The blog is designed to feature old and new Beatles-related print material including books, magazines, posters & autographs of people that have a Beatles connection or association. The blog also features books from people that have worked with the solo members of the group after the breakup. Looking forward to seeing you as a subscribing member of the blog and I eagerly anticipate your participation and feedback on the blog!
John “Buzz” Bezzini has one of the world’s largest collections of Beatles books and Beatles-related print material and he will share his thoughts and opinions on some of the more obscure & rare and unusual Beatles titles in addition to the new and forthcoming titles as well!
John taught a course in 1984 called “The Beatles in Retrospect” marking the 20th anniversary of the Beatles’ arrival in America.
John also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication.
Enjoy Buzz’s Beatles Book Blog.
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I have written before about the many books authored by Angie and Ruth McCartney but I just had to add this additional post with the latest book that I purchased from them that I recently received in the mail. I always have loved limericks but when you combine that unique category of poetry with the subject matter of Liverpool and the Beatles, that serves as a menu item that I could not resist!
A very nice inscription and signing from Angie and Ruth plus a unique limerick sent to me by them:Thank you!
Sorry to be so presumptuous, as I am certainly not claiming to be a limerick writer, but I do have to be honest to admit that as a teenager, I attempted a few, which I would have needed a good editor or censor back then to keep them as acceptable.
In the subsequent years, I learned to tone things down.
Ruth and Angie, with their Limerick book have inspired my desire to attempt just one more to illustrate my special fondness for their book published in 2023 by McCartney Multimedia, Inc.
I extendmy sincere apologies toboth Angie and Ruth for my attempt at this writing of a limerick:
Your Mother Should Know is the second book from Dr. McCartney, who published her first, My Long and Winding Road, in 2013. Now 90 years old, she shows no signs of slowing down. Her latest work is a collection of often hilarious and always heartfelt quips, memories, lifehacks, salty one-liners and witty observations. Along for the ride is McCartney’s ever-loyal and equally saucy daughter Ruth, who, as a young child greeted her future stepbrother Paul at their first meeting with “I know who you are! You’re on my cousin’s wallpaper.”
TWO BEAUTIFUL RUFUS STONE BEATLES BOOKSPLUS A SIGNED BOOK BY THE LATE PHOTOGRAPHER NORMAN PARKINSON
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.
Norman Parkinson – With The Beatles
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
This edition of 350 copies signed by Norman Parkinson’s son Simon. I was able to secure copy #350 the last numbered and signed copy. Simon had accompanied his dad at the 1963 Abbey Road studio shoot and his dad also allowed him to take a few of the photographs appearing in the book!
Though he had passed away before his Beatles photography book was published, I was able to obtain his signature on his Lifework book which was published by Weidenfeld and Nicolson back in 1983 and signed by Mr. Parkinson then, seven years before he passed away.
Quite the unique signature that Mr. Norman Parkinson had:
The back cover of the Parkinson Lifework photography book:
About Norman Parkinson
Norman Parkinson was an English portrait and fashion photographer. Born April 21, 1913 – Died February 15, 1990
This is the mass market hardback trade edition of Norman Parkinson’s Beatles book of photos taken during the fall of 1963 at the President Hotel in Bloomsbury and at the Abbey Road studios while they were recording tracks for an album!
Also was able to recently acquire on eBay a magazine of Norman Parkinson Beatles photographs that was published in 1964 by Hutchinson and Company. Ironically, much of the text written for the magazine was by Lennon friend and journalist Maureen Cleave, who was to later write an article/interview with John for Datebook magazine that was to cause quite the controversy in the Bible Belt States of the USA in 1966.
A few page excerpts from the magazine the 1964 magazine that I recently acquired:
The credit page of the magazine:
THE BEATLES MONOCHROME BY JOE ALLEN
There were only 350 numbered copies of the black covered limited edition book which featured images of the Beatles 1964 tour taken by photographer Joe Allen and the book was edited by Mark Naboshek. The book was entitled “The Beatles Monochrome,” and was published in 2011 by Rufus Stone Publishers!
The details describing the The Beatles Monochrome books that I purchased are from the Rufus Stone website:
In 1964 the Beatles ….on their first tour of America, a two week visit that took them to Ed Sullivan show, playing live in Washington and New York before finishing in Florida with a second Ed Sullivan experience. Photographer Joe Allen followed them on the entire tour taking hundreds of black and white exclusive photos to document this historic first trip to the USA.
For the first time, all of Allen’s negative have been meticulously retouched and restored to better than their original glory and assembled in this huge, limited edition photo album . Beautifully printed and bound using the latest technologies MONOCHROME is destined to be a true collectors item.
