailed by the Fab Four. ed. Andrew Solt and Sam Egan Imagine : John Lennon 88 Lavishly produced film tie-in. Excellent photos, well printed. Because this is an 'official' book, it tends to the bland, but the range and quality of the photos makes up for that. John Lennon In His Own Write 64 Billed as 'his first book' in fact the majority of the writings were first published in Bill Harry's Merseybeat. Extensively analysed elsewhere. Essential reading. Kevin Howlett & Mark Lewisohn In My Life : John Lennon Remembered 90 0563361050 The book of the BBC series that marked ten years since John's murder. Like the radio series, it starts poorly, but improves. Some interesting text, some interesting photo's. Derek Taylor It Was Twenty Years Ago Today 87 Tied in with the mass media 'events' of 1987 this book sets the context of The Summer of Love. Written by Derek Taylor, therefore a good read, but take those pinches of salt. Tony Bradman John Lennon 85 0241115612 A competent children's book introducing the young reader to the life and murder of John Lennon. Dezo Hoffmann John Lennon 85 0862871972 Hoffman was the first of the few really good photographers to be allowed any sort of regular access to The Beatles. This volume, much of which has been seen before in other collections, although relatively weak, is still worthwhile. ed. Elizabeth Thomson and David Gutman The Lennon Companion : Twenty-Five Years of Comment 87 The editors aimed 'simply to present the best of 25 years of comment and commentary engendered by the man and his music'. They succeeded. An excellent book, and hopefully a precursor to more that realise that the average Beatles fan is likely to be more than a pre-pubescent teen-wailer, and mature - to boot! (See also 'Come Together : Jon Wiener'). Pete Shotton (with Nicholas Schaffner) John Lennon : In My Life 83 Shotton was one of John's longest childhood friends, and was an original Quarryman. That alone makes the book worthwhile. A stronger co-author would have dropped the rose tinted glasses a bit from time to time. Ray Coleman John Ono Lennon 84 A two volume set ('John Winston Lennon' accompanies this volume), and the only biography on the Essential list, based on its careful scholarly research, first-hand interviews and documentation, and thoroughness. Coleman edited Melody Maker and knew Lennon from 1967 onwards. (Coleman's member- ship of the 'inner circle' of 1960's rock personalities does render some of his work slightly suspect). Available in one volume in US. Ray Coleman John Winston Lennon 84 See companion volume 'John Ono Lennon'. Malcolm Doney Lennon and McCartney 81 0859362361 The Lennon & McCartney story in 120 pages. If read as a first introduction to the story of the Fabs, perhaps for a 11/12 year old, then this book is a digestible introduction. (Was that its aim?) Julia Baird (with Geoffrey Giuliano) John Lennon, My Brother 88 Although Julia Baird was not really brought in the same family as her step-brother John, this book has some value. Reading between the less than critical lines it is just possible to catch a glimpse of what life really was like in Liverpool in the 1950's and early 60's. And that makes it an interesting book. Anthony Fawcett John Lennon : One Day at a Time 76 Fawcett worked for the Lennon's for the two years 68-70. An insider's book about an interesting period. Could be more analytical, and critical. The author's position saves it. Jann Wenner Lennon Remembers : The Rolling Stone Interviews 70 This was John's first major in-depth interview since the break-up of The Beatles. It makes fascinating reading of his thought processes, and how he saw things in the immediate aftermath. ed. Liverpool Echo Lennon : A Special Tribute by the Liverpool Echo ?? The leading daily paper from John's home town put together this reprint of some (of the very many) articles it had published about him, from the Birth Announcement through to the very end. Essential. George Tremlett The John Lennon Story 76 NME writer and former Conservative London Councillor cuts a mean job with a cuttings file. ? John Lennon : Summer of 1980 84 The holiday snaps from John's last summer. Beautiful photos, upsetting book. ed. Andy Peebles The Lennon Tapes 81 The transcript of (most of) John's last major radio inter- view just before his murder. Lucid, sensible, witty.... (The full tapes are now legally available on CD). Spencer Leigh Let's Go Down The Cavern : Story of Liverpool's Merseybeat Focuses on the Liverpool Scene concurrent with The Beatles' development. John Platt London's Rock Routes 85 A useful, but not quite essential, guide to what was/is where in London. Useful section on The Beatles' London. Richard DiLello The