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The author put nearly ten years into the research and creation of this massive biography of the Fab Four.
Little, Brown, 992 pages
11/01/2005
$29.95
ISBN: 0316803529
Nonfiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Entertainment & Media
All reviews are classified as one of five grades: Outstanding (4 points), Favorable (3), Mixed (2), Unfavorable (1) and Terrible (0). To calculate the Metascore, we divide total points achieved by the total points possible (i.e., 4 x the number of reviews), with the resulting percentage (multiplied by 100) being the Metascore. Learn more...
The average user rating for this book is 7.8 (out of 10) based on 18 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Kenneth M gave it a10:
I didn't know a lot about the Beatles before I read this book (besides their music). After reading this, I tend to question any other source of information, considering all the time Spitz spent digging through all the BS. Although I was disappointed at the small amount of information given after the breakup, I can't complain: the book IS only about the Beatles, after all.
Morgan P gave it a10:
I read this book from front to back in almost no time at all which is quite rare for me. I thought it was an excellent biography and amazingly in-depth. 10, without question.
Ken M gave it an8:
Well written and very readable for the sheer amount of detail included. The back story on each boy's family is carried a bit far for my tastes. Knowing the lineage and history of their grandparents doesn't seem to add much to the focal subject. By the way, Daryl M, I don't understand your negative comment. In the edition of the book I have (First Edition: November 2005), Pattie (not "Patty") Boyd is first mentioned on page 498: "...and George with Pattie Boyd, a beautiful young model who had a bit part in the movie." The movie under discussion is "A Hard Day's Night" -- not "Help!". I don't see any error in Spitz's facts here.
Rich L gave it a9:
Amazing detail! Well written... A wonderful insight into the birth & death of a super band. Best book I have ever read about the Beatles... and I've read 'em all.
Robert K gave it a7:
The earlier chapters do enhance the knowledge base of the of the formative years. Thus, it adds insight to this time period. The one major error that I recognized is in chapter 35 and possibly chapter 36. The vast majority of biographies of that cover the last years 1968-1969 do not identify John Lennon's announcement of leaving the group in an apple meeting in the autumn of 1968. The chronolgy supports that the annoucement to Paul and Ringo in a board meeting regarding signing the newly negotiated recording royalty contract. Most authors date this as 9/20/69. A. Fawcett's chronology of October is possible, but not well documented. Otherwise it serves to correct some of the glossed over coverage in Anthology.
Larry C gave it a9:
Excellent background details on the behind-the-scenes. Amazing info about the their involvement with LSD and also the Rasputin-like influence of "Magic Alex". Not kind to Yoko at all, but from John;s standpoint seems he was trying to have her involved in all parts of his life, unlike past Beatles loves. For a person like me who grew up in the 60's & 70's it is another great story of trying to make it in the entertainment industry and the image managment and sacrifices that had to be made. p.s. I purchased the audio CDs -- much easier than trying to find time to read the book.
Lee V gave it a9:
Finally a biography that cuts through the myths and BS and provides the real story. Long and occasionally too much information, but well worth reading. - 60-year old Beatles fan.
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