What an impressive series of books this is!!! Truly, there are not enough superlatives or adjectives in the English language to adequately capture the admiration for the work of authors Allan Kozinn and Adrian SInclair in this mammoth task they have undertaken to examine Paul McCartney’s solo catalog and of his musical works in progress since 1969. Just pondering the work Paul has officially released over the decades is a lengthy and comprehensive task, but to also explore the still hidden gems that may be lurking in the McCartney vaults must be both a very pleasant experience and yet simultaneously a difficult one.
McCartney’s productivity over the years is virtually second to none and if someone is undertaking the exhaustive cataloging of his material, you are making a commitment to keep yourself busy for several years! The two authors have spent 10 years working on the first two volumes of this series.
Both Mr. Kozinn and Mr. Sinclair have shown the dedication and drive to do this project and to do this project in the exhaustive manner that they have made the decision to pursue. Their work in my opinion as a collector of Beatles-related print material classifies this series of books in the same breath as the Mark Lewisohn trilogy biography of the Beatles in both its depth and scope and attention to detail. Their research and the ability to tie in known McCartney events with an established time frame is impeccable! This series of books I await with as much anticipation as any books that I have ever ordered for my Beatles collection.
In my opinion, I enjoy these books far more than the McCartney Lyrics books because even though the Lyrics book has Paul as the main source of the material, the song choice is selective and does not deal with the comprehensive “big picture” of all of Paul’s material since the Beatles breakup. I can guarantee that at the completion of this project, that this will be the solo McCartney Bible. (Count on it!)
Allan Kozinn and Adrian Sinclair both have distinguished writing and communication careers from participating in numerous Beatles-related internet blogs, to Sinclair’s stellar video production and documentary skills, to Kozinn’s excellent writing accomplishments both as an author and a music critic for the New York Times!
VOLUME 1–The first McCartney title: Please Note-these books are very large in both size, weight and scope, and are in excess of 700 pages each. Be prepared to be enlightened, informed, educated, entertained and surprised…
The McCartney Legacy: Volume 1: 1969 – 73
Published by (Dey Street Books) December 13, 2022
by Allan Kozinn (Author), Adrian Sinclair (Author)
A special episode of the superb podcast “Talk More Talk” that features both authors discussing their first book:
Bonus Episode: THE MCCARTNEY LEGACY WITH ALLAN KOZINN AND ADRIAN SINCLAIR – YouTube
Another wonderful podcast from the 2 Legs podcast on YouTube:
Episode 192: “The McCartney Legacy” (Review) – YouTube
The signatures of the 2 authors in their first book:
The back cover of Volume 1:
Volume 2: You can order signed copies from The Fest For Beatles Fans:
Here is the link:
SIGNED -THE McCARTNEY LEGACY: VOLUME 2 by ALLAN KOZINN & ADRIAN SINCLAIR [6512] – $45.00 : Beatles Gifts and Products, The Fest for Beatles Fans
The McCartney Legacy: Volume 2: 1974 – 80
Published-December 10, 2024 (Dey Street Books)
by Allan Kozinn (Author), Adrian Sinclair (Author)
My bookplate signed copy just arrived from the Fest. This book will trace Paul’s solo recording career up to his arrest In Japan in 1980 for marijuana possession:
A wonderful 2 Legs podcast concerning The McCartney Legacy Volume 2:
Episode 267: “The McCartney Legacy: Volume 2: 1974-80” | Allan Kozinn & Adrian Sinclair – YouTube
The back cover of the book with many of the accolades given to the first volume:
A synopsis of volume 2 that appears on the dust jacket:
Biographical info that appears on the dust jacket of the book:
The bookplate signed by both authors and an author profile that appears on the internet:
One can only imagine what lies ahead for the McCartney legacy Volume 3!!!
More Beatles-related titles from expert Allan Kozinn: These can be found on Amazon and on Ebay and also book search services like Abe Books
Allan Kozinn Beatles title from 2010:
The Beatles: From the Cavern to the Rooftop Paperback – 23 Oct. 2010
by Allan Kozinn (Author)
Release Date:October 1995
Publisher:Phaidon Press-Author Allan Kozinn
Back Cover:
Book Description page:
Allan Kozinn’s e-book “Got That Something” the story about the importance of the song “I Want to Hold Your Hand” in the story of the Beatles invasion of America:
How The Beatles’ ‘I Want To Hold Your Hand’ Changed Everything | Soundcheck | WNYC Studios
To close this post I would like to do a poll, though a non-scientific one.
How many of you prefer digital e-books over the print format?
If so, why? Is it strictly a storage saving space issue in your homes? Would love to know what is the most important appeal of the digital format to those who use it extensively or exclusively! Thank you! Hope you enjoyed this post!
BUZZ
Would never read a digital book.
Repeat: never.
We are on the same page on this issue, Jim! The only circumstance in which I would ever consider buying a dlgital book (kindle), is if I knew it would never be released in a print format!
Totally agree! Had to buy one of Jude Southerland Kessler’s John Lennon books on Kindle as it it out of print. ☹️
*is* out of print
P.S. Buzz, I know you collect signatures and I’ve always been curious as to why so many authors’ signatures are virtually illegible! I know sometimes they have to sign a lot of books at a book signing, but if I was a writer (or a famous celebrity) I’d make more of an effort. e.g. The Beatles’ signatures could always be read.
It would be pure conjecture on my part, NJ, to offer my views as to why so many author’s signatures are signed in an a illegible fashion. Perhaps they may be trying to be unique and distinct (they want to stand out from others). For example, why do some authors underline their signatures, does it demonstrate an elevated perceived sense of self-importance? Perhaps the illegible signatures may indicate they do not want others to easily or falsely duplicate their John Hancock’s for personal gain. I must admit to you as a collector that I personally despise receiving a signature that I can not read. If you are going to sign something, the author should have the courtesy of trying to write their signature so that it may be read by the purchaser of the book. If the signature they apply to a book is a natural signature and is not readable, that circumstance is far different in my opinion to an author that intentionally alters their signature so that it can not be read. However, unless directly stated by the author that this is what has been done, how does one ever know for sure? In conclusion, some of these authors sign so many books that their signatures may suffer from simply signing so many. The arm gets tired and the handwriting suffers. I have no complaints however, if their signature is the natural way they sign all of their documents! These opinions expressed are my opinions only and I am sure others may have radically different views from what I have expressed!
digital books only if there is no other way