The Technical Details 2500 Copies worldwide, numbered 308mmx 308mm square, 260+ pages. Quarterbound with white and black cover with embossed logo.
Proceed with cautionif you attempt to order a copy as I am not aware if it is available anymore as it may be completely sold out as of this writing!
The ordering information may no longer be available for this book as I believe it may be completely sold outbut I could be in error about thatspeculation!
And because we thought that both The Beatles collectors and Joe Allen’s work deserved even bigger exposure we thought to create the HARDKASES edition
The Technical Details 350 Copies worldwide, numbered 308mmx 308mm square, 260+ pages. Quarter-bound with white and black cover and embossed logo. Presented in a black slipcase with a debossed acrylic graphic. Thread sewn and bound in the UK. Certificate of authenticity and born on date. 4 x giclee colour photoprints, unique to this version Packaged in black, printed flight case with recessed foam compartment.
To order this book go to : http://www.rslimitededitions.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=54
There were only 350 numbered copies of the black covered limited edition book which featured images of the Beatles 1964 tour taken by photographer Joe Allen and the book was edited by Mark Naboshek. The book was entitled “The Beatles Monochrome,” and was published in 2011 by Rufus Stone Publishers!
What is not commonly known is that Rufus Stone also published a limited edition version of the book that was bound in white leatherand only 10 numbered copies were made of that version of the book.Below are my photos of copy #9 of this beautiful photography book which I was able to acquire.
One of only 10 copies in the world bound in white leather: My copy was #9, #9,#9!
Hope you enjoyed the description of these 2 special Beatles photography books from Rufus Stone Publications as well as the signed book by fabulous portait photographer, Norman Parkinson and the wonderful book by Joe Allen as well!
I will always treasure these books!
Be healthy and be Happy!
Buzz
DISCOVER MORE GREAT BOOKS AT THE BEATLES BOOKSTORE
In Your Mind – The Infinite Universe of Yoko Ono (Softback)
Now in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Library & Archives
Acclaimed by MOJO & Goldmine
Recommended by Olivia Harrison
Spotlighted on The Beatles Channel, Sirius XM Radio
The true story of the woman John Lennon loved. Includes the work and music they made together, the love story of John & Yoko, and her relationship with the Beatles.
Ono’s incredible story goes way beyond what most people know.
There are astounding details about Yoko’s life (thirty-three years before meeting Lennon, twelve years with him, and over forty years of creativity since his death).
The author has followed Ono’s career since the mid-1960s, assembling a vast media archive on the artist. Yoko’s own voice, along with Lennon’s and others (in cited, published interviews) tell her undeniably true and complete story, disproving many myths. Bocaro has spent valuable time with Ono, gaining incredible insight.
Here is the ultimate exploration of Yoko’s childhood, her relationship with Lennon, her art, films, music and activism for peace and women’s rights.
DEAR SIR OR MADAM: WILL YOU READ MY SCRAPBOOK?THEY TOOK A LONG TIME TO COMPILE-WILL YOU TAKE A LOOK???
My biggest regret in compiling all of my Beatles-related scrapbooks over the years is that the attribution of the various articles is irregular as to the original source of the article or who wrote it. I never knew that one day that the contents of my scrapbooks would appear on a Beatles blog page that I was involved with. I know the time frame of the articles as other articles in the scrapbook give me that time frame. That is why in the very first scrapbook post I ask those that do not receive attribution to an article they may have written, to write to me and specify the date and time and the location that the article originally appeared and I will acknowledge the original source and the date and author of the respective piece when the info is provided to me. Some of the articles have attribution. As a personal collectible my primary motivation when putting these scrapbooks together was to save the content and to save the information for me personally, as I got older. I never realized at the time that the scrapbooks would become print time capsules of information that I still love to read and others might too! Unfortunately virtually all print material is dying and becoming an extinct species. I asked my blog administrator, David Bedford, if I could present the 100 or so scrapbooks I personally compiled over the years before the digital era onslaught came about. He said it would be welcome and fine to do so. That reassurance and OK made me happy because I know sharing the pieces from so many sources would bring so many smiles to many people.
