This Beatles Book Odds & Book Ends blog post is similar to many of the Hodgepodge posts that I have presented on the blog in the past. I would like to begin with another author that has written several books that have held strong interest for me and that I have purchased for my collection. Many of these books have a strong Beatles connection to them.
This post begins with a few books from author, Brian Southall:
BOOKS FROM FORMER EMI EXECUTIVE BRIAN SOUTHALL
Brian Southall is another writer who I have managed to acquire most of his book titles that he has written that have some type of Beatles connection or story within their pages!
Brian Southall began his writing career about the music industry back in the 1960s beginning at a local newspaper and then advancing to the likes of Melody Maker and Disc. Then he pursued a thirty year career in the record business. He started out at A&M, then moved on to EMI Records, where, he had a 15 year career, serving in press, promotion, marketing, artist development, and corporate communications.
From 1989 he was a consultant to Warner Music International, HMV Group and both the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) and the International Federation of the phonographic Industry (IFPI).
POP GOES TO COURT: ROCK ‘N’ POP’S GREATEST COURT BATTLES
Pop Goes to Court: Rock ‘n’ Pop’s Greatest Court Battles
Southall, Brian
Published by Omnibus Press, 2009
AMAZON US:
AMAZON UK:
Pop Goes To Court : Southall, Brian: Amazon.co.uk: Books
From a discussion of the suit brought to officially split the Beatles, to who really wrote A Whiter Shade of Pale,
many court cases involving many prominent rock ‘n’ roll figures or celebrities over the years are discussed in this unique Brian Southall book. You will find some of these cases truly fascinating!
SGT. PEPPER’S LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND : THE ALBUM, THE BEATLES, AND THE WORLD IN 1967
An excellent book by Brian that not only deals with the music but the times that inspired the music.
Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band : The Album, the Beatles, and the World In 1967
Southall, Brian
Published by Charlesbridge Publishing, Incorporated, 2017
AMAZON UK: Published by Welbeck Publishing
A book written by Brian Southall to celbrate the 50th anniversay of the release of Sgt.. Pepper. Not only detailing the creation of the album, it delves into a study of the times that helped to inspire the LP.
ABBEY ROAD: THE STORY OF THE WORLD’S MOST FAMOUS RECORDING STUDIOS
A detailed history of the world’s most famous recording studio.
Abbey Road: The Story of the World’s Most Famous Recording Studios
Brian Southall; Allan Rouse; Peter Vince
Published by Omnibus Pr & Schirmer Trade Books, 1997
ABE BOOK’S LISTING:
A book co-authored by Brian Southall, Peter Vince, and Allan Rouse detailing a history of the what may possibly be the most famous studio in the world. The book does a great job to uncover the history of the famous building,the significant musical milestones, and a few previously untold stories of how and why the magic happened.
A signed copy:
THE BEATLES IN 100 OBJECTS: DISCOVER WHAT MADE THE FAB FOUR FAB
The Beatles in 100 Objects: Discover What Made the Fab Four Fab
Southall, Brian
Published by Carlton Books, 2019
One hundred of the most famous or influential objects associated with the Fab Four are presented in this book by Mr. Southall. Obviously many of the object choices could be considered subjective by individual viewers and readers but the intent or premise of the book is seemingly to promote people to think about them and how they would weigh in on the particular object’s importance or possibly to suggest their own!!!
AMAZON US:
AMAZON UK:
The Beatles in 100 Objects : Southall, Brian: Amazon.co.uk: Books
ABBEY ROAD: THE STORY OF THE WORLD’S MOST FAMOUS RECORDING STUDIOS (first edition)
The first edition of the story of the legendary Abbey Road Studios
Abbey Road: The Story of the World’s Most Famous Recording Studios
Brian Southall
Published by Patrick Stephens, 1985
ABE BOOKS LISTING-THIS BOOK HAS A FEW COVER VARIATIONS
Abbey Road. The Story of the World’s Most Famous Recording Studios. Foreword by Paul McCartney. Preface by George Martin. Additional Research and Original Idea by peter Vince and Allan Rouse. by SOUTHALL, Brian.: (1982) | Addyman Books The one pictured below is the first edition!
