The Beatles Anthology

Book Description

Created with their full cooperation, The Beatles Anthology is, in effect, The Beatles' autobiography. Like their music, which has been a part of so many of our lives, this landmark release is warm, frank, funny, poignant and bold. At last, here is The Beatles' own story. Each page is brimming with personal stories and rare, vintage images. Includes over 340,000 words and over 1300 images, including unseen photographs and personal memorabilia.

Customer Reviews:

Great Book - Great stories........2007-05-22

The only negative is the size of the book. There should be a smaller hardcover or paperback edition. The content is superb and a great coffee table book, but it's difficult to curl up with this book in bed.

An amazing book.......2007-05-13

I really liked Anthology. Not because it told the basic story, which I already got from other biographies. What makes this book really valuable is that it gives the view from inside the eye of the hurricane.

I mean, what's it like when the world starts screaming in your face?

Telling moments... There's a snapshot of John and Paul clutching their guitars as they head onstage for a concert, but their eyes are grim and tired. Paul is holding up his guitar like he needs a shield to ward off a punch to the face. It's a rather frightening photograph, and you feel sorry for them.

Or you wonder, what was George Harrison thinking, when he set off on a stroll through Height-Ashbury - that no one would notice him?

Or you sense, how much fun they seem to have had touring Australia.

Or their "family photos" from vacation trips... about as boring as anyone's photos. Except it's them. THEM.

The book seamlessly works fresh material from the three Beatles (and a few others) with parts of old John Lennon interviews, so it all reads smoothly, like it was all done at once - really great. The book is a fascinating trip all over again... I read it for two days through and hardly put it down.

Only Book You Need.......2007-05-11

As a hard core Beatles fan I can recommend many books,but if I had to recommend only one it would probably be this one. This is a complete,definitive biography,told in their own words. Not surprising that they should feel the need to do this. With all the tabloid fiction out there, I'm surprised they didn't do this earlier. I'm also not surprised that some people are calling it incomplete, saying that this seems to be their version of the story that they want put out. Could it be because this IS the actual true story about them? No really! Do they mean to imply that they ( the Beatles) actually know more about this subject (the Beatles) then some idiot who met them twice, or (maybe not at all) and decided to make some money by writing a second rate book? The audacity! This book tells the story from birth to break up. There is no filler, just facts. And it is told in their own funny,matter of fact,no nonsense way.

Of course the music is the spotlight. Each album is gone over with a fine tooth comb and you are lifted right into the atmosphere, and events unfolding behind the scenes that made each album special. Actually everything they talk about,from their childhoods to Beatlemania seems to lift you right into the scene. This is helped by the gorgeous pictures, almost all of them from their personal collections. Even if you are illiterate you will want this book just for the pictures. By the way, John's quarter of the story is told through interviews. Thank goodness he gave so many. Some of the pictures even have his written comments scrawled on them,showing us exactly how he felt at the time. There are hundreds of pictures of documents, handwritten play lists, handwritten lyrics, notes, hotel and restaurant bills,lists of concerts (again with John's handwritten comments about what was going on.) These guys kept everything! I can't beleive that Paul and Ringo actually kept plane and hotel receipts from a long ago trip to Greece with Jane Asher and Maureen Cox.(at that time,the future Mrs. Starkey) There is even a document at the top corner of one of the pages, (I bet a lot of people missed it) which refers to the request for some lice removal medicine to be delivered to one unfortunate Beatle's home. Of course they are NOT talking about head lice,and having read Peter Brown's pointless,vindictive book,The Love You Make,I know that this may have been Paul's way of saying,'Yes it's true but Epstein's creepy,lackey had no right to put it in a book (and make lots of money). Or maybe I read it in that other rag, Yesterday by Chet Flippo. I had the misfortune of reading both books. Don't make the same mistake.

Don't get me wrong, I don't mind reading juicy,personal stuff as long as it's true and not embellishment. And there are plenty of interesting,sexy, stories,and stories of John's craziness but coming from their mouths, I know they are true. Except for that peeing on nuns story. Really John! George says it never happened and I beleive him. This book is like a huge memoir. A personal scrapbook and photo album. You will enjoy it's beauty,candidness, and it's entertaining style. And it's not true that most of these stories have been told before. I've read hundreds of books on the Fabs and 90% of this book is fresh, especially the early years. While you're at it, get the Anthology DVD set also. It's completely different from this book! Talk about quality, and value for money! Something that's always been important to the Beatles.

Everything Beatles! By the Beatles! What could be wrong?.......2007-05-09

Take 4 guys from England that changed the world of music forever and have them tell the story of their meteoric rise to fame and dominance of the music industry for decades and what do you have? THE BEATLES ANTHOLOGY.

John, Paul, George and Ringo made the music that we listen to today what it is. Without the British Invasion, we would never have had the development of rock and roll as it is today. Elvis and the Beatles, they are the fathers of rock and roll. This is half of that story.

The Anthology is a great compilation of photos, album covers, artwork, lyrics, personal stories, articles and everything else Beatles. If you like the Beatles, then this is the source for every bit of information about the first super-group. You can probably find other books out there about the Beatles, but this was written by the fab four; you really can't go anywhere else to get the information you get in this book.

This is a must have for any Beatles fan. A must have for anyone that appreciates the history of music and rock & roll. Well, this is just a must have.

What more can I say? The Beatles were the original. Their story is great, their music is great, this book is great. Fact, period, end of story.