Badfinger was one of the Beatles biggest acts on Apple. Introduced to the Fabs as the Iveys by Beatles associate, Mal Evans, I loved collecting articles about Badfinger for the scrapbooks. I remembering hearing the Iveys first Apple 45, Maybe Tomorrow, being played on my local radio station in Hartford, Connecticut. I was stunned and surprised when they changed their name to Badfinger and recorded the McCartney penned song, Come and Get It for the Magic Christian film. Watching them evolve was exciting. However watching their demise was heartbreaking and so tragic…
Derek Taylor passes away in 1997 Born May 7th, 1932 – Died September 8th, 1997
Photographs of Apple executive, Ron Kass are not to commonplace. At one time he was married to Joan Collins. Other prominent Beatle people in this photo are Beatles press officer Derek Taylor, singer Mary Hopkin, Beatle videographer and friend, Tony Bramwell and Peter Asher who became an A and R specialist at Apple. He brought singer James Taylor to Apple!
When all of the Mike Douglas John Lennon/Yoko Ono shows were issued on VHS tapes. I have a copy of the hardback book shown here and I also have all of the shows on dvd which I purchased from a South American country, I believe it was Brazil. I can only assume that the dvds were not authorized by the Lennon estate but I do not know for sure if that is the case!
Todd Rundgren attempts to put John Lennon in his place…Stay tuned for John’s reply…
Paul McCartney is Hairy in disguise at the George Harrison Madison Square Garden show in Dec of 74.
Paul McCartney and Linda McCartney in disguise along with Linda’s brother, John Eastman. They were in the audience at Madison Square Garden in Dec. 1974 to watch George close out his 1974 Dark Horse tour. The other phot is Paul and Linda at the Sgt. Pepper musical.
Lennon’s reply to Todd Rundgren’s criticisms of him…
Ironically, Mike Douglas had invited Lennon/Ono to do a show in Hawaii, post Double Fantasy. John respectfully declined but mentioned he would be travelling there soon. Little did he know that his killer was to come from that state!
Hope you are enjoying viewing my personal scrapbooks!
Well, we are already up to the 4th Beatles scrapbook from my personal collection to present on the blog. Hope you are enjoying these collected print time capsules from the past.So many more to come…
With this post I am not going to offer commentary on the individual scrapbook posts as they all should be self-explanatory for your viewing enjoyment. Hope you are able to find some information that you have not been exposed to before. Unfortunately with newspaper clippings there is no 100% way to vouch for the veracity of the article claims being made. Healthy skepticism is always the best way to treat something that appears too good to be true!!!
Be healthy and be happy!
Hope you enjoyed taking a look at today’s scrapbook time capsule!
SNAPSHOTS OF MEMORIES FROM THE PAST, PRESERVED FROM CLIPPINGS FROM MY PERSONAL BEATLES SCRAPBOOK COLLECTION! HOPE YOU WILL ENJOY THE JOURNEY WITH THIS TIME MACHINE…!
Unfortunately, our mixed up media culture often gives a forum for people to make a name through a detestable action that they have perpetrated on a celebrity, permanently and objectionably linked with the object of their heinous act.
A discussion of Walking on Thin Ice:
A picture sleeve of Linda’s catchy reggae number: SEASIDE WOMAN
Bits and pieces!
I love the Rutles!!! Neil Innes was brilliant!Love this EP!
A classic number for the Christmas holidays! John posthumously has been criticized for world peace never having been actually realized. Maybe that has something to do with the various power mongers who do things for the prophets ( I mean for the profits! (the war machine) which means $$$ and cents for arms manufacturers after all!
It made no sense (cents) for the rest of us though, thankfully! We have the clear conscience! Thanks for trying, John, the world learn will learn someday, hopefully!
Beautiful ballad by John for Yoko:
John’s first single after his return to music in 1980:
Back cover of the George Harrison Blow Away sleeve:John Lennon has an unreleased song that appeared on the Lost Lennon tapes entitled The Happy Rishikesh Song where it is alleged that he borrowed some of the melody from George. Since Blow Away by George was released in February 1979 on his album George Harrison that would be ironic as John seems to be taking the mickey out of George with the lyrics of his number. Alas, we will never know for sure! It would all depend on when George and John actually wrote their respective songs…
Front cover of the Blow Away sleeve:
This Macca track has grown on me over the years! Was a #1 on Billboard!
This Harrison sleeve of mine had saeen much better days than this...
John Lennon suggested that Ringo record this Platters hit and it was a hit for Ringo as well:
Carefrees Beatles novelty record:
This was news to me! Wonder where people source this information from or do they take liberties and just make the stuff up???
Paul in his own private collection has a couple of pages where he and John attempted to write a play together! That would have been something if it was ever realized.
More bits and pieces!
A mention of the Beatles when discussing hearing disabilities:
Sure wish there would have been more…..C’mon Sean, finish of studio versions of the rest of your dad’s unreleased demos!