THE BEATLES: ALBUM BY ALBUM
An overview of the Beatles recorded work with contributions by studio insiders and other prominent individuals!
The Beatles: Album by Album: The Band and Their Music by Insiders, Experts Eyewitnesses
Published by Welbeck Publishing, 2020
AMAZON UK:
BEATLES MEMORABILIA: THE JULIAN LENNON COLLECTION
This book is both a happy one and a very sad one as well. A happy one because it features the collection of Julian Lennon of many of the Beatles items that he was able to purchase or acquire at auction over the years. The sad element is that he had to purchase them at all instead of receiving them as an inheritance after his father’s passing!
Beatles Memorabilia: The Julian Lennon Collection
Southall, Brian; Lennon, Julian
Published by Goodman, 2011
Beatles Memorabilia
Southall, Brian
Published by Carlton Books, Limited, 2011
AMAZON US: earlier edition
AMAZON US: later edition Goodman Books
Beatles Memorabilia: Southall, Brian: 9781847960665: Amazon.com: Books
My signed copy of the bittersweet book:
THE ALTERNATE JULIAN COLLECTION COVER:
THE RISE AND FALL OF EMI RECORDS
A book that I found very intriguing. A history of EMI and what caused it’s ultimate downfall and sale!
The Rise and Fall of EMI Records
Southall, Brian
Published by Omnibus Press, 2011
AMAZON US:
The Rise & Fall of EMI Records: Southall, Brian: 9781847722447: Amazon.com: Books
AMAZON UK:
The Rise & Fall of EMI Records eBook : Southall, Brian: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store
Alternate color cover:
NORTHERN SONGS: THE TRUE STORY OF THE BEATLES’ SONG PUBLISHING EMPIRE
I found this book to be fascinating and what gives credence to the expression Money is the Root of all Evil. It was business and money matters that were the greatest contributor to the demise of the the world’s greatest band. Sometimes the best of friendships and close families can break apart due to money or financial matters!
Check this book out!
Northern Songs: The True Story of the Beatles’ Song Publishing Empire
Southall, Brian; Perry, Rupert
Published by Omnibus Pr & Schirmer Trade Books, 2007
AMAZON UK:
Brian Southall: Northern Songs: Amazon.co.uk: Southall, Brian: 9781846092374: Books
THE WHITE ALBUM: REVOLUTION, POLITICS & RECORDING – THE BEATLES AND THE WORLD IN 1968
The White Album: Revolution, Politics & Recording – The Beatles and the World in 1968 Hardcover – Illustrated, 4 Oct. 2018
by Brian Southall (Author), Chris Thomas (Foreword)
AMAZON DESCRIPTION OF THE BOOK:
Packed full of musical and historical analysis centred on the Beatles at the peak of their popularity, The White Album: A-side/B-side takes a look at one of the greatest albums ever created, and the tumultuous time period it was born into. Dive into the revolution and turmoil that followed the ‘The Summer of Love’ and follow the disruption on streets through the ground-breaking music of The Beatles. The ultimate guide to the eclectic styles, techniques and stories behind the universally renowned “The White Album”. Including an indepth guide to the album and an exploration of the political and social influences, this captures revolutiony moment in musical history.
AMAZON US LINK:
AMAZON UK LINK:
Back cover of the book:
The signature of Brian Southall:
My signed Chris Thomas White Album. Chris Thomas produced a handful of White Album tracks alongside his engineering work on the album! He would also go on to produce Badfinger among many other artists.
A RARE BOOK FROM JOHN’s SISTER-JULIA (IN HIS OWN YOUTH IN MY OWN WORDS)
A nice early book from the mid 1980s from John’s half-sister Julia! Had a wonderful assortment of early photographs
Published by River Women Press Press, Cheshire England, 1985
Julia was later to release later works about her family and her brother. Those will be dealt with in a future post.
