Discover Jude’s Fascinating John Lennon Series here
Shivering Inside (Vol 2) Dec 1961 – Jan 1963
But for John Lennon, the hectic rise to glory failed to cure the constant Shivering Inside. He was still searching for something…or someone…to fill the hole in his heart. There are no hard copies left but you can get it on Kindle here for $9.99.
The “novelty” of getting a Novelty Beatles book title that is not commonplace still provides a great thrill to me as a Beatles book collector. A special category of those uncommon titles are Beatles novelty books. I have provided a couple of examples below of books from the ’60s where these books not only were poking fun at the Beatles phenomenon, but the authors may have missed out on some important details. Little did they know at the time that the books they were writing for a chuckle or a laugh, or perhaps to CAPITALIZE on the group’s incredible popularity, that the novelty books intent has boomeranged and changed over time as the perceptions of the band evolved through the ensuing years.
Novelty Books
Courses on the Beatles are now taught on the collegiate level, and I am willing to wager that most of the novelty books had the intention of solely poking fun at this long-haired group from Liverpool that was uplifting the younger generation to the forefront and front page of the culture. Little did the older generation realize what the lasting power of that group would be and the influence they would have on a worldwide basis!
Here are a few examples of Beatles novelty books.
BEATLE MANIA HITS THE BIG WIGS by STAN FINE. Published in 1964 by Gem Publishing Co.
FRONT COVER
Novelty Beatles Books – Beatlemania Hits The Big Wigs
The back cover-how many of you Baby Boomers remember the names of the celebrities portrayed in the Beatles wigs?
This book was a collection of satirical photographs from 1964 of many prominent public figures making comments about their appearance adorned in Beatles wigs and poking fun at the Beatle phenomenon. The photos contained within the book could double as postcards as a place to affix a stamp was also provided on the individual backside of the photos.. Here a few sample pages:
BIT BY LOVE AND THE BEETLE BUG
Published in 1964 and authored by Diane David and Julie Ann Lyman
Printed by Ravenswood Guardian Press
Perhaps the spelling of the group name was changed to avoid legal issues, but this book had a similar premise though the people portrayed in the photographs were not celebrities unlike the first title.
Stan Fine had a similar set of postcards under a different title that he devised for another presentation of prominent world leaders at the time presented in Beatles wigs
For me these books are important to have because it serves as evidence, that at the beginning the group was possibly not being taken seriously by the older generation or that they were simply being seen as a fad or a novelty. The unfolding events of musical history certainly proved that opinion to be misguided and faulty!
If you have any Beatles novelty books in your collection, would love to hear their titles and the premise that the book takes in it’s presentation. I also have a selfish reason for asking. If it is a book that I am not aware of, I may want to add it to my want list!
BUZZ
Art & Craft
Original art and craft related to Liverpool and the Beatles
Ethan Allen Russell was born on November 26, 1945 and he has quite the photographic resume helping to chronicle and preserve precious images of the rock ‘n’ roll era of the 1960s and beyond, and the iconic bands that played such a dynamic role in the history of those times. Would like to honor Mr. Russell with this blog post as photographers often do not receive the full recognition or credit that they deserve for capturing the wonderful images of the times and the events that are so fleeting in all of our lives. If a picture is worth a thousand words, then Ethan Russell has written the equivalent of the Gutenberg Bible!!! Ethan has the distinction of being the photographer who has shot album covers for The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and the Who!!!
Ethan’s wonderful website where you can purchase and peruse many of his wonderful images:
Would like to highlight some of the books that have a Beatles connection that Ethan has been involved with and that I have purchased over the years, but before I do that. I want to show you the beautiful signed print I purchased from Ethan back in 2016 that he shot in 1968 at Montagu Square, London. I believe that Ethan has titled this print as “Wistful.” John was living in Ringo’s apartment at the time and this was the location where he was arrested by policeman, Norman Pilcher for cannabis possession. Lennon pleaded guilty to the charge though he claims to have been planted. This plea led to the government of the US under Richard Nixon to institute deportation proceedings against John that haunted him in the early 70’s until he was eventually granted his green card thanks to the efforts of attorney Leon Wildes. Many people believe that this was a sly way for the US government to get rid of an anti-war protestor who could possibly influence the younger voters to vote against the reigning President. Nineteen sixty eight had another Lennon/Ethan Russell connection. Ethan took some fabulous photos of John’s super group, the “Dirty Mac” at “The Rolling Stones Rock ‘n’ Roll Circus.”
