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

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

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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

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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

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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.

All We Are Saying: The Last Major Interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono

Average customer rating:

The Walrus and the Carpenter
If you are a real fan you will love this!
I COULDN'T PUT THIS BOOK DOWN!! 10 STARS!!!
Listen to this Book!
"She doesn't need a Beatle. Who needs a Beatle?"

All We Are Saying: The Last Major Interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono

Manufacturer: St. Martin's Griffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0312254644

Amazon.com

John Lennon could be angry, as he is in Lennon Remembers: The Full Rolling Stone Interviews from 1970, and nasty, as proven by Albert Goldman's brilliant, scathing The Lives of John Lennon.

But he could also be charming, smart, and extraordinarily witty, as he is in his last interview, published in book form as All We Are Saying. Co-interviewee Yoko Ono is charm-free but valuable, because she sparks the conversation and brings up fascinating stuff that Lennon wished she hadn't, like their mad plots to kidnap her daughter from her ex-husband. As interviewer David Sheff's tape rolls, John and Yoko's anecdotes flow effortlessly: the joys of making their 1980 comeback album, Double Fantasy; the mortifying horrors of John's "lost weekend" in L.A. with Harry Nilsson; John's interestingly twisted family life; John and Yoko and Paul's last get-together, watching Saturday Night Live the night producer Lorne Michaels offered the Beatles $3,200 to reunite on the show (they almost got in a cab and did it!).

Best of all is Lennon's song-by-song account of who wrote which famous tunes and where they came from. "Strawberry Fields" contains an entire childhood memoir, and the production reflects Paul's alleged "sabotage" of Lennon's work. "Please Please Me" was based on a Roy Orbison melody and Bing Crosby's punning song title "Please (Lend an Ear to My Pleas)." The "element'ry penguins" in "I Am the Walrus" refer to idiots like Allen Ginsberg who chant "Hare Krishna" worshipfully. "Hey Jude" was Paul's song comforting John's son Julian when John left his family for Yoko, and Paul's unconscious, reluctant farewell to his writing partner ("go out and get her").

Lennon had been publicly silent and artistically dormant for five years before these interviews, and he was just bursting with the exhilaration of the rebirth of his imagination days before his death. Reading this book is like sharing a day in the life of a very happy man. --Tim Appelo

Book Description

Twenty years ago David Sheff climbed the back steps of the Dakota into the personal thoughts and dreams of John Lennon and Yoko Ono. From the kitchen to the studio and up those fateful Dakota steps, Sheff recorded 20 hours of tape, discussing everything from childhood to the Beatles.Sheff gives a rare and last glimpse of John and Yoko, one that seemed to look beyond the kitchen table to the future of the world with startling premonitions of what was to come.AUTHORBIO: David Sheff's articles and interviews have appeared in Playboy, The New York Times Magazine, Rolling Stone, Wired, Outside, The Los Angeles Times Magazine, Esquire and Observer Magazine in England, Foreign Literature in Russia and Playboy (Shueisha) in Japan. He also writes for and is West Coast editor of Yahoo! Internet Life magazine.Other interviews, including those with Ansel Adams, nuclear physicist Ted Taylor, Gore Vidal, Steve Jobs, Tom Hanks, Scott Peck, Betty Friedan, and Keith Haring, received wide recognition, as did his "Portrait of a Generation" in Rolling Stone. His radio documentaries for National Public Radio on John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath and Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird won several awards.When it first appeared in 1981, Sheff's "The Playboy Interviews With John Lennon and Yoko Ono," which has been described as "historic," "compelling and compassionate" and "definitive," was a Literary Guild selection.

Customer Reviews:

The Walrus and the Carpenter.......2007-01-09

My favorite Lennon quote comes not from this book, but from the Beatle's set during the Royal Variety Performance for the British Royal Family in 1963: "Will the people in the cheaper seats clap your hands? And the rest of you, if you'll just rattle your jewelry." I love that, though I've been told you need to be raised in the British class-consciousness to fully appreciate the insolence of that.

