Posted on by — 4 Comments

Daddy, Come Home – Alf Lennon

Daddy, Come Home - The Alf Lennon Story
Daddy, Come Home – The Alf Lennon Story

Alf Lennon

A good book written by John’s dad, Alf Lennon’s 2nd wife, Pauline Lennon. In this book, Pauline tries to give Freddie’s side of the story. I know John’s sisters would probably vehemently disagree with Freddie’s perspectives but it can be argued that every coin in life has two sides and that one side of the coin usually shines a bit brighter. We as observers, can only listen to the sides being presented.

Alf and Pauline Lennon
Alf Lennon and wife Pauline

Personally, I enjoyed this account and what it highlighted for me is that John was so scarred by his own childhood experiences, that he seemed to be destined to repeat them with his own firstborn, Julian. Julian carried his own resentments for his dad for a good portion of his own life and only now seems to understand the complexities of this situation.

The book signed by Pauline
The book signed by Pauline

Pauline signed this copy of the book and signed books by her are rare. This copy which I acquired from a UK collector is the only one I have ever seen. Several years after Freddie passed away, she reportedly remarried. During her marriage to Freddie, she gave birth to two sons, David and Robin Lennon who supposedly live near Brighton, England in relative obscurity, never talking to the press about their very famous brother. Would love to see an enterprising reporter contact the two brothers to see why they are both reticent to talk about their half-brother. Perhaps, they simply prefer to live their lives under the security of privacy.

Have you read this book? Do you believe the version that Alf Lennon tells? Let me know in the comments below.

Buzz

Other Books About John Lennon

Posted on by — 3 Comments

The Beatles – Hidden in The Records?

What Goes On?
What Goes On?

What is Hidden in The Grooves of The Beatles Records?

A fabulous book about The Beatles, What Goes On (above), compiled by author Mike Brown. The book is now out of print due to the publisher discontinuing their book print facilities.  but you can access much of the information at the What Goes On Website

The book is an outstanding record of Beatles recording oddities that appeared on their officially sanctioned recordings over the years. Mistakes, clicks, hidden comments on the recordings, etc. This book is a fascinating collection of obscure Beatles recording information. Highly recommended if you see a copy being offered somewhere, that you attempt to purchase one. You will not be disappointed.

Mike Brown was involved in another excellent independently produced book entitled:

HEARING AIDS TO THE BEATLES VOLUME I: A MUSICIAN’S By Jeffrey Aarons & Mike Brown

Hearing Aids to The Beatles Volume 1
Hearing Aids to The Beatles Volume 1

This book takes more of a musician’s perspective of The Beatles recordings in detailing with such issues as who did the vocals on specific recordings, if they were single or double-tracked, the number of harmonies, how many overdubs, how many instruments were used and who played on them. This particular volume deals with the 1962-66 recording period. Published independently by Jeffrey Aarons in 2015.

Buzz

Posted on by — 5 Comments

The Fifth Beatle? Yes, By George?

All You Need Is Beatles
All You Need Is Beatles

George Martin

Is George Martin the Fifth Beatle? A rare concert program from 1998 in Australia where Sir George Martin conducted an orchestra featuring some of his favorite Beatles songs that he had produced in the decade of the 60s. George’s contributions to the Beatles recorded legacy are both legendary and immense. If anyone deserves the moniker of “The Fifth Beatle”, my vote goes to Mr. Martin!

All You Need Is Beatles
All You Need Is Beatles

The Beatles Recording Sessions

When I acquired this signed Mark Lewisohn Beatles Recording Sessions book I came up with two treasures, the excellent book by Mark and the signature of Beatles producer, George Martin, who helped to create and produce all those golden nuggets contained within the book.

The Beatles Recording Sessions
The Beatles Recording Sessions
George Martin's Autograph
George Martin’s Autograph

The Fifth Beatle?

Who do you think is the Fifth Beatle? Do you agree it is George Martin? Who gets your vote?