Longest Cocktail Party 73 DiLello was the Apple 'House Hippy'. An undoubtedly entertaining read, but no guesses for the sustained accuracy of the tales. ed. Bill Adler Love Letters to The Beatles 64 The title tells it all. Assuming (?) these are genuine it tells how the Boys broke hearts across the length and breadth of the USA throughout 1964. Michael Braun Love Me Do : The Beatles Progress 64 Arguably the first (1964) real attempt to look at the whole phenomenon and to try to understand it and see why and what made it all happen. Peter Brown (with Steven Gaines) The Love You Make 83 Macmillan A one-sided (to put it mildly) impression by a Beatles' associate (Brown was originally with Epstein in NEMS), dealing with the Apple era in particular. Alan Williams (with William Marshall) The Man Who Gave The Beatles Away 75 Williams, The Beatles first "manager", weaves a nearly bitter tale of the Boy's early attempts to make it in the music business. Some good (but suspect) accounts of the early trips to Hamburg. Chet Flippo McCartney : The Biography 88 A flawed, heavily tabloid flavour of a biography, based on interviews with people only remotely connected with Macca's life. Chris Salewicz McCartney : The (Definitive) Biography 86 Not definitive, because Macca didn't co-operate with this effort. However, some other close confidants must have given some information (Mike Mac?) because the latter half of the book is rather revealing. The first part seems gleaned from other sources. (See Davis, Norman, et. al.) ed. Paul Gambaccini Paul McCartney in His Own Words 76 A well illustrated interview-plus with one of the UK's best rock interviewers (an american). Dated, but that adds to the interest. George Tremlett The Paul McCartney Story 75 NME writer and former Conservative London Councillor cuts a mean job with a cuttings file. Paul McCartney The Paul McCartney World Tour Programme 89 Well produced concert programme that was supposed to have been, but wasn't, given out 'free' to everyone who went to the 89/90 tour concerts. Bill Harry MerseyBeat : The Beginnings of The Beatles 77 Strangely out of print essentail reprints of 'everything of importance on them that Merseybeat ever published'. A reprint would be welcome - or even a complete re-print of all 90 issues! Essential reading, especially for believers in the Raymond Jones Theory. Michael McCartney Mike Mac's Whites and Blacks (plus one colour) Paul's brother had a nice flair for photography and preserved some very early shots of the Boys at the Cavern, and that fab colour picture (c.1958) of the proto-Beatles standing in Auntie Jin's front parlour. Fenton Bresler The Murder of John Lennon 89 A thorough, but inconclusive and marginally dubious study made by a leading UK barrister/journalist. Its main merit is that it might have broken new ground for other investigators. Mike Evans Nothing to Get Hung About A probably mid-70's publication from the City of Liverpool Public Relations Office. The city was only just waking up to the potential arising from its four most famous sons. Short. Worthwhile. (If only because it led on to other acheivements) Mark Shipper Paperback Writer 77 The title continues... The Life and Times of The Beatles: The spurious chronicle of their rise to stardom, their triumphs & disasters, plus the amazing story of their ultimate reunion. A Good Read, but file under fiction. John Lennon The Penguin John Lennon 66 The immense success of the two short books, In His Own Write and Spaniard in the Works, led Penguin (then the UK's leading paperback publisher) to publish both in one volume. ? A Pixerama Foldbook of The Beatles 63 One of a series of 'concertina' like booklets on popular themes (others include 'London Airport' and 'The Rolling Stones'). A delightful timepiece, still available from The Beatles Shop in Mathew Street. David Sheff (ed. G. Barry Golson) The Playboy Interviews with John Lennon & Yoko Ono 80 A major interview with John shortly before his murder. Because it is among the last major interviews it will provide material for researchers into John's life for the rest of time. The transcript format makes it hard reading. Tony Barrow PS We Love You - The Beatles Story 1962-3 82 0859393283 1982 cash-in on the 20th Anniversary of the Fab's first hits in their home land. Tony Barrow's involvement in this Mirror Group production saves it, and renders it acceptable. Alan Clayson The Quiet One : A Life of George Harrison 90 0283998628 Quite a well written and researched volume with a below average number of errors. It tells the story from George's viewpoint, which gives it a slightly fresher feel than some of the biographies. In common with the more recent books the