THE BEST CHRONICLE OF THE BEST ROCK AND ROLL BAND: THE BEATLES AGAIN!!!.......2007-01-10

WoooW!! What an elaborated and extensive material about the best band in the world! this book has every moment, every day, every story about the greatest John, Paul, George and Ringo told by themselves; this book is an invaluable work and every people who likes every kind of music has to buy it! I recommend it especially for the young people who begin to play music and former musical groups with their friends, I'm sure everyone will love this book. THE BEATLES SHOKING ALL THE WORLD AGAIN!!!

Playboy Interviews with John Lennon & Yoko Ono: The Final Testament

Average customer rating:

GREAT INTERVIEW
My Favorite book!
A Good Book About John and Yoko!!!!!!!!
essential insights
One of my very favourite books...

Playboy Interviews with John Lennon & Yoko Ono: The Final Testament
David Sheff
Manufacturer: Berkley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Entertainers | Arts & Literature | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Performing Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0425059898

Customer Reviews:

GREAT INTERVIEW.......2007-05-12

I had read this book years ago and like so many other things, you lend it out and never get it back. sigh. I was happy to find this online and ordered it straight away. It was ordered at the same time as my Amazon stuff (through a reseller) and it beat my Amazon order by a good 3 days! lol

This is a fantastic inverview. I only wish an audio were available. Maybe someday.

My Favorite book!.......2002-07-27

I love John lennon so i started reading biographys on him and interviews, etc to learn more about him. When I read "The Playboy Interviews With John Lennon and Yoko Ono" I HONESTLY COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! I couldn't believe it; i started reading it in the afternoon and didn't put it down until late at night where i finished it! It is a wonderful, wonderful book with John's sense of humor and yoko's too and their insight into the world. It really is my favorite book because it is close to a John Lennon autobiography as the world will ever know. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!

A Good Book About John and Yoko!!!!!!!!.......2002-04-09

I think that this book was very good. It took the reader in to the private lives of both John and Yoko. It gives us an inside look on what their own private lives were really like. That being when John was with The Beatles and his life afterwards and up to the end of his life. I recommend reading this book. It takes you into John's thoughts about life!!

essential insights.......2000-11-10

This is the definitive book regarding John Lennon. He reviews almost every song he wrote with or without Paul McCartney, which alone is worth the price of admission. In addition to that, he provides insights into his personal philosophies and world views. One could call it the perfect companion to the recent Beatles Anthology book. Crucial reading. How sad he had to die a little over 2 months after these interviews were conducted. Unfortunately out of print, do yourself a favor and try an out of print book search; you won't regret it.

One of my very favourite books..........2000-01-06

I first read this book back in 1983, to gain a little insight of John...and it quickly became my favourite book. Although I don't think Yoko was or is everything he thought, this was a man who truly loved his wife, and believed with his whole heart and soul in their marriage and life together. He was enjoying making music again, so much (this interview was done in September of 1980) and was looking forward to the future...hoping he'd be there with us. His love for his music, his wife, his sons, and even the Beatles are all there. He gives his opinions on every subject he can think of, both positive and negative, in his usual witty, straight-to-the-point manner that we all know him for. The interviewer did a great job, and was clearly a man who admired John Lennon as much as I do. He did a great job in this book, and it is my absolute favourite, out of all of my collection. Anyone who wants a peek into what John thought and felt and wanted you to know, should read this book...you will treasure it as I do.

Lennon and McCartney - Together Alone: A Critical Discography of Their Solo Work

Average customer rating:

Comprehensive but only somewhat compelling
A 'must' for any collection serious about a full representation of the Beatles' works.
An inexpensive alternative to his previous volumes
Critical discography of Lennon & McCartney solo releases
Musical Juggernauts

Lennon and McCartney - Together Alone: A Critical Discography of Their Solo Work
John Blaney , John Lennon , and Paul McCartney
Manufacturer: Jawbone Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 1906002029

Book Description

When the Beatles spilt in 1970, John Lennon and Paul McCartney each created a new body of work as they defined their individual styles. This book examines their growing confidence and the highs and lows of their careers via a careful and entertaining examination of their every major record release from the 1960s to today. A must for every music student and Beatles fan, with lots of info for collectors (release dates, catalog numbers, credits, etc.). Includes cool photos throughout and a detailed index.

Customer Reviews:

Comprehensive but only somewhat compelling.......2007-08-04

First comment: I hate the hideous cover photo of Lennon and McCartney morphed together. Freakish. Fire the art director.

More relevant: this is a thick book, chock full of info, and accounted for an interesting afternoon or two. Part of the problem is that it discussed the relevance of particular lyrics, but doesn't include the songs' full lyrics. So I found that I had to go to Google to get the full stories behind the songs--which was why I bought the book.

The other unfortunate part--which the author can't do anything about--is that I obviously wanted to immediately hear the songs--or snippets of the songs--as I was reading about them, either to refresh my memory or because I hadn't heard them before. So you either need to read this next to your stereo--with a full McCartner & Lennon collection at hand--or while on Amazon (to hear snippets for free). That's not a fault of the book, simply the limitations of the medium.

Bottom line, a book about music is a tricky and not entirely fulfilling proposition. But on the whole it's a useful and interesting book; John Blaney has done a nice job.

A 'must' for any collection serious about a full representation of the Beatles' works........2007-07-08

The songwriting partnership of Lennon/McCartney is one of the most popular of all time and formed the foundation of the Beatles' sound and evolution: but this focus is on their independent songwriting after they broke up, and offers important assessments of their work both within and outside the Beatles. Collectors will appreciate the facts on release dates, catalogue numbers, composer credits and technical recording information, while Blaney's critical analysis and lively style peppers quotes from the songwriters along with insights. Sidebars of information accompany in-depth analysis of songs and the individual artists. A 'must' for any collection serious about a full representation of the Beatles' works.

