ALLBOOKS--A Compendium of Beatles Publications ------------------------------------------------------- Compiled by Steve Carter ([email protected]) Edited and updated by saki ([email protected]) and Ed Chen ([email protected]) Last Update: 8 August 1995 Copyright 1993, 1994, 1995---no unauthorized use permitted. ----------------------------------------------------------- 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 [email protected]; ask for QUICKBOOKS, 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! BTW, this list, despite its name, cannot possibly hold all books and articles published on the Beatles. A complete bibliography would be quite beyond our scope. We'll leave that to scholars.... --------------- Please note: books with general editors are listed first, then actual authors. Happy reading! --------------- 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. 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 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 the column of news makes it worthwhile. ed. Nicholas Drake The Sixties : A Decade in Vogue 88 Vogue magazine has always been noted for the quality of its photo's. Any collation of its Sixties photo's will therefore be both excellent and will contain several shots of the Fabs and their chums. Will not disappoint. Will re-stress the astonishing changes in style (etc) that took place during those turbulent years. ed. J Philip Di Franco A Hard Day's Night - Pictoral Record of The Movie 77 A 1977 Penguin strangely only available in the USA that goes through the entire HDN movie, scene by scene, adding the script to movie stills. Even includes scenes cut from the final film. Includes an interesting interview with Richard Lester. 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. Bill Harry The Beatles Volume 3 : Paperback Writers - Bibliography 84 Quite a nice (UK based) nearly authoratiative bibliography of books on the Fabs. With mini-reviews of most entries. Bill's (genuine) early association with the Fabs makes this good value. 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. Neville Stannard The Beatles Volume 2 : Working Class Heroes - Discography 83 A good complete discography of the Fabs, and after, up to 1983. 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. Simply to handle this book is a heart-stopping experience - and that's before you see the cost! Wonderful. 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. 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 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 92 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 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. David Bennahum The Beatles After the Breakup in their own Words 91 - Omnibus Press A companion piece to the title by Miles. Some very nice quotes on both the Beatle and solo years, but the lack of references (each quote is accompanied only by a name, a year, and occasionally a month) limits its usefulness. Ross Benson Paul McCartney : Behind the Myth 92 Little sign of original research in this book. The Same Old Story - rehashed a bit, not a lot of new stuff. (Author is reportedly gossip columnist on a London tabloid!) 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 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! Richard Buskin Beatle Crazy! : Memories & Memorabilia 94 Various photos of the group combined with photos of memorabilia, and reminisces from fans. Not thought provoking, not essential, but also not bad value since this book quickly fell to the discount racks. Colin Campbell and Allan Murphy Things We Said Today 80 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) Ed Caraeff The Beatles Book 85 Ominbus Press Large format, well presented book from those nice 'Omibus Press' people. Reasonable collection of photo's, interviews and introductory texts. George Carpozi Jr. John Lennon : Death of a Dream 80 Instant (1980 copyright) cash-in on the assassination. It shows. 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. Harry Castleman & Walter J. Podrazik The Beatles Again? 77 Sequel to their first (All Together Now). Continuing in the traditions established in the first. Harry Castleman & Walter J. Podrazik The End of The Beatles Sequel to their first (All Together Now) and second (The Beatles Again?). Continues same style, with complete indices covering all three volumes. Very handy for reference of Beatle Songs, John songs, Paul songs, George songs, Ringo songs, Decca songs, Star Club songs, etc. Alan Clayson Call Up The Groups : The Golden Age of British Beat 62-67 85 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 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. Alan Clayson Ringo Starr : Straight Man or Joker? 91 Strangely variable book. In parts absorbing and obviously very well researched, but in parts little more than a run through of Ringo's 'sleeve notes'. Disappointing because Clayson's other books are frankly a cut above the average. Alan Clayson & Pauline Sutcliffe Backbeat : Stuart Sutcliffe - The Lost Beatle 94 Tie in with the film, and sadly not as well written as Clayson's other books. Fact gets muddled with the film. But, as a tolerable account of a period and a mystery, it is a must for all Fab Fans. 