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PHILIP NORMAN SHOUTS OUT ABOUT THE BEATLES, THE SOLO BEATLES, AND BRIAN EPSTEIN!!!

Author Philip Norman has written many books about the legendary band and/or the solo members of the group!

The first book entitled Shout has been in print continuously since the 1980s when it was first published. When the Beatles split in 1970, the unity of the collective admiration for the band of fans seemed to evolve and dissipate somewhat as fans of the group began to choose their individual favorite solo Beatle to follow and many fans became increasingly defensive when their chosen favorite Beatle was shown to have some human failings that they did not want to be given credibility or veracity by the press.

Philip Norman suffered the anger of many McCartney fans with the initial publication of Shout as the portrayal of Paul McCartney in the book was not what many McCartney fans had expected (or dare I say-wanted). Norman was accused of giving John Lennon preferential treatment in the Beatles perceived power hierarchy.

All I know is that Philip is an excellent writer and researcher and I have enjoyed all of his Beatle-related books. His post-Shout McCartney biography seems to have been his subtle and clever way to answer the criticisms about his McCartney portrayal in Shout bringing the immensely talented Paul into a more balanced and less critical portrait of the man. Journalism is not always based solely on fact. It is also based on the author’s perceptions and the language being used to describe events. Word choice creates emotional meanings to the reader and viewer. An author of any printed work has certain predispositions that for whatever reason will influence their final product. This blog will present some of Philip Norman’s literary works about the Beatles and some of the locations where you can obtain/purchase them.

Philip Norman – Shout!

The Folio Society has recently published a new hardcover slipcased edition of the book that started it all entitled Shout! What is an additional attraction of this new edition is that it features many photos of noted Beatles photographer, Terry O’Neill as part of this wonderful edition, through an apparent agreement with the late O’Neill’s estate.

Copies of the latest edition can be obtained/purchased at the Folio Society website:

https://www.foliosociety.com/usa/search/SHOUT

A photo of the book and the slipcase from the Folio Society website:

Philip Norman
Philip Norman

https://www.foliosociety.com/usa/shout

The hardcover book: I want to take this opportunity to thank a special individual for his help in being able to facilitate a signed and inscribed bookplate from author Philip Norman of the slipcased edition of the book. I am referring to Beatles book author and lifelong fan, David Stark, who occasionally sees Philip Norman in his neighborhood, and he took the time to ask Mr. Norman if he would consider sending me a signed bookplate for the new edition which I just purchased. The signed bookplate arrived in the mail in early November 2025.

I thank David Stark and Philip Norman for their kindness and consideration in this regard. David Stark is fully aware of my fascination as a collector for signed limited editions of books and I am genuinely appreciative and happy with this outcome.

For those of you who may not be aware, David Stark has an excellent book of his own recollections as an intense first-generation Beatles fan. It is one of my favorite books in my large Beatles book collection. You will enjoy the many fascinating stories in this title and here is the link to his website: (Check out David’s book-you will NOT be disappointed)

The link is provided below here:

It’s All Too Much – David Stark’s Musical Adventures – Adventures of a Teenage Beatles Fan in the ’60s & beyond

Here is the cover of the new edition of Shout!

Another photo from the Folio Society’website, describing the new hardcover edition of Shout!

The first of two signed bookplates that Philip Norman kindly sent to me:

Philip Norman was very kind in sending me two signed bookplates for this special edition of his book. Special thanks are extended to David Stark for facilitating Philip’s kind gesture!

Philip Norman’s SHOUT!

(From the Folio Society Website)

The True Story of The Beatles

Illustrated by Terry O’Neill

Introduced By the author

Packed with Terry O’Neill’s evocative photographs, this definitive Beatles biography gets the Folio treatment. Philip Norman’s forensic, funny and brilliantly written portrait captures the chaos and charisma of the Fab Four – a must-read for music lovers, Beatlemaniacs and anyone fascinated by the band that changed everything.

THE AUTHOR:

Philip Norman
Philip Norman

About the Author – THE DESCRIPTION IS FROM THE FOLIO SOCIETY WEBSITE

Philip Norman has an international reputation as a chronicler of pop music and culture. Shout! (Folio 2025), his groundbreaking biography of The Beatles, first published in 1981, has been continuously in print ever since. He went on to write definitive biographies of the Rolling Stones, Elton John, Buddy Holly, John Lennon, Mick Jagger, Sir Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix and George Harrison. Also an award-winning writer of fiction, he was one of the first Top 20 Young British Novelists. His latest non-music book is We Danced On Our Desks: Brilliance and Backstabbing at the Sixties’ Most Influential Magazine (2022).