I grabbed this book just out of curiosity, as a Beatles fan and a Lennon fan in particular. I read in a review that Lennon goes through the whole catalog of Beatles songs and comments on them. I thought that would be interesting to read. Yoko Ono was the least of my concerns, but they were and are a package deal. I bought into the popular cultural conception of Yoko as the villainess who broke up the Beatles. So the first thing that struck me, reading these interviews, is what an intelligent, sympathetic, and likeable figure she is, when heard in her own words, in the comforts of her home base. And the two of them together actually seem like a nice, well-matched couple, decent people who- against the odds- had found contentment amid the surreal circumstances of their lives. No doubt that they are eccentric in some ways, and some of their philosophizing has that post-Hippie, flaky, dated feel, as you might expect. They are artists after all. But at the same time, they surprised me at times at how level-headed they came off. Despite the near deification of the Beatles, it is John who continuously reminds us that they were just a rock and roll band that was in the right place at the right time and wrote some good songs. And they are able to honestly talk about the strain on their relationship caused by their celebrity. With all the typical defiant talk about letting people think whatever they are going to think, Yoko admits to the heartache of bad press: "It's a very strange thing that society can do that much to a relationship, but it does because we're social animals. We're social beings. A relationship is not isolated from society." "Society can break an individual. That is what happened." John, too, often displays the vulnerability buried within the armor of the iconoclast: "We're both sensitive people and we were both hurt by a lot of it." Enough time has passed for them to analyze the hostility garnered by Yoko, as a woman, when she began managing John's business affairs. John talks about the attitude towards Yoko at these meetings where she was the only woman, "They're all male, you know, just big and fat, vodka lunch, shouting males, like trained dogs, trained to attack all the time." Yoko is wonderful, chiming in with "I was emasculated." Then launching into her formulation of male aggressiveness, "you must have the womb-envy thing," she speculates. Men are aggressive to mask their intimidation and jealousy. After all, she notes, "we give life."

The most valuable part of this book, in which John systematically goes through almost every Beatles and solo Lennon song, is a concession John granted after blowing Playboy's scoop by giving an interview to Newsweek magazine. We get John's feelings about each of the songs as well as the memories triggered by them, what was going on in that period of his life and how they were written. Though John continues with the superficial model of `John songs' and `Paul songs,' we see that the truth is more complicated, they wrote the best of the Beatles "one-on-one, eyeball to eyeball... both playing into each other's noses." We see why they were great together (and why George and Ringo are two very lucky men to have been along for the ride) and why neither of them, as solo musicians, could produce songs that measure up well to the Beatles. There are several examples of the two of them contributing little touches to each others songs, the little shadings that profoundly deepen the work. Without Paul, John was mostly a writer of catchy tunes, superficial fluff with great hooks. Some of Paul's solo works come close to the best of the Beatles, but for the most part, he was missing the nuances- the melodies and tenderness- of Paul's sound. A song like "Michele" is a perfect example. Paul wrote a pretty little love ballad. John heard it shortly after hearing Nina Simone sing the blues, and he suggested the bluesy "I love you, I love you, I love you," bridge. Paul writes "It's getting better all the time," and John adds "it couldn't get much worse." Paul writes "We can work it out" and John adds "Life is very short..." Or conversely, John writes about "A Day in the Life," about a man violently killing himself, and Paul adds the sweetest little lick to ever float into a song from nowhere: "I'd love to turn you on." And so on. I particularly recommend this section as a morning commute read, riding the train with Ipod in hand, keeping the songs in your ears as you read John's analysis of them.

Of course, one can't read these interviews without being constantly reminded that John was assassinated just months afterwards. It gave me chills to read some of John's philosophizing in that light, "Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King are great examples of fantastic nonviolents who died violently. I can never work that out. We're pacifists, but I'm not sure what it means when you're such a pacifist that you get shot."