An inexpensive alternative to his previous volumes.......2007-06-29

Mr. Blaney has previously written two excellent detailed song-by-song discocraphies, one on Lennon "Listen to this book" and one on McCartney "The songs he was singing". This new book "Together Alone" appears to be a slightly revised combination and abridgement of his two earlier titles, with somewhat less discographic detail. It is a cheaper, one-volume version, and as such is a very good buy. For those who already have the 2 earlier books, this new one is largely redundant.

Critical discography of Lennon & McCartney solo releases.......2007-06-23

Lennon & McCartney go together like peanut butter and jelly--they are complimentary but with distinct different flavors. John Blaney's critical discography will make fans both happy and mad--while he completely covers the duo's recorded output (to the time this was written after "Chaos and Creation in the Backyard")giving information on the recordings, trivia about the songs and how they charted, he also gives us his opinions some of which Beatles fans will disagree with. On the whole, though, Blaney is on the mark in his assessment of the strengths/weaknesses of their various songs and recordings.

For example, Blaney discusses Lennon's "Mind Games" assessing the final product as the type of bland music that Lennon thought fans and the record company might want. While that might be true of some of the material on "Mind Games" he also points to the stronger recordings/songs as well. Personally, I disagree with some of his critical assessments of the songs on "Mind Games" but he makes strong, valid points for his opinions. As with "Mind Games", Blaney is equally unforgiving of McCartney's "Red Rose Speedway" which he basically suggests is a half finished album lacking cohesion and capable lyrics. Again, his assessment is often on target although one could argue with him about some of the songs on the album. There are a number of opinions here that while informed a Beatles-Lennon/McCartney critical fan would disagree with. The only major flaw with the book is numerous proof reading errors aside from that, Blaney's book is well thought out, argued and intelligently written (even if you do disagree with his opinions).

Blaney has done his research and whether or not you agree to disagree with him he has written an impressive book on the post-Beatles careers both men had. Like Bruce Spizer's books on The Beatles Capitol and Apple recordings, Blaney tries to be as exhaustive and accurate as possible. He also includes bits of trivia that even I wasn't aware of for example that "Jamrag" which is credited to Lennon and Ono was actually a Frank Zappa song called "King Kong" that the two credited to themselves on the "Sometime in New York City" album. While Lennon and Ono appear on the recording itself they had absolutely nothing to do with the song which Zappa had written before their onstage collaboration.

He even discusses McCartney's side projects such as "Thrillington" (and points out that while McCartney attacked arranger Richard Hewson's over-the-top arrangement for "The Long and Winding Road" he collaborated with Hewson to create "Thrillington" commissioning him to write the orchestral arrangements of the songs from "Ram"), The Firemen and Twin Freaks.

The book comes separate discographies for both Lennon and McCartney as well as a list of collaborations that both men did with other artists as songwriters/producers/performers. You may disagree with Blaney's opinion (or not)but he's done a marvelous job of cataloging both Lennon and McCartney's post-Beatles careers and putting them into perspective by discussing the circumstances that helped create the variuos albums they made.

Oh, and I think the cover is kind of cool. I've often felt that Lennon & McCartney were a perfect compliment to each other as songwriters and this is a visual that suggests that as well.

Musical Juggernauts.......2007-04-18

This is a book that all will love, from people just becoming familiar with the Beatles to inveterate fans and Beatle scholars. John Blaney is a gifted writer with a perceptive mind. He has included in his work many little known facts about the world's best song writing duo, John Lennon & Paul McCartney!

In addition to recognizing the talents of these musical juggernauts, Blaney lists Paul McCartney's charitable performances. He analyzes the songs of these brilliant lyricists and Paul McCartney's spiritual side which is reflected in some of his later works. For many years, George Harrison was credited as the Beatle who wrote of spiritual matters; while true, this is not to overlook that accomplishment in Paul McCartney.

This is a book that will be cherished by all Beatle fans and people who are interested in their music.

Average customer rating:

Enjoyable Read
Great read!
Great book for Beatle-lovers
Terribly Revealing, Sad
A Very Nice Biography

John
Cynthia Lennon
Manufacturer: Crown
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Entertainers | Arts & Literature | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Performing Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 030733855X
Release Date: 2005-09-27

Amazon.com

This isn't Cynthia Lennon's first book about her legendary ex-husband. A Twist of Lennon--a slim volume that John tried to suppress on grounds of libel--came out in 1978. But now, 25 years after his death, she finally feels ready to tell the "full and truthful story" of their life together. Why? In his foreword, son Julian writes of their being "dismissed or at best treated as insignificant bit players" in the story of John's life; it's Cynthia's goal, with John, to set the record straight. She does make a case for being more than just "the impressionable young girl who fell for him, then trapped him into marriage," and it's moving to read, in his own words, of John's love for his son. And while there's nothing new in her account of the Fab Four's rise to fame, as the greatest success story of the rock era, it's a legend that bears retelling. But most salient of all are Cynthia's sketches of pain, regret, and intimidation. John was indeed a brilliant, loving man, but he was also "passionately jealous," "verbally cutting," sometimes abusive, and often neglectful. (It is hinted that his behavior may have paralleled that of the woman who raised him, his Aunt Mimi.) Unfortunately, Cynthia's "response to John's provocative and cruel behavior was to stick by him more solidly than ever...[feeling] that if he could trust me and believe that I loved him he might soften."