“Wistful” by Ethan Russell
John Lennon by Ethan Russell
The COA that Ethan sent with the photograph:
Ethan Russell’s Certificate of Authenticity
The slipcase of the special edition of the boxed set put together by Ethan as a special remembrance for his son. I love this independently published box set, from 2019:Entitled “Ethan Russell Photographs The Best Seat in the House published by independent Publisher–KQLY Press. This book is available on Ebay and some special book search services such as Abe Books!
Ethan’s inscription to me in my copy of the book:
Ethan’s signature on the limited edition book:
The Inside Story-the booklet that accompanies the deluxe box which gives Ethan’s assessment and further details of some of the photo’s that he chose to comprise the special limited edition version of the book “The Best Seat in the House”:
The actual cover of the Ethan Russell Photography book – Ethan Russell Photographs – The Best Seat in the House, featuring a photo of Keith Richards leaving the Stones plane on the cover:
The Dear Mr. Fantasy softcover book featuring the photos of Ethan Russell:
Publication Year-1986 Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company
Book is available on Amazon, Ebay and many other book search services like Abe Books:
Hardcover Edition of the Dear Mr. Fantasy book featuring a partial list of the cavalcade of musical celebrities and luminaries that Ethan has photographed over the years:Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt in 1985.
Book is available on Amazon, Ebay and many other book search services like Abe Books:
The 1970 Get Back book-softcover that was issued in only a few countries featuring the photographs of Ethan Russell. One of the criticisms of the book was the loose binding that caused many frustrated collectors to wonder why some of the pages were falling out as the years went by.This book has become a collector’s item because of it’s relative scarcity:
THE BEATLES : GET BACK APPLE PAPERBACK 1969
1ST EDITION PUBLISHED BY APPLE LONDON
TEXT BY JONATHAN COTT + DAVID DALTON
The hardback book that came out after the Disney Get Back movie appeared on the network. Published by Callaway, it contained photos by Ethan Russell and Linda Eastman. Mal Evans, I believe, was also credited for taking a few photos.
Callaway Editions, Incorporated Published in 2021
The book is available on Amazon, Ebay, Abe Books, The Callaway website and many other venues:
Target Department stores issued a special edition of the Callaway book with lobby cards and I believe there was another edition featuring a few select prints as well:
Ethan Russell has the distinction of being one of the photographers at the final Beatles photo session conducted at John’s home in Ascot at Tittenhurst Park.
This album featuring many Beatles tracks that had previously only appeared on singles turned out to be what was to becomes an Apple Records oddity as the album received two distinct titles. Initially, first being called “The Beatles Again” and then being retitled “Beatles Hey Jude” because of the greater marketing impact of mentioning the Beatles biggest hit in the title would have on sales. Ethan shot the cover of this LP.
The Final Beatles Photoshoot
The Beatles Again LP on Apple: One of the label variations of the LP
The album retitled yet with the same contents:
This LP was released after Abbey Road even though it was recorded before it. Ethan is credited for having taking this album cover as well:
Ethan’s Famous LP Cover of Let It Be
Thank you Ethan Russell for the beautiful photographs of the Beatles that you were able to take. They will be enjoyed by fans and historians for many generations to come…and that is only a part of your rich legacy!!!
Buzz
Another great book of Beatles Photographs
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!
With this Blog I decided that as The Our First Four was featured in my book Inside No3, I thought that it would be very much an experience for many Beatle fans who visit The Beatles Bookstore, that they would appreciate an in depth look at my very own copies. The set was originally published and distributed to just over 400 very notable people in August 1968.