Buzz

Posted on by — Leave a comment

All You Need Is Love

All You Need Is Love
All You Need Is Love

All You Need Is Love – The Beatles Dress Rehearsal

Thoroughly love this title offering the details of the historic “All You Need is Love” satellite performance for the Our World program which was seen by an estimated 400 million people in 1967. Written by noted author, Steve Turner who has written several excellent books about the Beatles, it features the magnificent photos of David Magnus.

Dave Magnus signed page
Dave Magnus signed page

David was so kind in signing this copy and graciously added the date he shot the photos for the book, which featured the Beatles rehearsing for their historic performance.

Buzz

Posted on by — Leave a comment

The Beatles – Standing With a Bootleg in Your Hand

Standing With A Bootleg in Your Hand
Standing With A Bootleg in Your Hand

The Beatles Bootlegs

Hi Hi Hi-Now that we have your attention.

Here is the type of book that I love adding to my Beatles collection and library. Early in 2022, Ivano Poggi of Italy produced this wonderful 2 volume set of books which were each written in a numbered and signed edition of only 100 copies each. The books were issued in an English edition of which I purchased copy #100. The description of the two books is provided on the back covers of the respective titles shown below.

Standing With A Bootleg in Your Hand Back Cover
Standing With A Bootleg in Your Hand – Back Cover

The subject matter of these two books is a photographic history of many of the unauthorized Beatles Bootleg recordings that have appeared over the years. This is the type of book that gives me tremendous satisfaction in collecting, independently produced, a small limited-edition run, often difficult to find, and an interesting subject matter.

Standing With A Bootleg in Your Hand - Volume 2
Standing With A Bootleg in Your Hand Vol 2
Standing With A Bootleg in Your Hand Volume 2 Back Cover
Standing With A Bootleg in Your Hand – Volume 2 Back Cover

The author did an excellent job with this project. Well done, Ivano!

Buzz

Posted on by — 5 Comments

Norman Parkinson – With The Beatles

Norman Parkinson - With The Beatles
Norman Parkinson – With The Beatles

Beautiful book of photos taken in 1963 by Norman Parkinson: With The Beatles

A beautiful book of Beatles photos taken in 1963 by noted British photographer, Norman Parkinson. His son, Simon Parkinson signed all 350 copies for his late father. Simon had assisted his father in taking several photos on the day this photo session occurred. This is a wonderful book to add to your collection if you can locate a copy. To state the obvious, since there are only 350 copies of this book, it is on the expensive part of the ledger!

Details of the date of publication and the publisher are noted below.

To me, this is a clear example, of one of the prime jewels of collecting limited-edition Beatles books.

With The Beatles
With The Beatles

Book Details: There were 350 of this special limited edition book issued. I was fortunate to be able to acquire the last numbered and signed copy #350.

  • Hardcover – “Recycled Leather” Slipcase Edition with Clamshell box.
  • Limited Edition: 350 signed copies worldwide. Each copy is hand-signed by Simon Parkinson, Norman’s son, who took some of the shots with his father on that day, September 12, 1963.
  • Date: Published 2016
  • Page:  288 pages
  • Publisher: Rufus Stone Limited Editions Ltd

A sample page from the book:

George Harrison - Don't Bother Me
George Harrison – Don’t Bother Me

Do you have a favourite book of Beatles photos? Let me know?

Buzz

If you like Beatles photobooks, we can also recommend:

Bill Zygmant - Where Did You Get That Shirt? (Signed Limited Edition)

Bill Zygmant – Where Did You Get That Shirt? (Signed Limited Edition)

Get your copy of Bill Zygmant’s portfolio book of unique photographs covering his career from the late 1960s to the 1980s.

This will be a signed, numbered edition – maximum of 250 numbered editions.

It comes with one of Bill’s signed photographs, which usually sells for £50!

£75.00
Shop now