It's not this dysfunction, however, but rather John's use of LSD, on which she blames the emotional "chasm" that led to the failure of their marriage. And though the Lennons' divorce comes relatively late in the book, the pages that follow are by far the saddest, as they chronicle John's increasing distance from and neglect of his former family--especially Julian, who would only see his father three times after he moved to New York in 1971. It's no surprise that Cynthia lays much of the blame for this at the feet of Yoko Ono, who is described as controlling and insensitive, especially in the wake of John's murder. But even though there's a lot of bitterness and resentment in these pages, it's not overwhelming, being offset by Cynthia's fierce love for her son and her continuing affection for her ex-husband. A full picture of John Lennon's life will never exist as long as Ono judges herself unable to write about their time together, but John goes a long way toward improving the situation. --Benjamin Lukoff

Book Description

The Extraordinary Story of a Man, a Legend and a Marriage

When she was eighteen years old, a girl named Cynthia Powell met a boy named John Lennon and they fell in love. Their ten-year relationship coincided with the start of the Beatles phenomenon—from Liverpool’s dockside clubs to the dizzying worldwide fame that followed. And Cynthia Lennon, John’s first wife, was an integral part of the swirl of events that are now an indelible part of the history of rock and roll.

In John, Cynthia recalls those times with the loving honesty of an insider, offering new and fascinating insights into the life of John Lennon and the early days of the Beatles. And with the perspective only years can provide she also tells the compelling story of her marriage to a man who was to become a music legend, a cultural hero and a defining figure of the twentieth century.

Cynthia has seldom talked in any detail about her marriage and the painful events that followed John’s tragic assassination in 1980. Now she candidly reveals the good and the bad, the loving and the cruel sides of John. She tells of the breakdown of their marriage and the beginning of his relationship with Yoko Ono in more detail than has ever been disclosed before and documents the difficulties estrangement from John—and his subsequent death—brought for herself and their son, Julian.

In John, Cynthia Lennon has created a vivid portrait of the 1960s, the Beatles and the man she never stopped loving.

The time has come when I feel ready to tell the truth about John and me, our years together and the years since his death. There is so much that I have never said, so many incidents I have never spoken of and so many feelings I have never expressed: great love on one hand; pain, torment and humiliation on the other. Only I know what really happened between us, why we stayed together, why we parted and the price I have paid for being John’s wife.

I want to tell the real story of the real John—the infuriating, lovable, sometimes cruel, funny, talented and needy man who made such an impact on the world. — From the Introduction

Customer Reviews:

Enjoyable Read.......2007-10-07

This accounting rings of a genuine attempt to be truthful and honest. Hasn't everyone spoken with a close friend or relative, who recounts stories of their estranged spouse or relative and sometimes tend to embellish the stories in their favor? It`s human nature, and that may be the case in some instances throughout this book, but it appears Cynthia Lennon is attempting to be honest to the public and honest with herself. As a Beatle fan, many of the stories were familiar, but with more detail. From time to time, Cynthia comments in a way to give John and Yoko the benefit of the doubt and even tries to show Yoko respect. Most of the time, I felt I was reading Cynthia's honest opinion and honest recounting of how things really played out.

An example of hearsay or conjecture is Cynthia's telling of John's purchasing of Aunt Mimi's house back in the 60s with the intention of it passing down to John's two half sisters. Apparently, after Mimi's death (she survived John) Yoko sold it immediately and the two half-sisters received nothing. Nobody really will ever know John's intention concerning that if it was not directly expressed in his Will.

One thing is painfully obvious. John Lennon neglected the relationship with his first-born son, and one cannot help to put some of the blame on Yoko Ono. During the 70's and until his untimely death in 1980, he saw Julian only a handful of times. John Lennon may have been a musical genius, but by the end of this book, I could not help but think he was one major hypocrite. Everyone is human, and you really never know until you walk a mile in another man's shoes, but it just smacks of John Lennon being a terrible father and Yoko Ono being selfish.

I thought it might be a good idea to search Amazon and see if Yoko had written a tell-all biography. It just may be that she will never be able to escape the "witch" label she has been given, but I noted that of much of her written stuff, she had little to no customer reviews. Could it be nobody cares what she has to say? Of her CD's, the reviews stretch the gamut from great to downright awful.

Nevertheless, this book is easy reading and as a fan, I gobbled up much of it. I believe Cynthia Lennon truly believes it was a blessing and a curse to be associated with the Lennon name.

Great read!.......2007-09-22

There are plenty of great descriptions of this book below. I just want to add that I loved it and would recommend it. I practically devoured this book.

Great book for Beatle-lovers.......2007-09-12

At the end of this book, Cynthia Lennon says that if she had known all that would have transpired between her and John, she would have turned and walked away the first time she met him. What a sad sad commentary on the life she had with him. I read "A Twist of Lennon" 20-plus years ago and it was interesting to see the same events replayed, with far less humor (I missed that humor!) but also with many new details inserted -- like the relationship with John's sisters or the fact that John had hit her once. And I learned alot what happened after she divorced John and he shamefully left her with very little money. But the two villians here are Yoko Ono and Auntie Mimi. I give Cynthia credit for trying to be even-handed about John, mentioning the good and the bad, and as Cynthia is now on her fourth marriage, I hope she's learned to pick the right guy now.

Terribly Revealing, Sad.......2007-08-14

It truly upsets me that I was able to read the entire Beatles Anthology book (all those hundreds of pages) and have no idea what John had put Cynthia and Julian through during the years of his first marriage. I think what bothers me most is not his behavior - which was despicable, selfish and COWARDLY by any standard of human decency - but moreso the success that he and Yoko had in covering up what had been done to Cynthia and Julian. Theirs was an effort to literally rewrite history as if the two had never existed and, tragically, they were nearly successful. If not for Julian's musical success, you have to wonder if we'd still be in the dark (and I say that as someone who never even heard about Cynthia's 1978 book despite being a huge Beatles fan growing up).