Cindy Williams of Laverne and Shirley bought a set of John’s erotic lithographs for her private collection. Also, Genesis Publications original ad to purchase the book I Me Mine signed by George Harrison
A mixed bag of stories:
Do you believe as some have conjectured that RIngo was lamasting Paul in this song or was that speculation pure fiction in your opinion?
Fred Lynn, former outfielder of the Boston Red Sox had a humorous Lennon quote at the end of this Peter Gammons column:
It is the ultimate tragedy that these perpetrators of these heinous crimes are not given significant mental health treatment BEFORE they commit their despicable crimes. It is scary to wonder how many such people are still out there???
It is 1954. Steve and Dave are looking for adventure. Their hometown of Liverpool is scarred by war. New York is the future and it will soon be the richest city in the world. They need to see it and feel the excitement. They need to be there. They need to become Cunard Yanks.
Well the reaction to the first Beatles scrapbook post was very positive and therefore their presentation will continue but I had a change of heart about one element of the scrapbooks. I am not planning on avoiding the presentation of controversial topics or potential negative information about the band. I will be presenting articles that deal with the murder of John Lennon though not making that the focus of a particular Beatles scrapbook’s content.
Also some negative articles portrayed in some of the tabloid press as part of the scrapbook potpourri will be shown from the scrapbooks. This is not to give credibility or to lend credence to the gossip articles or to demonstrate the veracity of everything that is shown. By presenting the multitude of Beatles articles presented over the years, both good and bad, you will see many truthful well researched and substantiated articles, but also gossip media as well. We know that many people prefer to read rumor, and conspiracy theories because of the often explosive nature of those type of stories, not because of any basis in fact. Hopefully, with these scrapbooks you will be exposed to a healthy balance of what has appeared over the years in the various print media.
You may be pleased with some of the articles and others may anger you but I caution you not to shoot the messenger!!! If album reviews are presented that you disagree with, do not personalize your criticism to me as it does not mean that I personally agree with the negative review. My goal has always been to expose you to the various print material about the Beatles that have been issued or appeared over the years, both positive and negative…
So sit back, relax, and hopefully, enjoy!
A pot pourri from 1979/1980 or so:
Paul McCartney
Remember FAN is short for FANATIC:
Bits of info:
The Dakota
They’re gonna put him in the movies:Ringo
Caveman review:
Anyone in New England remember this?
Caveman review:
More bits and pieces:
Film ad for I Want to Hold Your Hand:
JAPAN OR BUST? BUST APPARENTLY!!!
Here is a McCartney novelty record that I don’t remember hearing about, has Howard Stern connections and the late Al Anderson of NRBQ as well!
A McCartney II review:
A review of London Town from 1978:
A story about the Lapidos Fest for Beatles Fans:
An early Charles Rosenay convention and an ad for one of my favorite Beatles books:
BEATLES RELATED RECORDS
Some of the picture sleeves stored in the scrapbook:One of those rare times that both John and Paul were on the same page politically as Paul released Give Ireland back to the Irish and John released The Luck of the Irish and Sunday Bloody Sunday dealing with the crisis In Ireland as it relates to the British involvement in the crisis!
A Beatles novelty record:
I love George’s B-side on this record:
If we ever get a Rubber Soul box set I want to hear John’s full original demo for What Goes On which has a radically different feel to the released version of the song!
A rare Lennon song that received virtually no airplay at all.
Mary Hopkin
Mary, Mary— Quite Contrary Mary Hopkin never seemed comfortable to me in much of the material Apple asked her to record. That is a subjective opinion, of course, but I believe she has stated as much in some select interviews she has done over the years!
My Sweet Lord
Yoko’s controversial cover for her Now or Never Apple 45. Featured a photo of the My Lai massacre in Vietnam:
“Walking in the Park with Eloise” is a jazz instrumental written by Jim McCartney, Paul’s dad, and later recorded by his son Paul McCartney, reflecting a heartfelt connection between father and son.This is the picture sleeve of the song. The flip side was Bridge on the River Suitewhich was an instrumental by Paul.
From RIngo’s Goodnight Vienna album:
A #1 Wings 45:
Despite some McCartney critics detesting the song, I love it. Great melody line and I believe McCartney did this number in order to sock it to some of his critics accusing him of being too saccharine!
Not quite boys, but I give you credit for trying!
The rare Girl picture sleeve:
Ending this scrapbook with a copy of my withdrawn picture sleeve of Leave My Kitten Alone which should have been released early in the Beatles career. Fantastic Lennon vocal on the Anthology recording where it eventually appeared!
The other side of the sleeve:
Be healthy and be happy!
Buzz
CHECK OUT THE GREAT BOOKS WE HAVE AT THE BEATLES BOOKSTORE