And the heartbreak is palpable when reading of the pride John took in stepping out of the action and becoming a full time father to Sean. "Here we are: I'm going to be forty, Sean's going to be five. Isn't it great! We survived!"

If you are a real fan you will love this!.......2006-08-14

This for me is better than any other book because it is reading the acutual words that John said. He gives his own first hand comments on each song (no guessing what each song was about -- he tells you). When he can't remember (it was the 60's after all) John will say so. The most important thing he says is "get interested in your own life" meant in the very kindest way John wants to remind us that we can identify with him, we can love him, but to please NOT make him to focus of your life -- YOU should be the focus of YOUR life. His insights to life can help you acchieve insights of your own. John rules! But I am thankful that he reminds us it is not important to memorize his height and weight or other "facts" but rather to LIVE the life we have -- as I wish he had the option to do. American must stop naming cruel people and making them famous if we do not want more useful people to be killed by those who have little human value -- of course that is only my take -- I can't rule YOUR thoughts (and for that you should be glad ha, ha).

Get the book if you are a Beatles or John Lennon fan... ;-)

I COULDN'T PUT THIS BOOK DOWN!! 10 STARS!!!.......2005-12-30

INCLUDES AN AMAZING SERIES OF QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSIONS, THAT YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PUT IT DOWN! I WAS SURPRISED AT SOME OF JOHN'S ANSWERS; BUT IT DID MAKE SENSE COMING FROM HIM. I WON'T SPOIL IT FOR EVERYONE....SO EVEN IF YOU'RE NOT A DIE HARD LENNON FAN, YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED BY THIS FUNNY AND TOUCHING PIECE OF WORK...JUST BEAUTIFUL!

Listen to this Book!.......2005-11-16

John Lennon and wife Yoko Ono give an excellent interview by pulling out all stops. Sheff's interview in "Playboy" with the pair is a vital oral history about the former Beatle's life and his insight on each Beatle song. Sheff takes readers on a Magical Mystery Tour through the recording studio; the Dakota and in and around the neighborhood. The interview is candid and direct; readers are given a clear look of and at John and Yoko.

John is shown, warts and all in real, living color. He is not glamorized nor vilified; he is presented as the man that he was. John Lennon was many things to many people; Sixties icon; musician extraordinaire; artist; spouse; father; author; actor; joker; interviewee; "militant pacifist," an oxymoronic term. John was a very complex man and this Rubik's cube of a book puts the pieces together in such a way that readers can readily assemble their image of John Lennon.

John makes no bones abut the Beatles being part of his past; he appears to want to move further down the Long & Winding Road without further Hard Day's Nights in re his Beatle history. It was also interesting to learn what groups and artists John liked and how he felt they influenced him.

Hats off to Sheff for introducing readers to each person in the interview. If there is one literary pitfall to avoid, it is never, repeat, never spring characters or real people onto readers without introducing them. That weakens a work and Sheff is quite adept at dodging this trap.

John appeared to be moving at a quicker pace in this interview; whereas Sheff wanted to discuss the Beatles more in depth, John gave one word answers to Beatle related questions and seemed eager to discuss his 1980 album, "Double Fantasy" as well as works he was planning after that.

This is a bittersweet book for Beatle and Lennon fans because of John's untimely death in late 1980. Even so, the book remains an excellent source of information about the man who founded the World's Number One Band, the Beatles and the man who made the world listen.

Listen to John Lennon.

"She doesn't need a Beatle. Who needs a Beatle?".......2005-08-31

Indeed, All We Are Saying: The Last Interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono pulls out the punches. The book shows how far former Beatle, John Lennon, had come and where he was headed. David Sheff's "Playboy" interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono is the most fascinating piece of oral history about Lennon's life as well as the story behind every Beatle song. Sheff intimately takes reader through the studio, John and Yoko's Dakota apartment, and down the neighborhood coffeeshop sharing a cappuccino. All We Are Saying presents an extremely candid and frank interview that was held two months prior to Lennon's passing. Sheff reveals Lennon's growth and new beginning that would unfortunately be cut short.

