John Lennon was often his own worst enemy as his public comments and convictions would often lead to intense public relations problems. Here is a good example – this unpublished book containing his comments and quotes about politics over several years. Put together at a time when he arrived in the US and his political leaning were labelled as being to the left. The impact of these views at this time certainly negatively impacted his record sales as is evidenced by the poor sales of Sometime in New York City!

John Lennon

Power to the People: the Political Thoughts of John Lennon, London: New English Library, 1972

Though the book was never published, a few prototype copies exist. The book was probably was withdrawn from publication for fear it would jeopardize John’s attempt to remain in the US during the American government’s attempts to deport him. The reasons for the deportation were stated by the Immigration service as due to a marijuana conviction in the UK. However, the more likely reason was the conservative leanings of the government in power who feared John’s influence with the youth during the Sixties. Tried to find a prototype copy of the book to buy, but when I saw the price, that eliminated me from contention as it was listed at several thousand dollars at a few auction venues. As the Rolling Stones quoted in their song, “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.” I posted this book cover on Facebook when I had a Beatles print page there and many people in their comments objected to the cover photo saying the likeness was not an accurate depiction. I see the artist’s attempt to draw similar to the style of Klaus Voormann in the portrayal of John’s head and face but I may be wrong in that perception.

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Buzz

A GREAT SELECTION OF BOOKS ON JOHN LENNON HERE AT THE BEATLES BOOKSTORE

Jude Kessler has a series of wonderful books and has a very difficult task to undertake as historical narratives are not easy to write. This 9-volume Lennon narrative currently being written by author Jude Southerland Kessler is certainly up to the task. Jude spends countless hours researching her series of books, interviewing many individuals who were “there” to recreate the ambiance and milieu of the story of one of the most interesting people to have been born during the twentieth century. This man was to start a rock ‘n’ roll band that was to sell over a billion records worldwide. He was an instrumental part of the cultural changes that occurred in the Sixties and his power with the youth culture was so strong during that decade, that the US government and the President of the United States tried to get him deported.

Series Number 9

Jude’s comprehensive Lennon historical biography is slated to run 9 volumes, however with the intense detail she presents in the books, it probably will run even more. The difficult aspect of writing these books is the attempt to get into that “complicated mind” of John Lennon with all of the inconsistencies that were present in that brilliant mind. Jude has published 5 books thus far in the narrative and the covers are pictured in this post. Even though we already know the ending to the story, Jude’s writing and research skills help to bring the wonderful man that brought us so much joy and laughter, back to life!!!

If you would like to learn more details about these books you can see more here at David Bedford’s book blog or Jude Kessler also has a website. More Info | mysite (johnlennonseries.com)

Buzz

Jude’s Books on John Lennon:

Jude’s next volume which is the 6th book in her Lennon narrative series:

SOME FOREVER

Shades of Life Part 2 Covering Sept. 1965-1966

Inquiries and ordering information

John Lennon Biography | John Lennon Expert and Biographer (johnlennonseries.com)