There is so much to be disgusted by here - the way John disrespected and humiliated a woman who had been loyal and true to him, while never having the guts to actually voice his doubts or true feelings to her face. The way he abandoned his son for large stretches at a time, simultaneously telling us all to welcome peace and love into our hearts. Perhaps what is most despicable is the way he tried to frame Cynthia in a ridiculous adultery plot in order to take her son from her and deny her much-deserved alimony payments. That is so profoundly hypocritical and cancerous given his behavior with other women throughout the marriage that it makes you wonder if he was indeed mentally ill as some have suggested. Either that, or Yoko was indeed an absolute master manipulator who preyed on his weaknesses with precision.

Marriages are tough, and to me, this is a great book for any man to read who struggles with commitment and coming to terms with himself when faced with true intimacy in a first marriage. Lennon gives us a textbook example of how NOT to conduct oneself in such a situation - how to repress feelings, deny reality, and hurt those who love you the most.

The real tragedy is that he threw away a woman who recognized his flaws and was still ready to stand by him, a woman that by most accounts made him a stronger, happier, saner person during her time with him. And of course the woman who gave him a beautiful son who idolized him, the son she birthed and raised on her own, never with so much as a thank you from John.

Tragic. And all the more unsettling because it does not diminish Lennon's music or his public message. There WAS great wisdom there. What a shame that the man himself could not enjoy more of its fruits during his time on this earth. He has, ultimately, only himself to blame, despite his troubled upbringing.

A Very Nice Biography.......2007-08-11

This book by Cynthia Lennon touched me deeply. She is so honest in this book that it is sometimes heartbreaking.
I have read I, Me, Mine by George Harrison and was extremely disappointed.
This book at least gives quite a bit of information about John's early life, Beatlemania years and his final years. It also discusses, openly and honestly, his relationship with his son, Julian. It is very well written by a woman that truly loved her husband. Way to go, Cynthia.

Average customer rating:

THE BEATLES SOLO ON APPLE RECORDS
Take a Bite into the Apple
A long and winding road
Another Great Entry in Series, A Tiny Bit Less of a "Must-Own"
A depth unequalled by competing, lighter Beatles coverage's

The Beatles Solo on Apple Records
Bruce Spizer
Manufacturer: Four Ninety-Eight Productions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

History & Criticism | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0966264959

Book Description

"The Beatles Solo on Apple Records" is the companion piece to Bruce Spizer's critically acclaimed "The Beatles on Apple Records." This book details the solo records released by John, Paul, George and Ringo on their own Apple label in America, starting with the December, 1968, release of George's "Wonderwall Music" album and ending with the December, 1975, release of George's single "This Guitar (Can't Keep From Crying)." All solo projects are covered, including all of the albums and singles released by John & Yoko and Paul McCartney & Wings, as well as classic albums such as "Imagine," "Band On The Run," "All Things Must Pass" and "Ringo." The book provides complete session and chart information and shows all picture sleeves, album covers and label variations, along with many of the promotional posters, displays and trade magazine ads. The book is hard cover and printed on heavy weight glossy paper. It has over 900 images (all in full color or original black & white) spread throughout the book's 358 pages.

Customer Reviews:

THE BEATLES SOLO ON APPLE RECORDS.......2007-02-10

For the completest. Bruce Spizers' second Beatles Apple publication dissects and represents the many international incarnations of the individual output of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr whilst they were still associated with Apple Records. Sadly much of this output was merely associated with Apple due to contractractual obligations. In some cases under protest. But in those heady days beginning just prior to the saddest breakup in Rock history.. all up to the late seventies, the solo Beatles material from the four ex Beatles are among some of the most popular albums in musical history. McCartney, John Lennon & The Plastic Ono Band, Ram, Imagine, Band On The Run, All Things Must Pass, Venus & Mars and Ringo, all contain a wealth of popular hits, that were less conspicuous in the later solo Apple years. There are a few omissions, such as the Australian release of J.L. & The Plastic Ono Band (which had a unique Black & White label on Apple), but generally the material collected and presented by Mr Spizer presents an unbelieveable array of variable releases of the same albums throughout the world. It's a fascinating look at a unique era in music & memorabilia. If you love the detailed background of Beatles history, as I do. You'll read this book over and over again.

Take a Bite into the Apple .......2007-01-10

The followup to Spizer's book on The Beatles' group efforts on Apple, this goes through all of the band's solo Apple releases. Again, there's so much information here! And again, if you're not interested in all of the deep information on the various pressings, label copy, etc., you can skip it. Although you'll find that the Beatles had a lot of fun with what they did with Apple on their solo releases, and there's plenty of photos of various labels, album and singles covers, etc. I don't know where Spizer got the energy to do this 5 times (he's got 4 other similar books on Beatles releases), but I'm glad he did.

A long and winding road.......2006-03-20

The Beatles 2nd UK lp (that became America's 1st) was released Nov. 22, 1963. The White album was released on Nov. 22, 1968. What tremendous growth in 5 years! They grew together and apart...this book will clue you in on every nuance of the solo years. Keep saying over and over, "it was only a band..."

Another Great Entry in Series, A Tiny Bit Less of a "Must-Own".......2005-08-07

Bruce Spizer has now put together five books in this series of looks at the Beatles (and with this latest volume, the solo years on Apple in the early-mid 70's) and their relationships with record labels Vee-Jay, Capitol, and Apple.

