At the time of posting there are less than 20 copies left of this limited signed and numbered edition of the book:
- Limited Edition
- Larger 12×12 inch Hardcover
- Final 20 of 100
- Numbered and Signed by Author
- Endorsed Upon Request
The Limited Edition of 100 Copies:
The link to the signed and numbered edition:
https://www.rarelifetimecollections.com/store/p/the-beatles-looking-back-the-final-trip
There are only a handful of Beatles collectors that I have encountered over the years either in person or over the internet that have truly impressed me or bowled me over with the volume and the quality of their collections. Tom Fontaine is one of them. Viewing his items can literally leave most Beatles collectors both speechless and stunned. Most collectors are individually proud of the items they have acquired over a period of many years. However, after viewing Tom Fontane’s items in this book, I felt envious of his many wonderful acquisitions. Tom’s collecting specialty was acquiring Beatles autographs, but he was able to secure so much more in his collecting career. What a beautiful collection he built up during those years. Tom has now reached the stage of his life where he made the decision to share most of his collection with others by downsizing the # of artifacts that he once had. Luckily, prior to doing this, he has preserved photos of his former collection in this wonderful book. There is also a trade edition available at Amazon and the links are also provided in this post for that version. The focus of this post is the signed and numbered limited edition of 100 copies. This signed edition is a larger format than the trade edition. Furthermore, at the time of this writing, there are less than 20 copies still available to purchase of this great book. I am sure you collectors out there remember that great proverb of “He who hesitates, is lost!!!”
I want to express my deep appreciation to Tom Fontaine for allowing me to purchase copy #100 of the limited edition. I had informed Tom of my collecting obsession whenever I am interested in purchasing a limited-edition book that I ask about the availability of obtaining the last numbered book of the signed edition. Tom recognized that aspect of the collecting mentality and graciously made the last copy available to me to purchase!!
THE FOREWORDS OF THE BOOK FROM CHRIS O’DELL AND SIMON WEITZMAN:
SIMON SAYS:
TOM”S INSCRIPTION TO ME ON COPY #100:
THE TABLE OF CONTENTS:
THE LIMITED EDITION’S BACK COVER:
THE TRADE EDITION AT AMAZON:
AMAZON US:
The Beatles Looking Back: The Final Trip: Fontaine, Tom: 9781962402095: Amazon.com: Books
AMAZON UK:
The Beatles Looking Back: The Final Trip: Amazon.co.uk: Fontaine, Tom: 9781962402095: Books
Amazon’s Description of the book:
A one-of-a-kind tribute to the world’s most influential band
“The Beatles: Looking Back – The Final Trip, curated by acclaimed memorabilia collector Tom Fontaine, isn’t simply a catalog of rare artifacts-it’s the culmination of a lifetime’s devotion, personal encounters, and a half-century journey tracing the continued legacy of John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
Fontaine invites fans, historians, and fellow collectors to voyage through his unparalleled archive-a treasure trove of original photographs, handwritten lyrics, concert memorabilia, autographs, rare documents, and behind-the-scenes artifacts spanning The Beatles’ collective and solo careers. This isn’t just memorabilia; it’s living history, carefully preserved and lovingly presented.
What sets this work apart is the author’s storytelling power. He interweaves his own coming-of-age alongside The Beatles-from card-collecting in his childhood in 1964 Indianapolis to befriending dozens of devotees and industry insiders. Readers witness the band’s rapid evolution, their artistry, their personalities, and their social impact through irreplaceable objects and firsthand accounts. Every item, from signed album covers and concert tickets to personal letters and documentary photos, tells a fragment of music history.
The collection also covers overlooked facets of their careers: artifacts from their earliest days as The Quarrymen, rare autographs of members and associates, and unique pieces such as the last concert baseball at Candlestick Park or the historic contract signed by all four. Fontaine’s documentation revives forgotten moments and amplifies how The Beatles shaped generations, crossed boundaries, and transformed music, fashion, and identity globally.
The Final Trip shows readers The Beatles as not just cultural icons, but vibrant, evolving individuals-reminding us that collecting is ultimately about preserving human connection, memory, and inspiration. Fontaine’s bittersweet farewell to this chapter in his life is an affirmation of the enduring magic The Beatles still conjure in fans worldwide.
For anyone who wants to know The Beatles in an intimate way, Fontaine provides this experience through rare interviews, unpublished artifacts, and the lens of a true insider. It is a moving, persuasive call to honor not only the band’s legacy but the hearts of those who keep their story alive.“
Be Healthy and Be Happy!
Buzz
what does “endorsed on request” mean?
who will endorse it?
To Jim: I believe that means to inscribe the book to your specifications. That is my supposition!
Hello, Jim.
All of the limited edition books are numbered and signed by me, the author. I also wanted to give an option for the buyer to request it be personalized to themselves, or to a gift recipient.
Thank you for your interest, Jim. I hope you enjoy it.
Thanks for this great blog post, Buzz. Enjoy #100 of the book and let’s stay in touch.
Tom Fontaine