Rating: 
Summary: Still mandatory reading, even after "Anthology"
Review: "Anthology" may have been the Beatles-sanctioned bible for all fans, but Lewisohn's labor of love is still mandatory reading. The information he collected is precious: did you know that a John Lennon poem is heard in a scene of "Help"? Did you know that the Beatles overdubbed a few tracks for the "Shea Stadium" television special? This complete Beatles diary discloses a lot of behind-the-scenes trivia about the Fab Four. Even if you are very selective in your purchases, even if you already have "Anthology", do buy this book. It is a must-have!
Rating:
Summary: Lewisohn, The Master, The Sensei of Beatle Lore
Review: If you're a dedicated Beatles fan, and you want to know what all four (five? six?) of them were doing, from start to finish, then this is the one and only source. Lewisohn has compiled a treasure chest of Beatle-info, including a day-by-day account of their activities, a cut-by-cut record of their record-making, as well as a journal of all of their public appearances, live performances, and major interviews. I was impressed at how hard-working these four men were (and the three surviving men still are), how they all shared some sort of driving vision of "success" (of course that includes Brian Epstein, George Martin, et alia), and ultimately--how shockingly talented they were at realizing their own potential(s). Stop and think about it for a moment: In any field, how often does anyone come close to actualizing his or her talents? --One more tip. Just for fun, go back to the 1960s or early 1970s Cashbox singles charts---you'll find lots of wonderful, nostalgiac old tunes----but you'll also see that most of the "artists" popped in for just a quickie or two. ON THE OTHER HAND, The Beatles, like any classic, appeared and remained---sustained, and have become an "institution," an almost tangible part of our everyday lives. You won't find a more complete Beatles Digest anywhere. My humble advice: buy it and enjoy. ...All Beatles fans, everywhere and for all time, should pause for a moment and lend a hand to Mr. Mark Lewisohn for this, his magnus opus. Thank you, Sir!
Rating:
Summary: Lewisohn, The Master, The Sensei of Beatle Lore
Review: If you're a dedicated Beatles fan, and you want to know what all four (five? six?) of them were doing, from start to finish, then this is the one and only source. Lewisohn has compiled a treasure chest of Beatle-info, including a day-by-day account of their activities, a cut-by-cut record of their record-making, as well as a journal of all of their public appearances, live performances, and major interviews. I was impressed at how hard-working these four men were (and the three surviving men still are), how they all shared some sort of driving vision of "success" (of course that includes Brian Epstein, George Martin, et alia), and ultimately--how shockingly talented they were at realizing their own potential(s). Stop and think about it for a moment: In any field, how often does anyone come close to actualizing his or her talents? --One more tip. Just for fun, go back to the 1960s or early 1970s Cashbox singles charts---you'll find lots of wonderful, nostalgiac old tunes----but you'll also see that most of the "artists" popped in for just a quickie or two. ON THE OTHER HAND, The Beatles, like any classic, appeared and remained---sustained, and have become an "institution," an almost tangible part of our everyday lives. You won't find a more complete Beatles Digest anywhere. My humble advice: buy it and enjoy. ...All Beatles fans, everywhere and for all time, should pause for a moment and lend a hand to Mr. Mark Lewisohn for this, his magnus opus. Thank you, Sir!
Rating:
Summary: Best Historical Reference
Review: Lewisohn is the only writer with fully authorized access to the Beatles archives and vault at EMI. This work, a combination of several prior books, therefore, gives the most accurate picture of the Beatles work in live performances, broadcasts, and in the studio. It lives up to its ambitious title, and gives complete details of every performance and studio session. Not a narrative history, but an indispensable reference work.
Rating:
Summary: The guy's an expert
Review: Mark Lewisohn has collected some great Beatles info that every fan should know. Every live performance, recording session, and even mixing dates are included here, in this fine publication. Belongs on everyone's Beatles bookshelf.
Rating:
Summary: The Ballad Of John, Paul, George and Ringo
Review: This book combines the best of Mr. Lewisohn's previous efforts into one comprehensive diary of the Beatles' career. Every concert, recording session and video/movie shoot is detailed from 1957 to 1970. Each year's accomplishments are neatly summarized at the beginning of every chapter followed by all their important daily activities. Rare photos, documents, letters and promotional posters are illustrated throughout the book. An indispensable guide to the Beatles' professional history you will revisit again and again.
Rating:
Summary: COMPLIMENTS YOUR INTELLIGENCE
Review: This book is truly a compliment to its readers' intelligence. It is a scholarly work that critically examines the Beatles' musical careers as well as their own distinct, unique individuality. The selection of photographs is first rate and will certainly delight readers. I like the way the authors speak to their audience at large in a serious, intelligent and forthright manner while providing scores of information about (in my opinion) the best band in creation. Great job. This is a book well worth reading and certainly worth owning.
Rating:
Summary: Fine scholarly work
Review: This is for everyone who wants to at least get a hint on the amazing cultural phenomenon of The Beatles. The book is a paean to the incredible amount of HARD WORK The Beatles did prior to Beatlemania and for the 3 years during its frenzied height. It certainly gives credence to the old Beatle comment that while everyone was enjoying the "60's" they were either working or locked in a room somewhere. The later years from 67 to 70 are just as exhaustivelly covered - each year smartly contextualized to what was happening in the world and among themselves. Lewisohn always does good thorough work. He is the sober scolarly-eyed representative of Beatle lore - - facts, and facts only. You'll find no Giuliano moralism here. If you already know everything about The Beatles you still need to get this. I f you know nothing about The Beatles start here. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Fine scholarly work
Review: This is for everyone who wants to at least get a hint on the amazing cultural phenomenon of The Beatles. The book is a paean to the incredible amount of HARD WORK The Beatles did prior to Beatlemania and for the 3 years during its frenzied height. It certainly gives credence to the old Beatle comment that while everyone was enjoying the "60's" they were either working or locked in a room somewhere. The later years from 67 to 70 are just as exhaustivelly covered - each year smartly contextualized to what was happening in the world and among themselves. Lewisohn always does good thorough work. He is the sober scolarly-eyed representative of Beatle lore - - facts, and facts only. You'll find no Giuliano moralism here. If you already know everything about The Beatles you still need to get this. I f you know nothing about The Beatles start here. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: the finest writer onthe beatles so far
Review: this is the 3rd book on the beatles by mark lewisohn that i have gotten, & it is sort of a combination of the 1st 2, "the beatles live", & "the beatles recording sessions"(the 2nd book paul mccartney wrote the intro to because he admired the 1st book so much).i swear, i have been reading books on the beatles since they have been being written from 1964 on, & these books by mark lewisohn are really all you need - maybe include hunter davies "the beatles",1968. "the beatles live" was my favorite, it describes so well the early days of the group in liverpool & hamburg.
if you know a lot about the beatles but you havnt read any of lewisohns books yet, you will find SO much info you didnt know. he researched these books for years, was given access to everything at abbey road, every show they ever did from 1957 on that is possible to know anything about is chronicled. Lennon would have LOVED the "live" book, it brings to life so well those early days in hamburg that he loved to remember.I dont know what else to say, i cant recommend them enough. these books are the next best thing to having a new beatle album, which we know can never happen.
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