As fans of these books know, much of each book covers very detailed, minute bits of information about the release of each LP, Single, EP, etc. The cost of the books is probably due in large part to each book being printed in complete full color on every page. A large percentage of the pages are covered with every label variation of every release. If you're not a hardcore collector intensely interested in what are usually very, very minute label differences (mostly different fonts, different perimenter print on the labels), then I have to say that some of the wow factor is missing.

What has made the other entries in this series must-have books for any Beatles scholar, even if they are not interested in label variations, is the detailed history Spizer uncovers behind the Beatles' relationship with their labels. Spizer uncovers long-forgotten or never-known stories behind how the labels devised albums or singles, and many other interesting details. His book on the Vee-Jay label's relationship with the Beatles was a complete revelation that completely changed scholars' perception of the relationship between the group and Vee-Jay, and would have been a must-have for Beatles scholars even without any pictures or illustrations of any kind.

There are interesting pictures in all of the volumes, including the "Solo Beatles on Apple" other than label variations. Pictures of alternate album covers and other artwork, as well as promotional items all adorn the pages.

"The Solo Beatles on Apple..." is perhaps a tiny bit less indispensable as compared to Spizer's other books only because it doesn't have as much revelatory information as the previous entries (particularly the Vee-Jay book and the Capitol books). All of the books contain Spizer's own reviews of the music itself, as well as basic information on the background of the songs and albums. This is the only information in Spizer's books which isn't indispensible. It's all well-written, it just doesn't offer any new information. Because the "Solo Beatles" book has a bit less of the new, wow-factor type of facts that made the Vee-Jay and Capitol books so interesting, the "Solo Beatles" book doesn't have quite as much to offer in terms of the text. Spizer admits that he came into writing the book with the opinion that the Beatles' solo work doesn't hold up well to the group's output. Listening to the albums apparently did change is mind to some degree, but I do see just a bit less enthusiasm behind the writing of this book as compared to the other group entries.

Still, between the ample color artwork and still plenty of interesting details uncovered by Spizer, this book is still a must-own for Beatles scholars and record collectors. I would give it 4 1/2 stars if I could.

A depth unequalled by competing, lighter Beatles coverage's.......2005-08-06

Avid Beatles collectors who already have all the collector's guides to Apple Records may imagine they already have all they need - until they confront The Beatles Solo On Apple Records: The Stories Behind The Entire Beatles Solo Catalog On Apple Records Including Imagine, Band On The Run, All Things Must Pass And Ringo. Packed with black and white and color photos of records, vintage posters, ad illustrations and more, The Beatles Solo On Apple Records supplements extensive illustrations with meticulous background details for each recording's origins. In using the recordings to ground background history, The Beatles Solo produces a depth unequalled by competing, lighter Beatles coverage's - and insights simply unavailable in price guides alone. Not for the casual readers who seeks a light history, but perfect for the avid Beatles fan who needs to know everything about the group, it's individual members, and their recordings.

Average customer rating:

lennon at his best
John Lennon
Wonderful, not just because it's John Lennon
John Lennon Book
Totally Original Lennon!!!

In His Own Write
John Lennon
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0684868075

Book Description

About The Awful

I was bored on the 9th of Octover 1940 when, I believe, the Nasties were still booming us led by Madolf Heatlump (who only had one). Anyway they didn't get me. I attended to varicous schools in Liddypol. And still didn't pass -- much to my Aunties supplies. As a member of the most publified Beatles my (P, G, and R's) records might seem funnier to some of you than this book, but as far as I'm conceived this correction of short writty is the most wonderfoul larf I've every ready.

God help and breed you all.

Customer Reviews:

lennon at his best.......2007-10-13

A side of Lennon we never see. My 13 y.o son read and craked oop. Really mangles the English language.

John Lennon.......2007-08-26

A peek into the mind of John Lennon and you can see how creative he really was.

Wonderful, not just because it's John Lennon.......2007-02-17

Don't let these other reviewers scare you. You don't need to worship John Lennon to enjoy this book. Even if you don't like the Beatles, it is really great reading. In particluar, I think the poem 'Deaf Ted, Danoota, and Me' shows real talent.

John Lennon Book.......2007-01-27

The book is in great condition and it arrived quickly but the content was Nice, but wasnt what I thought it would be.

Totally Original Lennon!!!.......2007-01-27

John Lennon sparkled with creativity during his life. His musical achievements were nothing short of legendary; however, his writing talent is almost always overlooked! All three of his published books are absolutely fabulous, and this one (the first) brims with poetry and prose unlike anything ever read. I highly recommend this book to those who love fun, and to those who loved the author himself!

Average customer rating:

I Hope Someday You'll Join Us...
Not really secret, but definately dreams.

John's Secret Dreams
Doreen Rappaport
Manufacturer: Hyperion
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0786808179
Release Date: 2004-10-04

Book Description

John Lennon's influence on music and culture is legendary. He was a rebel, a genius, an innovator, and a peace activist. From a young age he dreamed of fame and fortune. When he achieved it as one of the Beatles, he recognized the need for a deeper meaning in life. His inner search for happiness shaped his life and brought new dimension to the world of rock 'n' roll. As a follow-up to their award-winning title, Martin's Big Words, Doreen Rappaport and Bryan Collier present John Lennon's life through a combination of narrative and song lyrics, cut-paper collage and watercolor art-capturing the energy and the essence of a man whose vision and creative genius continue to inspire people today.

Customer Reviews:

I Hope Someday You'll Join Us..........2005-11-14

...and the world will live as one.

These inspirational words from John Lennon from his 1971 mega hit, "Imagine" beautifully underscore this book. The gentle illustrations of John as a young boy to the man he became are sure to delight all ages. This is a wonderful way to introduce children to the Chief Beatle, the man who founded the World's Number One Band as well as to see what influences helped John create the poignant lyrics that he did. John's sad classic, "Mother" was about how his natural mother Julia turned him over to her older sister and brother-in-law to raise; "Imagine" was the vision that John had for a peaceful world where we all live as one.

