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With the Beatles
It was the ultimate 1960s the ashram in Rishikesh, India, where the Beatles, Donovan, Mia Farrow, a stray Beach Boy, and other 1960s icons gathered along the shores of the Ganges-amidst paisley and incense and flowers and guitars-to meditate at the feet of the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. The February 1968 gathering received such frenzied, worldwide attention that it is still considered a significant, early encounter between Western pop culture and the mystical East. But what went on inside the compound has long been the subject of wild speculation and rampant rumor. The Beatles, for example, have said they wrote some of their greatest songs there . . . and yet they also came away bitterly disillusioned. While dozens of reporters from around the world flew to the remote location to camp out at the entrance of the retreat, only one journalist was allowed Lewis Lapham, now the esteemed editor of Harper's Magazine , then a reporter for The Saturday Evening Post , who was seen-along with Tom Wolfe-as one of the progenitors of the hip "New Journalism." Lapham's wry take on what he found inside the ashram won acclaim at the time, but here he includes some surprising material he's never written about before-from hysterically funny descriptions of the Maharishi's daily press conferences, to the high style demands of certain stars upon the hapless local tailor, to impromptu jam sessions and the true story behind the scandal that drove the Beatles out of Rishikesh and led to Lapham's eight-hour cab ride with Ringo Starr. In Lapham's deft and vivid prose, With the Beatles is an exhilarating and surprisingly intimate look at one of the pivotal moments of pop culture and some of its leading figures. Lewis Lapham is the editor in chief of Harper's Magazine and the author of numerous books of political and cultural commentary, including, most recently, last year's Gag Rule .
168 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2005
55 people want to read
About the author
Lewis H. Lapham
181 books134 followersLewis Henry Lapham was the editor of Harper's Magazine from 1976 until 1981, and again from 1983 until 2006. He is the founder and current editor of Lapham's Quarterly, featuring a wide range of famous authors devoted to a single topic in each issue. Lapham has also written numerous books on politics and current affairs.
Lapham's Quarterly
http://www.laphamsquarterly.org/
Lapham's Quarterly
http://www.laphamsquarterly.org/
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 21, 2014
In 1968 author Lewis Lapham was a staff writer for the Saturday Evening Post. He was expecting to be sent on assignment to Vietnam by managing editor Otto Friedrich. Instead, he was told to head for India, where the Beatles were making a pilgrimage to the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s ashram in the foothills of the Himalayas to study his method of transcendental meditation. Friedrich was highly amused, but told Lapham to gain entrance to the ashram in Rishikesh, despite information that there were to be no interviews with the Beatles, no cameras and heavy security. Ever resourceful, the author attempted to win the confidence of the Maharishi’s American deputies before heading to India and asking for a taxi to take him to Rishikesh. The driver did not imagine for one moment that Lapham was heading for a religious pilgrimage. “Yes, good,” he said. “We go Beatles.”
This short book gives a memorable account of the author’s time in India with the Beatles and other celebrities, such as Donovan, Mia Farrow and Mike Love. He found George and John to be the most serious about studying under the Mararishi, while the affable Ringo had come along for the ride – but whose wife Maureen was less than impressed with all the insects – and Paul was there because the others were, but was taking it all with a heavy pinch of salt. There seems little doubt that the Maharishi was delighted that the Beatles had arrived and that he saw them as a way of helping his movement spread worldwide – his motives are open to interpretation, cynical or otherwise, and I think the reader can make up his own mind. However, soon there are ugly rumours about attentions paid by the Maharishi to female members of the entourage and suspicion abounds.
Really, this book does not have enough detail to merit more than 3.5 stars, but it is a little explored period of the Beatles history and so will have relevance for fans. His thoughts on the Beatles and wives are interesting – Cynthia seemed ‘sad’ and Jane Asher dreamt wistfully of visiting the Taj Mahal in moonlight. This period is covered in Cynthia Lennon’s autobiography, “A Twist of Lennon” – later rewritten as “John” and she explains her marital problems in depth there. The fact that her depression was obvious to an outsider shows how worried she was at the time. I enjoyed this book, but even if it had been twice as long, it wouldn’t have covered the time in enough detail for me. There are only two real chapters in the book (and a short postscript) and the Beatles don’t even appear until the second chapter. I am glad I read it though, and although it will only really appeal to hardcore fans it does give a nice description of the Beatles Indian interlude.