All We Are Saying does not lack in humor and seriousness. This was the man, not the Sixties icon who sang against a "Revolution," who still had dreams and aspirations to accomplish at the time the interview was conducted. For fans of Lennon as well as the Beatles, this was Lennon stripped down and open for questions, and he merely tells it like it is or was. He expresses the breakup of the Beatles, and emphasizes that they were great, but they were in the past. He talks about the ups and downs of his individual experience from being a heroin addict to a househusband. He was living in the here and now, and the music that he was making at the time reflected that mantra. Though the references he made about the music scene now appear dated, Lennon was ahead of his game and kept up with bands, such as the Clash, Pretenders, and the B-52's. He even raves how the B-52's rip-off Yoko's style of music.

Sheff writes the interview in clear and picturesque narrative. For every new chapter, he introduces the reader to where the interview is going. However, the concluding portions of the book appear too rushed. Sheff appears to have wanted to discuss or at least learn about every tidbit about each Beatles song, which almost portrayed a to-do list, and at times it appears as if he did not want to run out of tape. From the transcript of the interview, Lennon appears too tired to talk about each and every Beatle song as he answers with yes and no answers. For the most part, Lennon wanted to speak about his new album at the time, "Double Fantasy", and new projects he was planning.

All We Are Saying is an important document of the life of John Lennon. For Beatle and Lennon fans, the book is quite ironic and sad due to the circumstance, but that should not stop any one from learning more about one of the most legendary artists of the twentieth century.

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

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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.

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

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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.

Life: Remembering John Lennon: 25 Years Later

Average customer rating:

Nice compilation
Lennon is GOD
What was it about John Lennon?
It was 25 years ago
John Before And After

Life: Remembering John Lennon: 25 Years Later
LIFE MAGAZINE EDITORS
Manufacturer: Life
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1932994238

Book Description

Out of the hardscrabble port city of Liverpool, England, there emerged a rock n roll group that would become the most celebrated of all time. And the soul of that group was John Lennon, the Smart Beatle, who with his mates changed the way the world looked, partied and lived. From the days in a Hamburg basement club to the Ed Sullivan Show to the movies to the White Album, the music traced a phenomenal trajectory. Along the way came his beloved Yoko and sons Julian and Sean, the breakup of the Fab Four, the fascinating solo albums, and finally, in the end, an assassins bullet. Life was there with John and the Beatles from their first visit to these shores till the final days. This exultant tale is told in vivid photography and words, as John is brought to life in a truly special volume from the editors of Life.

Customer Reviews:

Nice compilation.......2007-05-16

This book has a lot of nice photos i've never seen before. The one i really like is in the first pages, where is a compilation of John Lennon's ID cards. It's great.

Lennon is GOD.......2007-02-24

This is a nice book of memories of the world's best musical genius of all time.I still miss him. We lost a lot when we lost him.

What was it about John Lennon?.......2006-05-01

I can't figure it out. What is it about John Lennon that makes his photographs so fascinating, fresh, and appealing all these years after he was killed? Is it because he is the only Beatle that didn't grow old? Is it because he is the image of my generation's youth? Is it because of the music he created that still resonates today? Is it simply because he was so photogenic? Is it because he was an enigma, someone we thought we knew, someone we wanted to know better? Is it all of these things, or some combination?

I don't know; but this book is a haunting joy. It features John alone, with the Quarry Men and Beatles, with his family, in shots there were staged, but often shots that gave us a hint of the real person. The book is composed of the work of several photographers that spent time with John and got to know him. The photos and brief write-ups give some insight into the real person, one that is nicer and more vulnerable than the persona that he fronted. You get a real sense of personal loss that the photographers felt after he was killed by a madman in 1981, a loss that was personal for the rest of us too - for some reason. (Again, what is it about John Lennon?)

Not a bad retrospective.