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. Ray Coleman John Winston Lennon 84 See companion volume 'John Ono Lennon'. Ray Connolly Stardust Memories 83 A compilation of articles previously published in the Evening Standard. Great articles, great background to The Sixties. Only does 2 Beatles - Paul & Ringo. Philip Cowan Behind The Beatles' Songs Collected, carefully chosen, Beatle-quotes about each of their songs. Few surprises. Arthur Davis The Beatles : Quote Unquote 94 Paragon This is nothing if not an honest book. Much of it is admittedly taken as quotations from other Beatles books. Certainly not primary, probably not secondary, arguably tertiary. 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 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 undoubtedly entertaining read, but no guesses for the sustained accuracy of the tales. Malcolm Doney Lennon and McCartney 81 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 87 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) 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 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 Update of the 1982 volume. Just as good. Paul Flattery The Illustrated History of Pop 78 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 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 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 Blackbird : The Unauthorised Biography of Paul McCartney 92 Not a very good book. Much of it seems to have been written after one interview with Denny Laine's wife. 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. Geoffery Guiliano The Lost Beatles Interviews 95 Guiliano compiles interviews with peripheral Beatle people such as Julia Baird and Aunt Mimi with partial transcripts of Beatles (group + solo) interviews (most released by "Cicadelic" in their series of interview discs). Better than most of what Giuliano has to offer, but not essential. Geoffrey Giuliano Tommorow Never Knows : 30 Years of Beatles Music and Memorab 91 A well printed book with nice photographs of Mr Giuliano's large memorabilia collection. Text of little value. 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. Bob Gruen, Yoko Ono Sometime in NEW YORK CITY 95 GENESIS This is another of those heartstoppingly beautiful books from Genesis. Bob Gruen was a friend of the Lennons and took many of the "famous" images - including the picture on John's ID card! This book beautifully presents in wonderful print and reproductive qualities many of these. Only 3,500 copies printed, 2,500 autographed by Gruen and Yoko. Costly. 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 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 essential 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. Bill Harry The Ultimate Beatles Encyclopedia 92 Bill Harry's 700+ page compilation of references to people, places, and things associated with the Fab Four. The necessary brevity of the average entry makes for frustration (and some say inaccuracy) at times. A useful starting point if checking out something, but be prepared to corroborrate with a second source. Mark Hertsgaard 94 Hertsgaard, a New Yorker writer, expanded an earlier magazine article into this book. It's heavily based upon Lewisohn's own groundbreaking session investigations, and is somewhat flawed (there are some unfounded leaps of logic as well as outright mistakes); but Hertsgaard attempts to produce a readable narrative history of the Beatles' compositional development. Use with caution. 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 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 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 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 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; Hilary Kay Rock'n'Roll Collectables 92 Coffee table sized book that draws on Hilary's position as THE inventor of the famous Sotheby's memorabilia auctions. Some excellent photo's - including one of the alternative Pepper drumskin - described as 'in a private collection' (Paul has it!) Expensive, but buy if remaindered at about half price! 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. Astrid Kirchherr and Max Scheler Liverpool Days 95 - Genesis Publications A very nice set of previously unpublished photos of the A Hard Day's Night era Beatles. Bound in art canvas, with a choice of photos (J,P,G or R) on the cover. Not as expensive as other books from Genesis, but still a rather hefty price. 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 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. 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. Spencer Leigh & Peter Frame Let's Go Down The Cavern - The Story of Liverpool's Merseybe 84 An EXCELLENT book written by Someone Who Was There. Full of detail without being tedious. Always interesting. Lots of anecdotes and loads of facts. Very good indeed. Buy it if you see it. 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 Ai: Japan Through John Lennon's Eyes 90 - Shogakukan / 92 - Cadence Books John Lennon's sketches he created while learning the Japanese language. A must for anyone interested in learning the language, or fans of Lennon's sketches. Originally sold only as a supplemental textbook, reprinted in the US for the mass market. 