Please read this book and share it with somebody. It is not only a deeply moving book, it is one that will resonate in the heart and mind as well.

Not really secret, but definately dreams........2004-11-12

For children whose parents steeped them in the Beatles as mine did, this book of swimming, beautiful collages about the life of John Lennon is a wonderful treat. The story is essentially a highlight of the good and the not-so-good parts of John's life and the many poingant, moving, and splendedly beautiful things he had to say. It deals with the sadness of John's abandonment by his mother ("Mother, you had me, I never had you"), the jubilation of creating a rock'n'roll phemonenon that shook the world and his wild sense of the absurd (Goo Goo Ga'Joob!). The book is punctuated by lyrics from many Beatles songs and is, basically, very moving. Although a few aspects of John's life mentioned in the book, divorcing his wife to marry Yoko Ono for example, may take a bit of explaination for younger children they are certainly important parts of John's life. The message of the book is John's constant message to the world: "Yes" is the answer and Love is all you need.

Grapefruit: A Book of Instructions and Drawings by Yoko Ono

Average customer rating:

proceed with caution
Playfully witty and imaginative thoughts from an underrated artist
BOOK KNOWN ONLY THANKS TO JOHN LENNON
My one word review
FINALLY IT'S BEEN RERELEASED!

Grapefruit: A Book of Instructions and Drawings by Yoko Ono
Yoko Ono
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Pop | Schools, Periods & Styles | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Artists, A-Z | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0743201108

Book Description

Back in print for the first time in nearly thirty years, here is Yoko Ono's whimsical, delightful, subversive, startling book of instructions for art and for life.

"Burn this book after you've read it."
-- Yoko

"A dream you dream alone may be a dream, but a dream two people dream together is a reality."
"This is the greatest book I've ever burned."
-- John

Customer Reviews:

proceed with caution.......2007-09-08

A little Yoko goes a long way. A few instruction poems are silly fun. A whole book of them is too much, at one time. The edition I have has the pictures of Hubby and his endorsement. He had a real sense of humor so I wonder what was going on there but he's not saying. Anyway, there's a same-ness. Do something so the environment looks different. Do something until you die. Do something so that Yoko makes money (whoops!)Is Yoko real or did Monty Python make her up? I ask because sometimes she seems like the perfect parody of a concept artist. She instructs, "drill a small, almost invisible, hole in the center of the canvas and see the room through it." She makes holey canvases and sells them for thousands of dollars! Hey Mrs. Lennon, where's the instructional poem about how to wow the critics?

Playfully witty and imaginative thoughts from an underrated artist.......2007-01-11

Ono's conceptual instruction pieces are all bound together as Grapefruit. While she organized the book as a single art piece in itself, incidently, it also serves as a great overview of her early themes.

Its perfect for someone looking for a book of playful, humourous, and imaginative bits.

BOOK KNOWN ONLY THANKS TO JOHN LENNON.......2006-12-14

Well, the book is at the very least original, like nothing I have ever read before and for that it deserves some credit.
But I truly believe a book like this one would have disappeared into total obscurity if it has not been for Yoko's marriage to John.
In fact, everything about the woman would have just vanished from this world's memory if it had not been for her relationship to John and his endorsement to all she did.

My one word review.......2006-04-01

A prior commentator invited us to give a one word review of this book, "Grapefruit." Here is mine:

Lemon.

FINALLY IT'S BEEN RERELEASED!.......2005-12-21

Finally this book was rereleased! I bought it when it was first rereleased, and I find the book to show the genius that Yoko Ono is.
John Lennon has credited this book for inspiring his song 'Imagine'
I cannot explain how this book is written. It's very artistic, and I think it does the job by getting the person reading it to think!
Yoko Ono is often an extremely underrated artist/ woman, but I believe she is one of the best!

The Conspiracy Reader: From the Deaths of JFK and John Lennon to Government-Sponsored Alien Cover-Ups

Average customer rating:

The conspricy writer's conspiracy....
Fills in some of the blank spots
Most Entertaining Collection of Conspiracies
trash it

The Conspiracy Reader: From the Deaths of JFK and John Lennon to Government-Sponsored Alien Cover-Ups
Al Hidell
Manufacturer: Citadel
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Reference | Historical Study | History | Subjects | Books

Conspiracy Theories | Current Events | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Criminology | Crime & Criminals | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

True Crime | True Accounts | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Federal Government | Government | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Occult | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Religion & Spirituality Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0806520418

Amazon.com

This collection of articles from Paranoia magazine contains the usual hodgepodge of theories about the JFK assassination, UFO cover-ups, and CIA mind-control techniques. But it also has a few surprises, like the suggestion that David Bowie has been in contact with alien beings ever since the days of Major Tom and Ziggy Stardust, or that Paul McCartney may have ordered a hit on his former bandmate John Lennon. While the editors admit in their foreword that they're willing to sacrifice plausibility for the sake of entertainment value, conspiracy theory purists may be more frustrated than amused by items like this rather bizarre theory about Star Trek: "When we analyze [Captain James T. Kirk's] name, we first notice that James was the brother of Jesus.... Kirk's middle name was Tiberius, a Roman general and emperor. 'Kirk' is the most common European-language spelling of the word we know in English as 'church.' Put these all together: (brother of) Jesus, Roman (emperor), church, and what do you have? It was the Roman Catholic Church that was, symbolically, in control of the Enterprise."