underlying scholarship is improving. Rob Burt and Michael Wells Rockups : The Beatles Story 85 The Beatles' story told in 5 pages of witty pop-ups. The best is the Rooftop Concert, when the book plays 'Hey Jude!' Every home should have one! Philip Norman Shout! : The True Story of The Beatles 81 Norman, a journalist, wrote the first "realistic" (ie down- and-dirty) biography, daring to suggest that The Beatles were not the sweet young men the media promoted, but were ordinary fellas of exraordinary talent caught up in the miracle and morass of Beatlemania. Norman, for all his careful research, relied more than necessary on unsubstan- tiated, opinions, and many inaccuracies remain in this book. Read, as with Hunter Davis, with this in mind. John Lennon Skywriting by Word of Mouth : and other writings 86 Obviously part finished and incomplete writings which should be read, and judged, as such. Shows a frustrating glimpse of what John's autobiography might have been like... if.. John Lennon A Spaniard In The Works 65 The second compilation of John's writings. Analysed exhaustively elsewhere. Essential reading. Bill Wyman Stone Alone 90 Although about The Other Band, this well written (not ghosted) and researched book touches upon the interraction between the two Great British bands of the 1960's. Tom Riley Tell Me Why Best when musicologist Riley sticks to submediants and stays away from Beatles Interpretation 101. But a welcome successor to Wilfred Mellors' Twilight of The Gods. Mike McCartney Thank U Very Much : Mike McCartney's Family Album 81 Paul's brother's photo-based light autobiography. Witty tales, excellent early photos. Colin Campbell and Allan Murphy Things We Said Today A scholarly concordance and interpretation of The Beatles' songs. Unfortunately limited edition so may be difficult to find. Most interesting are the reproductions of The Beatles' worksheets for various songs, as they were being composed. (Reprinted by Pierian Press and sometimes avaliable from the US Beatlefest people, 1-800-BEATES) Denny Somach, Kathleen Somach, S Muni Ticket to Ride 89 0708847870 Interviews about the Beatles with 48 pop stars. A good idea that didn't quite come off. Billy Shepherd The True Story of The Beatles 64 Early biography rushed out by the publishers of 'The Beatles Book'. A wonderful timepiece, valuable for what it typefies and not what it says (more accurately does not!). S Wilfrid Mellers Twilight of The Gods : The Beatles in Retospect 73 An extremely learned book about the actual music, written by a real professor of music. Too deep for this writer! Its appearance added to William Mann's efforts in establishing the Boys as real (as against 'pop') musicians. Cynthia Lennon A Twist of Lennon 78 Cynthia, still devoted to John, writes slightly better than she draws, but her heart is in the right place - even if objectivity goes out the window. Bob Whittaker The Unseen Beatles 91 185029335X Whittaker belongs to that exclusive group who actually took a Beatles album cover shot (The Butcher cover, and the back of Revolver). With this pedigree, the book is as good as you'd expect. Excellent. Carol Bedford Waiting For The Beatles : An Apple Scruff's Story 84 The first one-third of this book takes a determined reader to get through. After that the book is a delight (change of editor?), and becomes a must for anyone wanting to re- capture the heady days of The Apple Scruffs. Ms Bedford has an intimate encounter with one of the Fabs! Tastefully told. Dezo Hoffman With The Beatles 82 Hoffman was their press photographer in 1962 and 1963, and has lots of interesting sharp prints. Famous for many images, especially the "jump" series of photo's on the "Twist and Shout" EP. Lee Minoff (et. al.) Yellow Submarine Gift Book 68 Large format hardback illustrated (drawings from film) version of the book-of-the-film. A pschycedelic timepiece. (No idea why it is a "gift" book). Lee Mintoff (et al) Yellow Submarine 68 A novelization of the script of the Boy's third Film. A pschycedelic delight. Robert Freeman Yesterday : Photographs of The Beatles 83 The photographer of the "With The Beatles", "Beatles For Sale", and "Rubber Soul". Nice stuff. Charles Reinhardt You Can't Do That : Beatles Bootlegs and Novelty Recordings So much has come out since this book was published that you are advised to look on it as an early history of Beatles bootlegs. For more contemporary information, try a back issue of the music-trader's publication, Goldmine, esp. the Nov 17th 1989 issue which featured Beatles rarities. -- Stephen Carter, Systems & Operations Manager, Computing Services, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QJ, UK : S.Carter@central.sussex.ac.uk