AN EARLIER EDITION OF SHOUT!

AMAZON US:

Shout! The Beatles in Their Generation: Norman, Philip (re: John Lennon; Paul McCartney; George Harrison; Ringo Starr -: 9781416541172: Amazon.com: Books

AMAZON UK:
Shout!: The Beatles in Their Generation : Norman, Philip: Amazon.co.uk: Books

Coming in June of 2026 Philip Norman’s Brian Epstein biography: Mr. Moonlight: Brian Epstein and the Making of the Beatles Hardcover – June 16, 2026
by Philip Norman (Author)

AMAZON US:
Mr. Moonlight: Brian Epstein and the Making of the Beatles: Norman, Philip: 9780306837234: Amazon.com: Books

AMAZON UK:

Mr Moonlight: Brian Epstein and the Making of The Beatles: Amazon.co.uk: Norman, Philip: 9781398542266: Books

John Lennon: The Life Paperback – September 8, 2009

Philip’s John Lennon biography

by Philip Norman (Author)

Amazon US:

John Lennon: The Life: Norman, Philip: 9780060754020: Amazon.com: Books

AMAZON UK:
John Lennon: The Life: Amazon.co.uk: Norman, Philip: 9780007197422: Books

DAYS IN THE LIFE JOHN LENNON REMEMBERED Hardcover – Import, January 15, 1991
by Philip Norman (Author)

Prior to the release of his full-fledged Lennon bio:

Amazon US:

DAYS IN THE LIFE: Norman: 9780712639224: Amazon.com: Books

AMAZON UK:

Days in the Life: John Lennon Remembered: Amazon.co.uk: Norman, Philip: 9780712639224: Books

Paul McCartney: The Life Hardcover – May 3, 2016
by Philip Norman (Author)

This is the book that many of Philip Norman’s critics felt was his attempt to portray a more balanced viewpoint about Paul McCartney’s contributions to the Beatles than the McCartney portrayal in the Beatles bio of Shout where Norman was accused of taking an anti-McCartney focus!

I do not know for sure if that is the case but let the reader decide!!! LOL!

AMAZON US:
Paul McCartney: The Life: Norman, Philip: 9780316327961: Amazon.com: Books

AMAZON UK:
Paul McCartney: The Life: Amazon.co.uk: Norman, Philip: 9780316327961: Books

Version 1.0.0

George Harrison: The Reluctant Beatle Hardcover – October 24, 2023 by Philip Norman (Author)

Norman’s sensitive portrayal of George’s reluctance to bask in the non-ending glow of being a former Beatle and having to live up to the world’s expectations.

AMAZON US:

George Harrison: The Reluctant Beatle: Norman, Philip: 9781982195861: Amazon.com: Books

AMAZON UK:

George Harrison: The Reluctant Beatle: Amazon.co.uk: Norman, Philip: 9781398513402: Books

Well, we have Philip Norman books about the Beatles and about John, Paul, and George. We will soon even have a Brian Epstein biography coming from him. What are the odds that we will one day see the biography of Mr. Richard Starkey as a task assigned to PN? If it becomes a reality, one thing I am sure of, we will certainly learn something about the man from the Dingle in Liverpool that we did not know before!

Hope you have enjoyed this blog post about featured author, Philip Norman!

Best Wishes to all of you during this holiday season! Be Happy and Be Healthy!

Buzz

OUR FEATURED BOOK OF THE WEEK – IT’S ALL TOO MUCH

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You Won’t See Me: When the Beatles Ghosted Imelda Marcos

Paperback – 30 Nov. 2025 by David Guerrero (Author) or IMELDA MARCOS – WHY THE BEATLES STOPPED TOURING!!!

CAUGHT IN A MANILA FOLDER

Nineteen sixty-six was a pivotal year in the Beatles career. Not only was there a marked change in their musical development and style, but their impact as a cultural phenomenon extending far beyond their musical accomplishments was becoming increasingly more evident. Many of us are aware of John Lennon’s comments to Maureen Cleave in 1966 which caused a huge uproar in the Bible Belt States in the US. The Beatles when they made their last world tour in 1966 came to realize that their physical well-being was being threatened and in danger due to several of their comments. This coupled with their love of studio experimentation and the seeking of new ways to express their creativity in a studio-only environment gave them the excuse to hone their craft and to produce so many wonderful songs for the ages added by the factor of not having to worry about the extensive time constraints of being constantly on tour!