It was 25 years ago.......2006-03-20

For anyone who loved John Lennon and who was alive when he was murdered, the memory will never leave you. Everyone will remember exactly where they were when they heard the news that was horrifying and shocking. For me, it seems like yesterday when my brother walked into my bedroom and said, "Howard Cossel just announced on Monday Night Football that John Lennon was shot." There's no way to describe the numbing agony of that moment and its aftermath. For people of a certain age, this moment marked a turning point: an end of childhood innocence and the death of an icon of a generation.

This book is an excellent one for people who weren't around in 1980 and don't have actual memories of John Lennon. For those who have long followed his life, there are no new photographs or information contained here, but it's still worth the ride. It's heavily weighted towards the Beatles years, but there is still adequate coverage of the Dakota years and the assassination itself.

To sum up: excellent for newbies, adequate for long-time Lennon lovers.

John Before And After.......2006-01-27

John Lennon a man true to his words also standing not behind them but with them.That and his freedom in music is what made him big.Though what about his life before decaying behind fame and all the riches in the world?LIFE really captured Johns true essence from his middle class childhood to his stardom in the fab 4 to the final days of the limelight before he was murdered.That murder has came and went about 25 years ago and he will never be forgotten his motives were a strong point and LIFE helps his legacy live on.So many photos (WICH IS A TRADEMARK) with little to no information but with the supplied info you get a good idea at John's day to day life.(and the general person he was)

The point of it is to case a legend 25 years after his untimely death.Not any death but a MAsterful Musician.

Average customer rating:

Great book
A nice touch
Great book, great photos !!
Pictures of John Lennon
OF COURSE GOOD BUT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER

John Lennon: The New York Years

Manufacturer: "Stewart, Tabori and Chang"
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1584794321

Book Description

Published to coincide with the 25th anniversary of John Lennon's death and the 65th anniversary of his birth, this is an intimate album of photographs, most never published before, of Lennon in his last decade.

A musical genius, an innovator, a peace activist-John Lennon was all these and more, and he continues to be revered a quarter century after his shocking murder in New York elevated him to mythic stature. Published to coincide with the 25th anniversary of Lennon's death, this intimate album of 150 photographs-most of which have never been published before-offers a very personal view of the rock legend in his last decade by someone who had astounding access to his private life.

Bob Gruen first photographed Lennon in 1971 and became his personal photographer and close friend shortly thereafter. Over the course of the next nine years, right up until Lennon was killed, Gruen would photograph him extensively. This book assembles the most revealing of those images, taken during Lennon's years in New York, together with Gruen's reflections on the circumstances surrounding the photos, including John's relationship with Yoko, how he dealt with fame, and his experiences with fatherhood. The result is a remarkable behind-the-scenes look at John Lennon as a performer, a legend, and a person.

Customer Reviews:

Great book.......2007-05-16

I like very much this book, because has a lot of pictures with John in his intimate life, but i think Bob Gruen as a photographer is not the best. The pictures he had taken of John Lennon, are more a "fan photos". Of course there are "iconic pictures", like the New York series. But still a nice book to have to all the Lennon fans.

A nice touch.......2006-02-19

If you enjoy black and white photos with interesting and informative commentary and John Lennon happens to be one of your musical heros, consider adding this book to your library. It just has a nice touch.

Great book, great photos !!.......2006-02-01

Fortunately for us, Bob Gruen was there. I must admit that the book show mostly really great photos, and some others are not (I mean the focus, light, etc), but you can saw John as he was, a normal guy, doing daily stuffs, playing with his guitar, in the studio, off course with Yoko, with baby Sean, public events, etc, a great review of those last years in NY.
I didn't know that so many of the famous pictures of John where taken by Gruen. The quality of the book is great, I think that every Lennon's fan will love this book, and I hope that Bob Gruen show more of his John Lennon's photo collection in a near future, he share a lot with him in those New York days and probably he got more to show!