Here is an example of inflation as I originally bought my signed copy of the book (shown below) forr $35.00. I recently saw a signed copy on Abe Boks for $200.00!
Julia’s signature in my copy of the book:
A SPECIAL ITEM FROM STRAWBERRY FIELDS
Back in 2022, I contacted Andrew Fleming of Strawberry Fields , the organization that strives to preserve the historical significance of this great Liverpool site where the buliding and grounds that housed the place which inspired John to write the Beatles classic were situated, “Strawberry Fields Forever.” I asked Andrrew if I could purchase a signed copy of the special cd they were offering of John’s sister Julia, having a conversation with non other than Paul McCartney. .Andrew was so kind in asking Julia, who is a director at the site, to sign this great interview cd for me which is presented below. I am including the Strawberry Fields link, as purchases from the website help them to preserve and sustain this wonderful place for future generations!
Home page Strawberry Field Official Online Store | Unique Lennon & Beatles Merchandise
A signed cd:
Back cover of the cd:
Julia’s kind inscription:
A NEW CD BY SEPP OSLEY– DEAR JOHN, TO HONOR WHAT WOULD HAVE BEEN JOHN LENNON’S 85TH BIRTHDAY!
Just received this new Beatles tribute cd from musician Sepp Osley.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOHN LENNON!!!
Dear John (Collaborations) – CD Jewel Case + Booklet – Sepp Osley Please note the title song Dear John is an original composition by Sepp Osley, it is not the song that John Lennon wrote at the end of his life with the same title.
The track listing of the cd:
Sepp Osley – Dear John feat. Peter Frampton & Mollie Marriott
PAUL McCARTNEY: ALL THE SONGS
An interesting book about Paul McCartney’s songwriting and appearance on other artists records by Rick Swan published by Wymer Publishers in Bedford England in 2020. As I have stated before, the one problem with books such as these is when new recordings are issued, the book becomes in need of an update or a revised edition. The book is entertaining but the author I personally believe is overly harsh and critical on his assessment of some of McCartney’s numbers.
AMAZON US:
Paul McCartney: All The Songs: Swan, Rick: 9781912782437: Amazon.com: Books
AMAZON UK:
Paul McCartney: All The Songs : Swan, Rick: Amazon.co.uk: Books
Back cover of the book:
THE BEATLES: LITERARY ANTHOLOGY by Mike Evans
Mike Evans draws from some of the best archive writings about the Beatles during their history
The Beatles Literary Anthology Hardcover – September 21, 2004
by Mike Evans (Author)
Plexus Publishing
AMAZON US:
The Beatles Literary Anthology: Evans, Mike: 9780859653152: Amazon.com: Books
AMAZON UK:
The Beatles Literary Anthology: Amazon.co.uk: Mike Evans: 9780859653152: Books
THE AMAZON US DESCRIPTION OF THE BOOK:
“The Beatles: Literary Anthology recounts the group’s mercurial rise from the British Merseybeat scene; the “British invasion” that made them iconic figures in the USA; the experimentation with song structure and sound-recording technique that re-defined pop music forever; their embracing of psychedelic drugs, hippie utopianism and pacifism, amidst the social changes of the mid-to-late 1960s; the band’s acrimonious split, and the disparate, sometimes tragic post-Beatles paths followed by John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. The strange extremes of a career virtually unparalled in terms of mass-media fame are also examined in thought-provoking articles: the American Far Right’s conspiracy theory that marked the Beatles as agents of Communism; the “Paul is Dead” myth, and the cryptographic reading of Beatles trivia that inspired it; the attempts of Lennon, with all his human failings, to live with his absurdly messianic status; the insane “messages” that the Manson Family girls deciphered from the lyrics of The White Album; the obsessions of disturbed Beatles fan Mark Chapman, and his tragic attempt to steal a little of Lennon’s celebrity.”