Those days would end in August of 1966 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco.

In November of 2025 there is a book coming out that deals with a crisis that the Beatles encountered in the Philippines in 1966 where the leader of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos, and his wife Imelda, felt insulted that the Beatles had seemingly displeased and ignored them by not attending a party they had been invited to by Imelda Marcos. This caused an uproar in the country, and the Beatles and Brian Epstein feared for their lives and quickly departed for a safer realm (no dictator pun intended).

Recently I saw a notification that in November of 2025 a new book about that Beatles/ Philippines incident is due to be released by David Guerrero. I have ordered a copy through Amazon UK and I look forward to receiving my copy soon.

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Penguin Random House SEA Publication date ‏ : ‎ 30 Nov. 2025

AMAZON UK
You Won’t See Me: When the Beatles Ghosted Imelda: Amazon.co.uk: Guerrero, David: 9789815323085: Books

The Day The Beatles Didn’t Meet Imelda Marcos
The Day The Beatles Didn’t Meet Imelda Marcos


AMAZON US LINK:

Please check to verify the actual release date of the US edition as when I went to the site, one comment says a similar release date to the UK, yet on the right-hand side of the page it states it is expected in May of 2026. This prompted my ordering of the book from Amazon UK instead!

You Won’t See Me: When the Beatles Ghosted Imelda: Guerrero, David: 9789815323085: Amazon.com: Books

AMAZON US DESCRIPTION OF THE BOOK:


In the mid-1960s, the Philippines hosted America’s largest military bases in the region while the Vietnam War was escalating. The Marcoses were photogenic and, on the surface at least, presented as poster children for democracy; Life magazine even dubbed Ferdinand and Imelda the “Jackie and JFK” of Asia. The Beatles’ management saw the tour as a lucrative opportunity to open new markets.

Before their arrival, invitations were sent—both directly and via the local promoter—for lunch at the Presidential Palace. Whether the invitations were accepted remains disputed. On the morning of July 4, 1966, when escorts arrived to collect the band, their manager, Brian Epstein, refused to attend, leaving over 300 people, including Imelda and her family, standing on live television.

Despite two large and successful concerts, the band’s experience with official displeasure left them fearful for their security and eager to leave. A chaotic encounter at the airport with Palace guards convinced them never to return and played a key role in their decision to end touring altogether. Initially, the Beatles distinguished between their fans and the officials, but the entire visit came to be remembered as a single “bad” experience. From that point on, the band achieved greater creative heights as a studio-based group, while the Philippines—little known in the West—became defined by this infamous story.

Praise for You Won’t See Me:

“When the Fab 4 and Imelda collided, the power of Beatlemania met the political heft of the Marcoses in 1966 Manila. What could possibly go wrong? Well, just about everything, as David Guerrero brilliantly details.” —Paul French, Author, Her Lotus Year 

“An indispensable addition to the Beatles literature.” —James Hamilton Paterson, Author, America’s Boy

“A cautionary tale of pride, ego, and celebrity misadventures.” —Rolling Stone Philippines

“I’m as intrigued as any fan to find out what really happened to the Beatles in Manila” —Julian Lennon

A PREVIOUS BOOK ABOUT THE BEATLES PHILIPPINE CRISIS (A LIMITED EDITION)

I wonder how the above book will match up with this limited-edition book that I purchased a couple of years ago?

I created the following post on the blog. (see link below) The book was a limited edition of 1,000 copies. I am including the link to my post about the book…The book was written by Amador F. Brioso, Jr. This book was a wonderful addition to my collection of Beatles books!

The Beatles in Manila – The Beatles Bookstore

Hope you have fun reading and checking out these two books about a crucial turning point in the career of the Beatles!

Did this help to end touring for The Beatles? What else contributed to it do you think? Let me know in the comments.

Be Healthy and Be Happy!

Buzz

OUR BOOK OF THE WEEK AT THE BEATLES BOOKSTORE

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The Truth About Yoko Ono

Great book about Yoko Ono reveals the truth about Yoko Ono

In Your Mind Yoko Ono
In Your Mind Yoko Ono

In this fascinating interview, David Bedford interviews author Madeline Bocaro about her book, “In Your Mind – The Infinite Universe of Yoko Ono”.

Get Madeline’s Book Here

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Tim Hatfield Goes to the Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Fame!

