Ultimate Beatles Book

[BeatleNut9]

What is the ultimate Beatles book, in your opinion(s)? I've read a lot of books that talk about a certain topic or era & books that may be intended for more advanced fanatics, but what's the best book to give someone with ZERO previous knowledge the best overview? I'm looking for something that could be considered the "book version" of the Anthology, but the actual Anthology book is enormous & probably intimidating for someone who is looking for an overview. Does anyone have a suggestion that I could recommend to friends who are curious about the lads?

[Annalina Lennon McCartney]

The first book I read on The Beatles is "The Love You Make." It seems like a lot of Beatles fans own that book! I found it interesting and read it in a matter of days.

[BeatleNut9]

Is that the one by Peter Brown? I just looked it up & it is one that I've read. I need to look back through it…I read too much & can't remember what I read in what book, lol! Thank you very much for your help!

[Annalina Lennon McCartney]

Yes :) I see that you've written a quick review of it in your blog too!

I hope your friends will come to appreciate JPGR even if it takes books, movies, and music to make them fanatics!

[BeatleNut9]

Absolutely! Basically, I've an appreciation for anyone who is passionately obsessed & fanatical about something…anything! I feel like I understand them, no matter what their focus is. Well, I've a friend who is crazy-obsessed with Harry Potter. I've seen 7/8 movies one time each. She's lending me the books one-by-one so she can live vicariously through me as a first-timer. I was hoping to return the favor, even though she hasn't expressed any interest.

What I would really love to do is just lend her the Anthology, which I think is the best overview in existence, but she doesn't live alone & might not want to put her entire household through it (which is why a book is perfect). She's also a HUGE reader & might prefer to read something rather than watch something…? Lastly, I don't have the Anthology DVDs. I still have the VHS boxset from 20 years ago, LOL! I'm not sure she'd be able to play tapes or want to. Hmm.

[BeatleBob]

BeatleNut9, that's Very Nice that you want to return the favor to your friend!! I Agree about the Anthology!! I didn't read the book, but the reviews are GREAT! I had the Anthology on VHS. And in 2003 I got the DVD set. LOVE It!

Do you have The Beatles Anthology Book? If not, they have them at Amazon. And the amazon sellers have them for a very good price.

http://www.amazon.com/Beatles-Anthology/dp/0811836363/ref=tmm_pap_s...

And If you can ever get The Beatles Anthology on DVD, get it!! :-)
The DVD set contains all 8 original programs on 4 DVDs plus a 5th disc of extras. Extras include the "Real Love" video, the making of the Anthology CDs and more.  :-)

[BeatleNut9]

I have the Anthology book, but it's sealed! Hmm.

[Sadie]

BeatleNut, that is great news you are working on converting your friend into one of us! ;-)

Omg! If I owned the Anthology book, still sealed, it would be very difficult to part with.

Those type of special gifts would only maybe be reserved for my very BEST Beatle friends, like you guys! :-)

Beatlebob, I got the Anthology DVDs in 2003 too. I also have the VHS box set as well.

BeatleNut, you still have it after 20 years? Wow! LOL! Guess I don't really need either one of them anymore now that it's on YouTube (well it was the last time I checked), so I'm seriously considering selling them on eBay to raise money to see Paul live again.

I always unapologetically put my whole household through watching Beatles & other stuff that only I am a fan of. HA!

I really can't think of anything more complete and comprehensive than the Anthology (book and/or documentary) but I agree it's probably somewhat overwhelming for the newcomer fan.

But if your friend is a big reader (and has the time and patience to go through all the lengthy Harry Potter books and movies!) she might actually enjoy the whopping, massive Anthology AKA The Beatles Bible!

But, if you're looking for something simpler, I'd definitely agree with BeatleGirl's suggestion.

As a matter of fact, that was the very first Beatles book I ever read, back when I was a new fan myself.

Hard to believe we were all Beatle beginniners once! LOL!

[BeatleBob]

Sadie, You got your Anthology DVD's in 2003 too? Cool! I never had the VHS Box Set. When the Anthology aired on TV for the first time, I taped them on my VCR and paused it during the commercials. I had a GO VCR brand double Deck. Then copied them over to have two sets of tapes. LOL!

BeatleNut9, I agree with Sadie, go with BeatleGirl's suggestion!!  :-)

[BeatleNut9]

I remember how big of a deal it was when my mom brought the VHS box set home. It was $120!

[BeatleNut9]

I need to get/borrow the DVDs. If I had them & were able to take collateral from people to make sure I got everything back in perfect condition, I would totally lend them out to everyone I know! (I'm so bitter that an old friend of mine never gave me back one of my favorite books with notes in the margins…probably sold it & I had my home address inside the front cover to make sure I never lost it. Sigh. I'm scared to lend anyone anything now.)

[Annalina Lennon McCartney]

:( Aww, BeatleNut9! This makes me want to make sure my name, email address, and physical address are on ALL the inside covers of my Beatley books.

Have you thought about looking at a library that lends out Beatles books and stuff around your area?

[BeatleNut9]

Well, the girl that I've been referring to wouldn't let me down because she's lending me her special books too, but the old friend definitely has taught me to take collateral from people, as sad as that seems. No one should have to do that with their friends, but that's the way it is. I just hope that old friend still has the book & I'll get it back someday…even though we used to spend at least 1 night a week together & I've not really even heard from her in 4 years! :-/