Pictures of John Lennon.......2006-01-30

Bob Gruen invites readers and photo aficionados into his chronological photo portfolio into former Beatle John Lennon's life with the book John Lennon: The New York Years. Gruen provides a combination of never before seen and seen candid and photo shoot images of Lennon during his years in New York. Gruen closely associated with John and Yoko as a neighbor and as their personal photographer, and the images show the intimacy and the trust they had in him in capturing their moments in just about every situation, in the studio, a walk in the park, or simply hamming it up for the camera; every picture tells a story behind it.

The difference with this book of photographs and others is that Gruen offers much insight of the time and place in which he took each photograph. Gruen specifically shares with the public his personal account of knowing John as a friend or as he refers, "just a New York guy." He does not concentrate on over wrought information, but rather recounts the first time he met and became friends with John and Yoko and the events that made an impression on him, such as the story behind the most iconoclastic poses: the New York City t-shirt and Statue of Liberty pose.

Bob Gruen covers much ground in a little less than ten years, 1971-1980. However, in that time, he covers the most interesting and controversial period in John's post Beatle life. John Lennon: The New York Years is recommended for all Lennon as well those interested in documentary photography, and is yet another welcome addition to anyone's collection of rock and roll oriented books.

OF COURSE GOOD BUT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER.......2006-01-15

the thing is, a lot of these photos are extremely famous so that it's hard to be honnest just because we've seen them those so many times. it's still a great book really and it feels so good to see john smiling but i was a bit disapointed sometimes, i thought bob could have done a better job, it's too much black and white and sometimes a bit easy too, i think i would have done at least as good as bob but whatever, as i said it's good to see john and bob's probably is a good man so let's not be ungrateful.
the best picture for me being john and yoko dancing the waltz at the record plant during double fantasy.

John Lennon: All I Want is the Truth (Bccb Blue Ribbon Nonfiction Book Award (Awards))

Average customer rating:

John and tyhe Beatles
A Good Look at an Icon
A Bit Too "Truthful"
A Truthful Narrative About John Lennon
Thoughtful, fascinating biography

John Lennon: All I Want is the Truth (Bccb Blue Ribbon Nonfiction Book Award (Awards))
Elizabeth Partridge
Manufacturer: Viking Juvenile
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0670059544

Book Description

Award-winning biographer Elizabeth Partridge dives into Lennon's life from the night he was born in 1940 during a World War II air raid on Liverpool, deftly taking us through his turbulent childhood and his rebellious rock'n'roll teens to his celebrated life writing, recording, and performing music with the Beatles. She sheds light on the years after the Beatles, with Yoko Ono, as he struggled to make sense of his own artistic life—one that had turned from youthful angst to suffocating fame in almost a split second.

Partridge chronicles the emotional highs and paralyzing lows Lennon transformed into brilliant, evocative songs. With striking black-andwhite photographs spanning his entire life, John Lennon: All I Want Is the Truth is the unforgettable story of one of rock's biggest legends.

Customer Reviews:

John and tyhe Beatles.......2007-03-30

John and the Beatles
This book is very good I did not want stop reading it, it was easy for me to concentrate on this book because I am a John Lennon fan and that's what this books about. In this book I learned that John had a wife before Yoko and that John was the first one to quit the Beatles. The style of writing in this book was superb, it's like Elizabeth Parker knew everything John thought his whole life. My mind did not wonder once while I was reading this it was the best book I have ever read. I would defiantly read another book by this author. I highly recommend this book to any John Lennon, Beatles, or music fan.

A Good Look at an Icon.......2006-05-15

John Lennon: All I Want is the Truth is a spectacular look at the rock legend's life in photographs. Many of these photos are ones we've seen previously, but some are first time published. These haunting pictures are all shown in black and white, much as Lennon wanted his life to be lived. Accompanying the photos is a truthful account of the facts of his life, told in accessible, vivid language. Overall, the book does not tell the rabid Beatles' fan anything new, but it is well done nonetheless, and a terrific introduction to the legend for those unfamiliar with Lennon.