Tim Hatfield Outside the Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Fame
Tim Hatfield Outside the Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Fame

Tim Hatfield’s great book, “When We Find Ourselves In Times of Trouble” is now in the Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Fame! While he was there, Tim signed copies of his book too.

Tim signing his book
Tim signing his book

You can get your copy of Tim’s book here and also watch the interview below about his fascinating book too.

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A BEATLES BOOK SPOTLIGHT: MARK LEWISOHN’S “A HARD DAY’S NIGHT”

Mark Lewisohn always has special Beatles projects he loves to work on and then eventually share with the public. One such special project was issued back in 2016, nearly ten years ago. It was a special book dealing with the Beatles first film, A Hard Day’s Night. Having access to many rare items from the estate of the late producer of the film, Walter Shenson, Lewisohn produced this wonderful hardback book celebrating what is now considered as a film classic both in film and music circles.

I once met Walter Shenson at a Fest for Beatles Fans held in NJ and he signed a Fest program for me. He was a cordial and friendly man.

Though the book is expensive, it is a quality release as are all of Mark Lewisohn’s books and in my personal opinion, it is certainly worth the cost!

If it is in your budget, I recommend you seek this book out for your collections. There were a limited number of copies that were also bookplate signed by Mark Lewisohn as well. The signed copies can occasionally be found on Abe Books and on eBay!

Happy hunting for this wonderful and exciting book!!!

AMAZON US:

The Beatles A Hard Day’s Night: A Private Archive Hardcover – September 5, 2016
by Mark Lewisohn (Author)-Phaidon Press

The Beatles A Hard Day’s Night: A Private Archive: Lewisohn, Mark: 9780714871851: Amazon.com: Books

AMAZON UK:

The Beatles A Hard Day’s Night: A Private Archive: Amazon.co.uk: Lewisohn, Mark: 9780714871851: Books

The Amazon Description of the book:

Including never-before-seen photographs and ephemera, a behind-the-scenes look into The Beatles’ acclaimed first film

“In March of 1964, director Richard Lester began shooting A Hard Day’s Night, a feature film starring The Beatles. With fast, sharp humour and a brilliant soundtrack, the movie depicts the excitement and chaos of thirty-six hours in the life of the Fab Four, and stars John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, with Wilfrid Brambell portraying McCartney’s grandfather. This collection of photographs and unique ephemera captures the infectious energy and anarchic spirit of this groundbreaking film.”

A Hard Day’s Night
A Hard Day’s Night

Back cover of the book:

A Hard Day’s Night
A Hard Day’s Night

My copy featured a bookplate signature from the author Mark Lewisohn:

The front and back dustjacket flaps of the book:

Reading the reviews of the book on Amazon I would like to highlight one in particular written by someone named Stardazer. Wish I knew his real name as I would give him the proper acknowledgement that the review deserves. I loved the review because it helps to accurately capture the magical quality of the contents of the book! I was very impressed as he captured many shared feelings about the title:

This is one of my favorite reviews of this wonderful book-It is located in the Amazon review section at the book location

The Beatles A Hard Day’s Night: A Private Archive: Lewisohn, Mark: 9780714871851: Amazon.com: Books

Scroll down below the Mark Lewisohn bio info and you will find it:

An excellent Amazon review by Stardazer of the book:

Amazon review by Stardazer of the book:

“If you love the film A Hard Day’s Night, this is THE Coffee table book for you!! Drawn from the purchased collection of producer Walter Shenson’s personal archives on AHDN, this is a feast for the eyes of the ardent Beatles fan. The greatest number of images are film stills, most with outstanding clarity–far clearer than the ones you’ve seen in the Di Franco book (1977). For instance, page 62 shows that maniacal scene on the train with John pleading with Pattie Boyd about escaping, feigning invisible faux handcuffs. That image is clear enough to resolve that the magazine cover Pattie was browsing actually boasted a pic of the Dave Clark Five! Moreover, on page 120, the semi-clothed waiter holds another issue of Fabulous magazine where the name “Dave Clark” can be read on its cover, above the large image of Elvis! What delicious irony embedded so suavely in this movie! Admittedly, after seeing AHDN maybe a hundred times over the decades, I had never noticed that when John pantomimes in falsetto the line, “My name’s Betty” that the name Betty was displayed on the mirror he was standing in front of (see page 188)! Or how about that pic of Paul apparently mocking and mirroring Richard Lester’s body language in an unused scene on page 26? The snapshot of the continuity director logging details on a very old and heavy mechanical typewriter on her lap while seated on the train speaks volumes (page 65).