Back cover of the book:
McCARTNEY ON THE COVER OF ESQUIRE UK MAGAZINE-AUGUST 2015
ESQUIRE UK MAGAZINE AUGUST 2015
As a US resident and collector, I love to acquire cover stories of UK magazines about the Beatles or the solo members.
Here is one from August 2015 featuring Paul!
A 1974 YOKO ONO JAPANESE TOUR PROGRAM:
During the Lost Weekend, Yoko did a tour of Japan featuring many New York session musicians. This was a program from that tour:
BEATLES ARCHITECTURE EXPERT-SCOTT CARDINAL (TITTENHURST PARK)
Author Scott Cardinal has produced several excellent literary works dealing with the Dakota, Tittenhurst Park and Friar Park.
Here is one of them:
Tittenhurst Park: A Pictorial History Paperback – 29 Aug. 2017
by Scott Cardinal (Author)
Published by Campfire Network
AMAZON US LINK:
Tittenhurst Park: A Pictorial History : Cardinal, Scott: Amazon.co.uk: Books
AMAZON UK LINK:
Tittenhurst Park: A Pictorial History : Cardinal, Scott: Amazon.co.uk: Books
AMAZON US DESCRIPTION:
“TITTENHURST PARK: A PICTORIAL HISTORY is a comprehensive collection of colorful images gathered to document the colorful history and development of one of the beautiful 19th century country home outside of London that is most famous as the home of musicians John Lennon & Ringo Starr. Most of the images that appear in the book have never been published before. Informative text provides readers with an understanding and appreciation for the accompanying images, and major events, of the amazing history of one of one of The Beatles’ most legendary landmarks.”
AMAZON’s description of the author:
“The Cardinals,” led by Investigative & Architectural Historian Scott Cardinal, are the creators of books that showcase the Dakota apartment building, Friar Park, Tittenhurst Park, the Ansonia, and other legendary 18th and 19th century buildings, homes and gardens. They are the creators and producers of Audible Adventures, an online educational platform that showcases the design psychology behind the homes and work spaces of the world’s most creative luminaries. Learn more at CampfireNetwork.com”
Back cover of the book:
Scott Cardinal’s inscription:
IMAGES OF THE BEATLES: PHOTOGRAPHS FROM THE DAILY MAIL
Images of The Beatles: Photographs From the Daily Mail Hardcover By Tim Hill Author/editor – 1 May 2007
Parragon Book Service Ltd
This book was put together by Tim Hill who has been involved in producing several Beatles photo books. This one features photos that appeared in the UK’s Daily Mail.
These type of specialized photo books represent and serve as excellent time capsules!
AMAZON US:
Images of the Beatles: Tim Hill, Daily Mail: 9781405487887: Amazon.com: Books
AMAZON UK:
Images of The Beatles: Photographs From the Daily Mail: Amazon.co.uk: Tim Hill: 9781405490689: Books
Back cover of the book:
JOHN LENNON – WANTED BY THE FBI
Though my favorite books about the FBI’s attempts by J. Edgar Hoover and the Nixon government to throw John Lennon out of the country because of his perceived power with the youth of the time, were written by author Jon Wiener (see: Come Together: John Lennon in His Time and Gimme Some Truth: The John Lennon FBI Files), I also purchased this book by Julien Kerry. It makes a great companion piece to the two Jon Wiener books!
JOHN LENNON – Wanted by the FBI
by Julien Kern | Oct 15, 2014
Publisher : Liverpool Revolution
AMAZON US LINK:
JOHN LENNON – Wanted by the FBI: Kern, Julien: 9782954463612: Amazon.com: Books
AMAZON UK LINK:
JOHN LENNON – Wanted by the FBI: Amazon.co.uk: Kern, Julien: 9782954463612: Books
Amazon description of the book:
“The ultimate and most comprehensive book on the John Lennon FBI files. For the first time, the complete FBI files on John Lennon are published, explained and illustrated. These documents, completed by CIA and INS archives, shine a new light on John Lennon’s post-Beatles life in New York City. He was investigated for pornography, harassed for several years by President Nixon’s administration that wanted to deport him because of his political and anti Vietnam War activism. The FBI also investigated when Lennon and his family were later threatened for money. The last file tackles issues relating to his murder in December 1980. This book is a must have for every Lennon fan and for anyone interested in his life, artistic achievements, political activism and peace campaigns.”