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 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. Out of print; much of this material was incorporated into "The Complete Beatles Chronicle". Mark Lewisohn The Beatles Recording History 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 Subtitled : The only definitive guide to the Beatles entire career. Any Lewisohn book is bound to be first class. This is no exception. As complete a history as exists re: the Fabs' recording, radio, TV, and concert history. Ian MacDonald Revolution in the Head: The Beatles' Records in the Sixties 94 MacDonald has attempted an ambitious project: reviewing the Beatles' recording history song by song. His focus is all-encompassing and his footnoted credible, but he lacks the ability to sift sensible social analysis from cultural codswallop, and he gets buried occasionally in his own pomposity. Some factual errors also mar this work. It's not for beginners, but fanatics will have a good time with it. Stuart Madow and Jeff Sobel The Colour of Your Dreams 92 A look at the so-called "Psychedelic years" of 1966-1968. Unfortunately, the authors have a strong Lennon bias, making this book far less interesting and useful than it might have been. George Martin (with Jeremy Hornsby) All You Need Is Ears 79 Macmillan Any book by a member of the "Inner Circle" has to be worth reading. This is not a vibrant book, it tells little of GM's personal side, throws few insights on the recording sessions, and has pages on the physics of sound. George Martin Making Music 84 George Martin relates some insights from both the artistic and business sides of making music. Other than just George Martin's involvement, of interest to Beatle people because of a Paul McCartney interview. George Martin (with William Pearson) Summer of Love : The Making of Sgt. Pepper 94 George Martin gets well-deserved accolades for providing the Beatles with exactly the right production touches, and for knowing when to intrude and when to step back. He's told his version of the "Sgt. Pepper" genesis many times, and it's nice, on the one hand, to have it written down. On the other hand, this book is seriously flawed, appears never to have been fact-checked or proofread, and suffers from a dearth of provable documentation. Anecdotally interesting. 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. Linda McCartney Linda's Pictures 76 Very nice 1976 collection of Linda's photos. Worth grabbing if you see it as some of the shots are not repeated in the 1992 glossy coffee table production. Linda McCartney Linda McCartney's Home Cooking 89 - Arcade Publishing Linda presents recipes she came up with over the years cooking vegetarian for Paul and family. A bit heavy on the butter and salt, but a good primer for those looking to cut back on meat. Linda McCartney Linda McCartney's Sixties 92 - Bulfinch Before she was Mrs. Paul McCartney, Linda Eastman was a top-flight rock photographer. This book presents her photos of the people and places of that era, including significant numbers of Beatles and McCartney photos. Michael McCartney Mike Mac's Whites and Blacks (plus one colour) 88 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 Remember : The recollections and Photos of Mike McCartney 92 Paul married a good photographer and has one for a brother! Excellently produced and printed follow up to 'Black & White. A few previously unseen, but all are very evocative. 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 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. William McCoy and Mitchell McGeary Every Little Thing 91 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. Ross Michaels George Harrison : Yesterday & Today 77 Fairly lightweight bio=pic introduction to George. In same format as the 'In Their Own Words' series. Short, but seems to acheive its modest targets in 88 pages. 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 68 A novelization of the script of the Boy's third Film. A pschycedelic delight. 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). Carolyn Lee Mitchell All Our Loving : A Beatles Fan's Memoir 88 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 extraordinary 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. Jim O'Donnel The Day John Met Paul 94 - Hall of Fame Books A retelling of the day John Lennon and Paul McCartney first met in Liverpool. The author gets his history fine (how was the weather that day, what else was going onin the world) but the characters of John and Paul come off as cocksure and unrealistic. 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 Tony Palmer (ill. Ralph Steadman) Born Under A Bad Sign 70 Usual 'hard to read' stuff from Palmer. Book has value because it is contemporary, and Palmer moved in the circles he writes about. Essays about 60's music, musicians and movers... 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). 