It announced to the world that Apple Records, ( a part of the Apple Foundation for the arts) was now fully in swing, to give artistic and talented people a fairer chance to be able to produce a telling work of art. The record division was only one of the five divisions that the company would operate through to reach its audience
Those Divisions were Apple Retail, Apple Records, Apple Electronics, Apple Films, and Apple Books. Apple Records was by plan and effect the most visible to the everyday punter, as their products were able to be bought via your local record store. However, to announce Apple Records a wonderful and now extremely rare Public Information vehicle was to be used. That item was the package simply titled “Our First Four”.
This package was altogether a Black Cardboard package with the words Our First Four printed in various colours on a white background on the front. This package when turned over opened a small box / packet which contained within it the first 4 Apple Records Released singles. ( Again, this was in effect the first 3 Apple singles, as Hey Jude was ostensibly an EMI Parlophone release, complete with Parlophone catalogue numbers ).
However, in effect it contained 4 Apple labelled singles. Each of these singles were held in a plastic polythene sleeve stuck onto a piece of foldable card, which contained a photograph of the artist. This was to be inside the card, and the front carried on it an introduction to the artist penned by PR man Derek Taylor. The back was intentionally left blank.
This was to prove a stunning package and as only slightly over 400 were produced, and many were simply just thrown away or destroyed forever without anyone realising the value to which this document package would accrue. To further enhance this wonderful and expensive package roughly a dozen was made in plastic, and sent to world notable dignitaries, which included Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, The British Prime Minister, The President of the United States, and a few others. We believe that Buckingham Palace has kept the copy sent to the Queen as well as the White House, but the others very likely have been stolen, or most likely destroyed.
So, what were the packages like. Well for the very first, (and may I say only time), I have displayed my set to be photographed and seen here at The Beatles Book Store, so that others may get to see this long lost and much sought after item. Finally, I have placed the whole set inside a heavy black box for protection. That is not part of the set, and I have stuck to the lid an officially printed Apple ID card which has been personally autographed by the late Tony Bramwell. This makes the collection to me, very complete.
You will now see the collection fully displayed and described. Thank you
This is my separate box to hold the sets in and to protect them further. The box is completely black, and the top card is an officially produced Apple box label autographed by Tony Bramwell in 1972.
Our First Four by Apple Corps
This is a general package shot of the American Our First Four Package. This will be described fully in a later Blog.
Here is the package outer box art used for the UK Package. This is the cardboard version.
Our First Four UK Box
The inside header sheet fronts for the artists and individual records held within
Inside Header Sheets
The American package in a general presentation.
The USA Package
The internal design for The Beatles Hey Jude Record and Folder.
Hey Jude
The internal Design for Mary Hopkin Those Were The Days Folder.
Mary Hopkin
The Internal Design for Jackie Lomax Sour Milk Sea Folder.
Jackie Lomax
The Final internal package for The Black Dyke Mills Band Thingumybob Folder.
Black Dyke Mills Band
The Associate Stamps set for Our First Four.
Apple Stamps
The Apple Collection
As you can see it is a truly wonderful set, and displayed here one can only marvel at the splendour, which also includes 4 nice shiny Apple 7-inch record sleeves to protect the records still further. This only enhances the visual effect of the entire package, which was bright, beautiful and so very daring, not to mention the cost at the time either!!. This is the complete United Kingdom package, which as I explained earlier is kept out of the sunlight and very rarely opened.
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.
How many groups can carry the distinction of having an entire book of 300+ pages written about a single song – “Hey Jude” – in their catalog. The group: The Beatles, The Song: Hey Jude, The Book: Take a Sad Song, The Author: James Campion
Take A Sad Song
Published by Backbeat on June 1, 2022
Hey Jude
When I first learned about this book, I must admit, I had my doubts. How could an entire book be written about a single Beatles song. I was educated very quickly upon receiving my signed copy from author, James Campion. The song written in 1968 was to become the biggest hit of the Beatles both in sales and the length of time it spent at #1 was unsurpassed by any other Beatles release. It had so many firsts accompanying it. It was one of the longest hit singles in length at over 7 minutes.
Radio would have to adjust its programming schedules to accommodate such a lengthy 45 but it was THE BEATLES. What a great melody, so infectious, you want to immediately sing along, and it had a chorus to end the number that was simply hypnotizing, inviting large numbers of people to join in, creating a sense of community.