Back cover of the book:
AUCTION CATALOG:
Occasionally I will purchase an auction catalog if it features items of interest to me. Even if I can not afford the item, purchasing the catalog will at least allow me to have pictures of the items that intrigue me. For example, I could never afford what is on the cover of this Julien’s auction catalog, a signed set of baseballs by all 4 Beatles, but at least I have a photo of it to preserve in the print collection.
The back cover of the catalog:
UK MAGAZINE-CLASH WITH A PAUL McCARTNEY COVER STORY–JULY 2007
CLASH MAGAZINE WITH PAUL ON THE COVER
LENNON REVEALED-(Larry Kane is able to tell some great stories in this title)
Larry Kane has had a long, storied, and distinguished broadcast career and he holds the distinction of being the only broadcast journalist to travel to every stop on the Beatles’ 1964 and 1965 tours according ti Wikipedia. He has written this excellent book about his memories of John Lennon and the Beatles and his encounters with John following the Beatles breakup.
Lennon Revealed Hardcover – September 27, 2005
by Larry Kane (Author)
Running Press
AMAZON US:
Lennon Revealed: Kane, Larry: 9780762423644: Amazon.com: Books
AMAZON UK:
Lennon Revealed: Amazon.co.uk: Kane, Larry: 9780762423644: Books
PLEASE BE AWARE:
If you are looking to purchase this title, make sure you confirm if the copy you are purchasing has the dvd exclusive which was only available on earlier editions of the book!!!
Larry Kane’s signature:
Back cover of the book:
IN THEIR LIVES: GREAT WRITERS ON GREAT BEATLES SONGS
In Their Lives: Great Writers on Great Beatles Songs Hardcover – May 23, 2017
by Andrew Blauner (Author/EDITOR)
AMAZON UK:
AMAZON DESCRIPTION
“The perfect gift for any Beatles fan, In Their Lives is an anthology of essays from a chorus of twenty-nine luminaries singing the praises of their favorite Beatles songs.
Blue Rider Press
Publication date May 23, 2017
The Beatles’ influence—on their contemporaries, on our cultural consciousness, and on the music industry ever after—is difficult to overstate. We all have a favorite song from the band that made us want to fall in love, tune in, and follow our dreams. Arranged chronologically by the date of the song’s release, these essays highlight both the Beatles’ evolution as well as the span of generations their music affected. Whether they are Beatlemaniacs who grew up listening to the iconic albums on vinyl or new fans who stream their favorite songs on their phones, all of the contributors explore that poignant intersection between Beatles history and personal history.
With contributions from twenty-nine authors and musicians—Roz Chast on “She Loves You,” Jane Smiley on “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” Rosanne Cash on “No Reply,” Gerald Early on “I’m a Loser,” Rick Moody on “The End,” Maria Popova on “Yellow Submarine,” David Duchovny on “Dear Prudence,” Chuck Klosterman on “Helter Skelter,” David Hajdu on “You Know My Name (Look Up the Number),” and more—the breadth of the band’s impact is clear. From musings on young love and family strife to explorations of racial boundaries and identity, these essays pay tribute to a band that ran the gamut of human experience in a way no musical group has done before or since.
Timed for the fiftieth anniversary of the release of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, this anthology captures the full spectrum of reasons fans still love the Fab Four after all these years.”
Need your help with determining who these signatures belong to…
The book is autographed but I can only speculate as to who the signatures belong to, perhaps, signatures of what Charles Murray and Roz Chast?
UP FRONT…(Autobiography) by Victor Spinetti
The actor comedian who was a close friend of the Beatles and was in the the films ,A Hard Day’s Night, Help and Magical Mystery Tour!