The film stills are ordered in the approximate sequence where they occurred in the movie as you page thoughtfully through the book. These are interspersed with many alternate or between the takes scenes as well as interesting memorabilia and lyric sheets of most of the songs featured in the movie. Many pics are full page or nearly so and some are in color! Reproductions of certain documents or news articles show you line item totals for the production budget, newspaper articles, magazine covers that will rekindle memories, letters from fans and that William F Buckley Jr op-ed that concluded, “The Beatles are not merely awful…they are godawful…unbelievably horrible, so appallingly unmusical…” well you get the gist! On the other hand, a reproduction of the actual AP teletype advance review of AHDN dated on July 30, 1964 and written by Bob Thomas gushed, “The surprise is that it is good…It shows that the quartet may be with us a long time, not as freaks but as unqualified entertainers.”

284 large sized pages showcased on thick glossy stock with superb attention to detail, informative introductions and occasional captions supplied by renowned Beatles historian, Mark Lewisohn, with glorious imagery of the Fab Four in their madcap heyday all beg for coveted ownership and a great, memorable gift to surprise and delight the Beatles fan in your life.”

Hope you enjoyed the details of this special book by Mark Lewisohn!!!

Be Healthy and Be Happy!

Buzz

OUR BOOK OF THE WEEK – CUNARD YANKS BY JOHN WINTER

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BEATLES BOOK ODDS & BOOK ENDS!!!

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:

Omnibus Pop Goes to Court (Rock ‘n’ Pop’s Greatest Court Battles) Omnibus Press Series Hardcover: 0884088462338: Amazon.com: Books

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 US:
Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band: The Album, the Beatles, and the World in 1967: Southall, Brian: 9781623545260: Amazon.com: Books

AMAZON UK: Published by Welbeck Publishing

Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band: The Album, The Beatles and the World in 1967 : Southall, Brian: Amazon.co.uk: Books

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:

Abbey Road: the Story of the World’s Most Famous Recording Studios Brian Southall; Allan Rouse; Peter Vince – AbeBooks

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.com: The Beatles in 100 Objects: Discover What Made the Fab Four Fab (Y): 9781787390966: Southall, Brian: Books

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 US:
The Beatles: Album by Album: The Band and Their Music by Insiders, Experts & Eyewitnesses: Southall, Brian: 9781787393134: Amazon.com: Books

AMAZON UK:

The Beatles – Album by Album: The Beatles – The Fab Four – by insiders, experts & eyewitnesses: Amazon.co.uk: Southall, Brian: 9781787393134: Books

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

Beatles Memorabilia: The Julian Lennon Collection: Southall, Brian, Lennon, Julian: 9781847960184: Amazon.com: Books

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 US:
Northern Songs: The True Story of the Beatles’ Song Publishing Empire: Southall, Brian, Perry, Rupert: 9781846092374: Amazon.com: Books

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.com: The White Album: Revolution, Politics & Recording: The Beatles and the World in 1968: 9781787391871: Southall, Brian, Thomas, Chris: Books

AMAZON UK LINK:

The White Album: Revolution, Politics & Recording – The Beatles and the World in 1968: Amazon.co.uk: Southall, Brian, Thomas, Chris: 9781787391871: Books

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!

In His Own Youth, In My Own Words: Childhood of John Lennon by Julia Baird – Signed: Very Good Trade Paperback (1985) 1st Edition., Signed by Author(s) | Peter Austern & Co. / Brooklyn Books

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 OSLEYDEAR 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 STORYJULY 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 US:
In Their Lives: Great Writers on Great Beatles Songs: Blauner, Andrew: 9780735210691: Amazon.com: Books

AMAZON UK:

In Their Lives Great Writers on Great Beatles Songs: Amazon.co.uk: Blauner, Andrew: 9780735210691: Books

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: Spinetti, Victor: 9781861059437: Amazon.com: Books

Up Front . . .: His Strictly Confidential Autobiography Hardcover – October 1, 2006 Robson Books

Up Front . . .: His Strictly Confidential Autobiography: Spinetti, Victor: 9781861059437: Amazon.com: 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 US:
Paul McCartney After The Beatles: A Musical Appreciation Volume Two: Allan, Adrian: 9780244275730: Amazon.com: Books

AMAZON UK:

Paul McCartney After The Beatles: A Musical Appreciation Volume Two: Amazon.co.uk: Allan, Adrian: 9780244275730: Books

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