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. Andru J. Reeve Turn Me On, Dead Man : Complete Story of the McCartney Hoax 94 An excellently full account of the history of the Paul is Dead "hoax". A few errors, a few omissions, but essential & entertaining for all serious students. 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 89 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. Helen Rosenbaum The Beatles Trivia Quiz Book 78 An amusing little curio. "100 quizzes (sic) with 1001 questions". Delivers what it predicts. Worth grabbing if you see it. Jeff Russell The Beatles Album File and Complete Discography Somewhat fraught with inaccuracies; in America it's called The Beatles On Record. Nishi F. Saimaru The John Lennon Family ALbum 90 Exactly what it sounds like...a photo album of Lennon/Ono pictures. 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'. Piet Schreuders, Mark Lewisohn, Adam Smith The Beatles London 94 Lewisohn has lent his invaluable historical presence to this excellent sourcebook. It's designed to be a guidebook to Fabs fans who want to seek out Beatles sites in London, but it also gives one a vivid impression of the Fabs' life in and around that famous city. Among places covered are film sites, homes, convert venues, favorite clubs and restaurants, premieres, and more. Excellent graphic design as well. Tom Schultheiss The Beatles : A Day in The Life 80 Dates from their "diaries" - 1960-70. Selective. Frederic Seaman John Lennon : Living on Borrowed Time 91 Fred Seaman was John's assistant for the last 18 months of his life. Absorbing & readable account - but only John (& Yoko) know how much is true. Seaman was prosecuted for stealing John's diaries - he give his version. 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 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'). Terence Spencer It Was Thirty Years Ago Today 94 Bloomsbury An excellent presentation of the early photo's of the Fabs taken by the european photographer of 'Life'. A few of the usual minor editorial errors - but more than made up for but the quality of the photos and their presentation. Rather silly title - how will it be sold a few years after its first publication? 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. Doug Sulpy Illegal Beatles - Archival Back Issues 1986-1988 90 Former rmb regular Doug hits the bookstores with a compilation of issues of his first Fanzine. Much about bootlegs. For harcore fans. Doug now produces The 910. Doug Sulpy and Ray Scweighardt Drugs, Divorce and A Slipping Image 95 - available through the "910" A painstaking catalogue and chronology of roughly thirty hours worth of "Get Back" tapes. Not a dry recitation of "what's on the tapes and where" either, but an interesting story which can perhaps only come from the perspective of as much listening as these two gentlemen did. As close as one can come to a time machine and a key into Twickenham. 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. George Tremlett Rock Gold : The Music Millionares 90 Although in parts like an economics textbook, it is a surprisingly interesting read about where (and how) the MONEY goes. Could have been editted a bit more firmly, but worth picking up if you see it. Steve Turner A Hard Day's Write: The Stories Behind Every Beatles Song 94 Lots ofinformative text, photographic documents, and readability make this tome very useful to scholars of the Fabs' composition. Each song is discussed in terms of its origins, and relevant quotes are provided. We even get to see Julian's original schoolboy drawing entitled "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds"! Nice book, on balance worth getting. 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, 92 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. Allen J Weiner The Beatles : The Ultimate Recording Guide 93 Reasonable reference book, well researched and well presented. Covers UK & US discographies, bootlegs, specials, unreleased, solo, CD etc etc . 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 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). Max Wilkie The Art of Yellow Submarine 94 Vinyl Experience Thin 40+pp LP sized account of the making of Yellow Submarine. Not a heavy book, but excellent photo's make it worth collecting if you like this period. 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 - Proteus Books A quickie tome published to cash in on the Beatlemania which followed John's tragic death. Despite the juvenile writing, the editors managed to come up with many nice, rarely seen photos from the solo years. 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. Andrew Yule The Man who 'Framed' the Beatles (AKA The Beatles and Richard Lester) 94 Diehard fans of Richard Lester (the director who did the Beatles' films) will enjoy this tome. Its details of the making of "A Hard Day's Night" and "Help!" are rather quickly dealt with; but the funniest portion deals with Lester's TV production of several projects involving The Goons (BBC radio's funnymen, much beloved by the Fabs) during the fifties. Lester's latter-day film works never quite measure up to those from his halcyon days...still an enjoyable read. --------------- If you've heard of a book you think should be included here, please write to [email protected] and let us know!