The inspiration for this song written by Paul McCartney, was the ending of the marriage of Paul’s songwriting partner, John Lennon and wife, Cynthia. Paul, on his way to visit Cynthia and Julian Lennon wrote the tune under the original moniker of “Hey Jules” referring to John’s first-born son, Julian. The song was a melody and message of reassurance that things would get better for the young guy. Others infer that Paul was also referring to his new relationship with Linda or John’s new relationship with Yoko. John felt that it was Paul saying to him, “it is OK John, you have a new partner” and so do I.”
The song was written at a time where the Beatles were beginning to dissolve because of business differences, artistic differences and a myriad of other impactful events. George Harrison needed a greater outlet for his musical creations and he felt that both John and Paul were stymying his musical suggestions. Remember how George in the film “Let It Be” referenced the echoing guitar phrase that he had originally suggested for “Hey Jude” which was rejected by Paul. George seemed hurt at what had happened even though Paul probably made the correct musical decision. The solid unity of the band was ebbing away and the song seemed to be a plea to return to those happier times where everyone had a tighter common goal.
The flip-side of the 45 “Revolution” was the perfect B-side. It spoke of the tumultuous times especially in America during the peak of the Vietnam war. Anti-war protests were occurring everywhere and the Beatles spoke to those cultural anxieties perfectly in the rocking backing track to “Hey Jude.” The first single appeared on their new Apple label with the Granny Smith green Apple on the A-side and the cut in half apple interior as the B-side.
Author James Campion does his homework, researching experts in the fields of sociology, philosophy, psychology, and history to develop a consensus of the importance of the song “Hey Jude.” Reading this book also inspired me to read another title about the Beatles main rival in the 60’s, The Rolling Stones! Ironically, there was a story in this book written by Tony Sanchez entitled “Up and Down With the Rolling Stones which highlights the impact that the song had on people. Tony Sanchez references a Rolling Stones party with several of the Stones attending as they were celebrating a new record release.
Tony in his book comments that a couple of Beatles were at the same party and strategically asked the DJ to play their new record “Hey Jude.” The audience at the party were awe-struck and they were amazed at the sound of this new set of recordings. However Sanchez does not believe everyone was happy as a few members of the Rolling Stones felt that they had been upstaged by the band who seemingly had the stranglehold on world popularity. I believe that Sanchez makes reference to Mick Jagger being incensed after the Beatles new song was receiving such positive comments from his audience.
This story coupled with the fascinating details of the creation of the song make the Campion book a surefire winner in my collection. Love how the book describes Ringo’s drum entry into the song as you do not hear drums at the beginning because he was apparently in the loo (bathroom) and got to his drum kit at the perfect time to begin. You can’t plan some of these things, it has to be FATE!
James Campion’s book is available on Amazon, Ebay and most Book search services such as Abe Books.
Years later, Julian Lennon released an album appropriately titled “Jude.” In interviews, Julian admits to having mixed feelings about the song “Hey Jude” because it reminded him of the sad time of his mom and dad breaking apart. However he loves the fact that his “Uncle Paul” had the kindness and sensitivity to write a song trying to cheer him up!
Julian Lennon
Julian with the album where he finally came to grips with his difficult childhood. He signed this print as a special addition to buying the album at his website
Jude
The book that had the Hey Jude story as the record was introduced at a Rolling Stone party. The book seems to imply that at least one of the Stones was incensed that the Beatles had apparently upstaged the Stones by having their new single “Hey Jude” being played at the party by the club’s DJ!
A NICE ENDING
Both Paul McCartney and Julian posted this photo which appeared across the internet where they ran across each other awaiting flights at the airport. Paul also sent out on his phone a photo of Julian’s Jude album cover.
Julian Lennon with Paul McCartney
Is this your favourite Beatles song, as it is for many? If not, which is your favourite?
Buzz
Art & Craft
Original art and craft related to Liverpool and the Beatles
Several years ago, when I was still on Facebook, through networking and the many connections you establish through having common interests, I learned of a new Beatles magazine/ fanzine that seemed to have an unusual theme – The Teatles (The Beatles and Tea).
