The Beatles: An Oral History

This book is sure to delight those who have extensive knowledge about the Beatles. This book has fresh, new information and provides sources for quotes. Nothing is left as vague "hearsay." This author has done his homework! In addition to citing all sources, this author clearly knows his Beatle history and follows it thoroughly. The choice of photographs are startlingly apt; the photo on the back of the book showing the locked gate to Strawberry Fields (kind of makes you think of George's song, "Behind That Locked Door") signifies the end of the Beatle Era; a bittersweet note. This very compelling book is worth adding to your Beatles' literary collection.

If you are searching for a good biography on the Beatles, I'd steer you toward Davies, "The Beatles." This book, however, is excellent supplement to primary reference biographies such as Davies and contains some outstanding insights from George Martin and others who played critical roles in the development of the band.

Best Beatle book, PERIOD!!!

This is not a definitive story of the Beatles, but rather a collection of insightful quotes from primary sources about every phase of their careers. My only historian's regret is that we do not find out when or where most of these quotes were taken from. Good stuff nonetheless. An alphabetical table of participants is helpful.

Assuming any prospective reader is already interested in the history of the Beatles, don't be misled that it's all been said before. There is new material in this book, but more importantly, it legitimizes random folklore into direct quotes. It also chronicles events in the early years that are less researched I think. The author seems to purposely omit any reflection or opinion. This pulls you through the entire saga, devoid of the usual narrative, fully aware of the grim undertows that you always know are there. The back of the jacket photo says it all. It's an extremely haunting photo of a locked gate to Strawberry Field. It looks so abandoned while it continues to beckon you. Not unlike this book. Why it is not on the cover instead of the back I'll never know.