Here is his autobiography:
Up Front…(Autobiography) by Victor Spinetti (21-Jul-2008) Paperback Paperback
by Victor Spinetti (Author)
Portico (21 July 2008)
Up Front . . .: His Strictly Confidential Autobiography Hardcover – October 1, 2006 Robson Books
AMAZON DESCRIPTION:
“Described by Sir Paul McCartney as ‘the man who makes clouds disappear’, Victor Spinetti is one of Britain’s best-loved and most outrageous performers. He became known to the Sixties generation through his comedic roles in the landmark Beatles films and the classic Return of the Pink Panther, starring Peter Sellers. His remarkable wit and versatility have earned him fresh popularity with every generation since. A veteran stage actor, writer and director, Spinetti gives us an irresistible account of his own life, from his Welsh-Italian upbringing to his role as one of the few trusted friends of the Beatles through to his recent portrayal of Einstein on stage in London. Up Front contains startling new insights into life with the Beatles, and a selection of previously unpublished photos of the Fab Four. Spinetti’s charismatic personality and his fabulous ability to entertain combine to make this a book of exquisite charm, joy and irreverence.”
Alternate cover-the hardback issue of the book:
A signed copy of the book:
The back cover of the book with a little background about Mr. Spinetti:
The Lennon Play: in His Own Write [By] John Lennon, Adrienne Kennedy [And] Victor Spinetti Hardcover – 1 Jan. 1968
This is the copy of the book that Victor Spinetti signed for me when I met him at a Fest for Beatles Fans in New Jersey.
He was a kind and cordial individual who was very funny! You can see and understand why the Beatles liked him so much. This book was a theater application to John’s first book-In His Own Write!
Spinetti’s signature:
PAUL McCARTNEY AFTER THE BEATLES: A MUSICAL APPRECIATION VOLUME TWO
One of Adrian Allan’s many excellent McCartney books:
Paul McCartney After The Beatles: A Musical Appreciation Volume Two Hardcover – 27 Mar. 2020
by Adrian Allan (Author)
Published by Lulu
AMAZON UK:
Back cover of the book:
Adrian’s signed inscription to the book. It is nice to see his kind words about my former Facebook page but I simply could not tolerate the algorithims of social media any more and I am very happy on the blog! Already three years have passed. Upward and onward…
JOHN LENNON: IN MY LIFE (BY PETE SHOTTON AND NICHOLAS SCHAFFNER)
A great book about one of John Lennon’s closest friends growing up. Having met personally once at a NJ Fest for Beatles fans, I could see why John and Pete were such good friends. They seem to thrive on that keen sense of wit!
John Lennon: In My Life Paperback – January 1, 1983
by Pete Shotton (Author), Nicholas Schaffner (Author)
Stein & Day Pub Publication date January 1, 1983
AMAZON US:
John Lennon: In My Life: Shotton, Pete, Schaffner, Nicholas: 9780812861853: Amazon.com: Books
AMAZON UK:
John Lennon: in My Life: Amazon.co.uk: Shotton, Pete, Schaffner, Nicholas: 9780812829167: Books
Henry Holt & Co Publication date January 1, 1987-hardcover
Both authors of this book, Pete Shotton and Nicholas Schaffner signed ny copy of the book at A Fest for Beatles fans near Secaucus, NJ back in the 80’s. Unfortunately so many great guests at the Fest have passed away since those wonderful early conventions!
Be Healthy and Be Happy!!!
Buzz
OUR BOOK OF THE WEEK AT THE BEATLES BOOKSTORE
Inside Number Three – The Illustrated History of Apple Records
Inside No3 takes you through that famous door, deep into the minds of all who worked there at Apple Records. This is done also in a very different way. This is not a kiss-and-tell diary, it is through fan adulation and understanding via a personal collection of artifacts and memorabilia that author Nigel Pearce has built up over the last 50 years.
For prices and dates please contact Nigel again via the website