Book Description

Psst. Yeah, you. Come closer. Want to uncover some conspiracies? They're all here ... who killed JFK, UFOs, secret societies, espionage, mind control, suspicious deaths, and hidden history. In these exclusive articles culled from PARANOIA magazine, the world's most popular conspiracy journal, you'll get the real story. For anyone who has ever been tantalized by mainstream media coverage of conspiracy theories, but always suspected there was much more they weren't being told, The Conspiracy Reader is a must read.

Customer Reviews:

The conspricy writer's conspiracy...........2003-11-29

Haven't read any of this conspiracy stuff for some time;so thought I'd give this book a go.Nothing has changed,just the same old rehashed babble.Take UFO's for instance,the same old stuff is still being regurgitated from what I read 30 years ago.The only things that change are the names, places and the proponents of these wacky accusations and fanatical suppositions.
It's amazing that they have kept this up for so long and after all this time nothing has been proven.Maybe it's another government conspiracy that keeps these writers going.It takes one to know one.
They even dump on Erich von Daniken,calling him an amateur;at least I found his enjoyable supposition.This book would like you to think that they have things figured out;sprinkling words like science,research,analysis,experts, study,etc.,throughout the text in an attempt to give it some credibility.
This book was published in 1998,but don't be fooled ,a lot of this stuff is just a rehash from decades ago.Just because some conspiracy theorist makes a statement,backed up by some 'expert',doesn't make it so.
Maybe I'll check back in a few years,but I don't expect to find anything new.

Fills in some of the blank spots.......1999-09-23

I read this cover to cover and liked most every essay in it. I had heard about many of these conspiracies, but only in headline fashion. These articals dig deeper and give the reader insight as to where the various allegations arose from. It's easy to say "the CIA started AIDS" or this group or that group was responsible for funnelling crack cocaine into the ghetto, but here a reader can see the stories and logic surrounding the allogations. Some of the articals were a bit brief and the one concerning the Apocalypse seemed out of place, but the rest should serve as a good springboard by which enthusiasts can begin research of their own.

Most Entertaining Collection of Conspiracies.......1999-08-04

Al Hidell and Joan D'Arc are probably the hippest of the various conspiracy researchers and compilers.

trash it.......1999-06-26

I just finished throwing this book in the trash. I started noticing a trend in many of the articles - bash the Catholic Church. They blame some sinister church conspiracy for almost every strange happening that occurs. It seems that was their agenda in compiling this book.

Average customer rating:

Best Lennon Bio
a wonderfully written account on the pros and cons of lennon
Here we go again
This book is an interesting read.
Best Lennon I've read! SIX STARS!!

Come Together: JOHN LENNON IN HIS TIME
Jon Wiener
Manufacturer: University of Illinois Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0252061314

Customer Reviews:

Best Lennon Bio.......2001-12-08

This book amazed me on how accurate and truthful it was. It contains many many quotes of Lennon which supports every bit of information presented. I originally borrowed the book from a library for a school project and was very unhappy about having to give it back! I would have loved to have kept it. It is a must have for any John Lennon fan.

a wonderfully written account on the pros and cons of lennon.......1999-10-28

It is true that Lennon had much to learn about politics.It is also true that he had even more to learn about life.He even had much to learn about music (he would have been the first to agree with the last point),but he had something that only a select few people from his "genre" had,and that was desire to be heard.Naturally,when he was heard he had much to say.When he got the opportunity to say it,he had much tendency to speak it with words that made only sense to the ones who lived in his world (or at least wanted to).There were a few messages he made,however,that did not only affect millions of lives,but may have even changed it for the better.This was a power he began to realize during the height of his success with the Beatles,and it scared the hell out of him.Probably beyond what any of us could possibly concieve,it ripped him to shreads.Yoko helped much in the way of opening him up,but in using him as a puppet (as many did),she really only made matters worse.It was not until just before his death that he really began to realize that what he wanted in life was peace and good music.Not the peace of the world,but peace of mind for himself.The book Come together captures this emotional roller coaster ride better than any book written on the subject.Next to Barry Miles' "Paul Mccartney:many years from now" it is without question the most honest and well written account on one of the greatest pop culture stories ever told.And it is written with wit and wisdom,as well as sympathy for a man that was terribly misunderstood,even by his own self.Something to be read numerous times,especially the account on the "more popular than Christ" contreversey.Lennon is a true icon for this century,but he was also very human (more than most),and this book portrays this fact very well.

Here we go again.......1999-10-11

Everyone knows a book about The Beatles, or any one of them, especially Lennon, is a guaranteed sell/ source of income. And those who cannot resist will write one. Lennon's political "activism" is hyped beyond that it was. He was naive in politics, as especilly shown by his bothering with (being used by) Rubin and Peel, both of whom I knew, and knew for what they were.

This book is an interesting read........1999-06-02

I have been obsessed with the beatles and john for about a year and have read many books about them. It was nice to finally find a book that concentrated more on John and his political life rather than the break-up or drug use. This is a must read for anyone tired of the usual stuff. It has lots of great stories and tidbits.

Best Lennon I've read! SIX STARS!!.......1999-01-10

Wiener describes wonderfully, and with great interest to the reader, how Lennon inter-related with people close to him as well as events around him. It is an excellent commentary on the sixties as well as much of the seventies. Being exactly ten years younger than Lennon, I considered myself the prime age (13) when the Fab Four made it big. The "Summer of Love" fell between my junior and senior years in high school. I felt part of the times. Wiener, however, only demonstrated to me how much I missed, and how little I understood! COME TOGETHER is highly recommended not only for my generation, and my parents' (who thought they knew it all), but especially the younger generations who love the music, and want more.

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books