Being very curious, I decided to investigate and purchased a sample issue and was extremely delighted with the results. So much so, that I decided to purchase all of the back issues and all of the new ones when they were issued. One of the obsessions of collecting is, if I start collecting a magazine with a numerical sequence, I want to make sure I can collect all of the issues to have a complete set. I was fortunate enough to have been able to do so with this fine magazine.
The Teatles
The Teatles always featured articles that were of interest to me. Featuring a variety of skilled writers, editor and publisher Huw Spink, a Welshman, who has chosen to reside in Liverpool, retains what seems to be a common quality for Liverpool residents, a great sense of humor (or humour) as the originators of the English language would spell the word.
The concept of tying in the Beatles with tea was intriguing as obviously both are forever linked with English cultural heritage and then I remembered a funny segment from the Rutles which sarcastically references the importance of tea in the Rutles history…
When I asked Huw if he would be interested in having a blog post about his excellent magazine he seemed to be delighted with the prospect, so I asked him a few basic questions to get things started:
Q: Why the tea theme coalescing with the subject of the Beatles?
A: “An accident really. I really love both tea and Beatles. Once I began noticing how much the Beatles loved tea I realised that I could combine two of my great passions!“
Q. What prompted you to start your own Beatles fanzine/magazine? Motivations-Reasons
A: “Initially just as an antidote to boredom. But I didn’t realise that it would become such a lovely and fun thing to do. As hobbies go, its been a really good one!”
Q.What have been a few of your favorite pieces/articles appearing in the magazine thus far? Why are they special to you?
A: “Oh gee…where to start! Kate Gietkowski wrote beautifully about being a Polish Beatles fan. Rob Power had a Beatle/tea family connection! Mark Raven wrote beautifully about a personal connection with Beatles and tea. Rose wrote candidly about anxiety and George. Teresa Brader, Mark O’Callaghan and Jamie Osborne came back time and time again with beautiful, insightful pieces. But the one piece that stands out? Ruby Smith. Issue 5. Heartbreaking.”
Q. What has been the most satisfying aspect for you in doing the magazine? Conversely, what is the biggest hassle? Forexample, postage costs around the world?
A: “The greatest joy has been the sense of community and collaboration. Feeling a part of something is lovely, but being part of something so creative, open and welcoming is just the loveliest.
The worst part – yeah. Charging more for postage than for the zine. Ah well. What can you do?”
Q. Please give the contact information you would prefer if people have questions etc”
A: teatlemania@outlook.com or find theteatles on instagram
Q. What’s in store for the future?
A: “The Teatles Books ended at issue 20. I started back with the (slightly) different TEATLES. Issue 4 will be out later this year.”
Please note: I have also gotten the three issues of the new Teatles magazine and they are just as interesting and enjoyable as the original 20 issues. There is actually significantly more content in the new format.
Huw was interviewed a while back in an excellent piece posted by The Daily Beatle about his wonderful magazine. This piece displayed a photo of Patti Boyd, George Harrison’s first wife holding a copy of The Teatles magazine and also acknowledges that the official John Lennon webpage enjoys this delightful magazine.
Contact Name – Editor and Publisher of the “The Teatles”: Huw Spink
Contact information regarding The Teatles Magazine teatlemania@outlook.com or find theteatles on instagram
Here are photos of all 20 issues of Huw’s original Teatles magazine. The photos of the actual magazines shown here were taken by the editor himself, Huw Spink!The actual photos of the Beatles were taken by numerous other photographers. Set to a similar format to the original Beatles Monthlies, these magazines are a delight to have in my collection!
Special kudos are extended to Huw for having such an extensive collection of photos of the Beatles enjoying their tea, their cohorts, also enjoying the beverage, and their companion teacups!
Issue #1
The Teatles Book
Issue #2
The Teatles Book
Issue #3
Issue #4
Issue #5
Issue #6
Issue #7
Issue #8
Issue #9
Issue #10
Issue #11
Issue #12
Issue #13
Issue #14
Les Teatles Magazine
Issue #15
Issue #16
Issue #17
Issue #18
Issue #19
Issue #20
This post is respectfully dedicated to all of theteetotalers in the WORLD!!!