One word of warning: Partridge often quotes Lennon and others precisely, which means that harsh language is used infrequently. She also depicts most all of the major facets of Lennon's life: drug use, extramarital affairs, violent temper. As the name of the book implies, anything less would be unthinkable when writing about a man so staunch in his search for the truth. Nothing is inappropriate, but it is graphic at times. I wouldn't have it any other way. Recommended.

A Bit Too "Truthful".......2006-02-20

The book is nicely written, coherent, well organized, has some nice pictures, etc. The book is a pleasant children's biography of John from his birth and childhood until his death. I would have liked to give it 5 stars. However, here's the down side:

In my opinion, this is written in the style of a children's book with simple sentences and a limited vocabulary. I would estimate that the writing style is suitable for a child between the ages of, let's say, 9 and 12. The cover does not warn a purchaser that this book really is in a style written for children.

The problem, however, is the book seems bent more than most on exposing John's warts. For some reason, the author chooses to spend too much time on John's hot temper, violence, abusiveness towards women, adultery, cutting remarks, alcohol abuse, drug use, shoplifting, etc. I believe many people reading this book would not find John very likeable and would wonder why he is so famous and why the author wrote this book supposedly to honor him. Plus, more importantly, some of the weaknesses touched upon such as John's shoplifting, heavy use of drugs and adultery are, in my opinion, sensitive, adult oriented subjects. Thus the book presents a dilemma: while the writing style is geared towards children and young teenagers, the subject matter itself is more adult oriented and may not be appropriate for a 10 or 12 year old to read. A child may read this book and think to himself, "Gee, if John shoplifted, did drugs and abused alcohol and is considered a rock icon, maybe I should do the same."

Finally, like a number of books released in the past couple of years about Lennon, this one spends an undue amount of time on Yoko Ono, who presumably had to give permission to use some of the material needed to write this book. The book depicts her as a "genius" artist. More pages are spent discussing Yoko, her childhood, her life before John and her "talents" than are spent on Ringo or George and perhaps even Paul. Like the book Memories of John, this book may appeal to you if you are a Yoko fan. However, if you are not, you may wish to either borrow this book from a library or wait for it to go on sale.

I borrowed mine from a library and finished it in about one day.

A Truthful Narrative About John Lennon.......2005-12-11

Elizabeth Partridge examines the life of John Lennon as a fan as well as writer. Her book, ALL I WANT IS THE TRUTH, caters to those curious about the man, musician, and peace activist. The book is perfect for readers who know nothing about the former Beatle and later as a solo artist. The format of the book is ideal for school libraries with its textbook-like quality. Partridge interweaves historical events both with her narrative and the photographs she includes in the book that occurred during John Lennon's lifespan, which provides an historical backdrop to the life of the former Beatle.

Partridge provides a chronological overview of John Lennon's life from his birth, childhood, life as a Beatle, his activism, house husband, and solo career. Each chapter is beautifully organized with Partridge's basic narrative. The secondary and primary sources she uses are compiled in a reader friendly format at the end of the book, which is very helpful for anyone who wants to do further research about the man.

ALL I WANT IS THE TRUTH is a very intimate collage of stories about who John Lennon was. The photographs, which are mostly in black and white are simply moving, and have been rarely seen before, especially the photographs during his childhood. The photographs will enhance the memory of John Lennon for those who have followed his career and life, and will further hold that memory near and dear to their heart. However, for readers who are now just discovering this man, there will be an understanding of why John Lennon affected so many lives.

I commend Elizabeth Partridge for an excellent book that provides the truth and preserves the memory of John Lennon. ALL I WANT IS THE TRUTH is a highly recommended book for everyone.

Thoughtful, fascinating biography.......2005-12-07

This is it. A biography of Lennon that captures the spirit of the man. Partridge is a wonderful writer, and the book moves like a page-turner while never sacrificing depth and insight. She doesn't shy away from Lennon's complications, and that's what gives this biography such resonance. It is for everyone who's interested in Lennon, music, art, and how an artist thinks and works-- and how that complicates his relationship with others, and with the world.

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