What's the best Beatles bio book?

Question

I have looked through the stores and websites for Beatles biographies, and am quite boggled by the amount of books and many different reviews. Any advice of which is the best one?

Answer 1

If you want the story "straight from their own mouths" then you have to go with "Anthology." It is quite long, it is compiled exclusively of their quotes. Excellent photos. Available in either hard or soft cover.

For biographies, I like "The Beatles" by Bob Spitz. Numerous sources were used to write this book. Also a longer book, it is very detailed.

If you are looking more for documentable information of the Beatles, go with "The Beatles Recording Guide" or "Chronicle" both by Mark Lewisohn. Lewisohn is regarded as THE authority by many. The Recording guide gives a day-by-day account of what the fabs did in the studio. Chronicle gives a day-by-day account of every performance done by the Beatles.

Really, all of these books (in my opinion) are geared more toward the diehard fan and less towards the casual fan. If you want something less detailed, one of the first books on the Beatles I ever read was called "The Beatles Forever" by Nicolas Schaffner. It was a good read - entertaining, and more geared towards the casual fan. It has been out of print for some time, but should be available on ebay, I would imagine.

Answer 2

The Rolling Stone Rock & Roll Adventures, MTV, Vol 3 Its a e book with artists alongside with, U2, coastline Boys, David Bowie, Paul Simon, Metallica, John Lennon, Paul Weller, Kurt Cobain & Courtney Love, Bjork, The Smashing Pumpkins, Tori Amos, Peral Jam & Alanis Morissette. I examine It just about conventional because of the fact it incredibly is in order that exciting ! a million) I even have ! yet i think of its because of the fact they observed me as a gamble ;D hahaha 2) regardless of day after today brings, i would be there With open arms and open eyes yeahcontinual - Incubus 3) hmm i will opt for 'somebody to love' - Queen :]

Answer 3

Well.... it depends what you are looking for if you want to learn about the band, not so much about their music go with Spitz, but there were grumbles about his photo section. Mark Hertsgaard's is a good one about their music. Also worth mentioning is Mark Lewisohn. So... that at least narrows it down. I think the main complaint from many that read them is the amount of error, well such is the life of a rock and roll band, there will always be rumors. Enjoy.