Rated 3.5
This short book gives a memorable account of the author’s time in India with the Beatles and other celebrities, such as Donovan, Mia Farrow and Mike Love. He found George and John to be the most serious about studying under the Mararishi, while the affable Ringo had come along for the ride – but whose wife Maureen was less than impressed with all the insects – and Paul was there because the others were, but was taking it all with a heavy pinch of salt. There seems little doubt that the Maharishi was delighted that the Beatles had arrived and that he saw them as a way of helping his movement spread worldwide – his motives are open to interpretation, cynical or otherwise, and I think the reader can make up his own mind. However, soon there are ugly rumours about attentions paid by the Maharishi to female members of the entourage and suspicion abounds.
Really, this book does not have enough detail to merit more than 3.5 stars, but it is a little explored period of the Beatles history and so will have relevance for fans. His thoughts on the Beatles and wives are interesting – Cynthia seemed ‘sad’ and Jane Asher dreamt wistfully of visiting the Taj Mahal in moonlight. This period is covered in Cynthia Lennon’s autobiography, “A Twist of Lennon” – later rewritten as “John” and she explains her marital problems in depth there. The fact that her depression was obvious to an outsider shows how worried she was at the time. I enjoyed this book, but even if it had been twice as long, it wouldn’t have covered the time in enough detail for me. There are only two real chapters in the book (and a short postscript) and the Beatles don’t even appear until the second chapter. I am glad I read it though, and although it will only really appeal to hardcore fans it does give a nice description of the Beatles Indian interlude.
Rated 3.5
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January 28, 2026It sounds like terrific fun: HARPER'S MAGAZINE's erudite editor, Lewis Lapham, reminiscing about his time with the Beatles during the trip to India they later called "a public mistake." And up to a point it is fun, although the early sections, about the Maharishi's promotional efforts in New York and California, before Lapham followed him to Rishikesh, are the best. This book reminds me of Joan Didion's and Tom Wolfe's critiques of social trends and fads in the 60s. If this were one of a collection of essays, or if Lapham had gone all out in investigating the Maharishi's TM scam--either way, I'd prefer that, but as it stands there just isn't enough material here for a book (even a short one) and this has the feel of an entertaining article, dragged out a bit too long.
April 11, 2016
This was a deeply disappointing book. For a book titled "With the Beatles," the Beatles hardly featured at all. It should have been called "Some glimpses of the Beatles amidst a lot of boring details." Lewis Lapham didn't even stay there that long - he was only there for ten days and as soon as he got an opportunity to leave, he was gone. As a reporter with an exclusive invitation, he really blew it.
He makes the whole trip sound boring and his writing style is incredibly pompous. It's quite clear that he thinks he's above all this meditation stuff and he thinks George and anyone else who tries it is just stupid. His main purpose seemed to be to expose the Maharishi's financial interests, not to report on the Beatles. I'm sure he only titled his book "With the Beatles" in order to sell copies. I only wish Tom Wolfe had been there instead -now THAT would have been a book worth reading.
He makes the whole trip sound boring and his writing style is incredibly pompous. It's quite clear that he thinks he's above all this meditation stuff and he thinks George and anyone else who tries it is just stupid. His main purpose seemed to be to expose the Maharishi's financial interests, not to report on the Beatles. I'm sure he only titled his book "With the Beatles" in order to sell copies. I only wish Tom Wolfe had been there instead -now THAT would have been a book worth reading.
March 31, 2021
La folie de la méditation transcendantale durant les années 60-70 et la folie Beatles. Un journaliste va passer qq jours dans un ashram en Inde avec les Beatles et va décrire son quotidien. Attention, même si le titre dit autre chose, le livre parle très peu des Beatles
August 26, 2008
It was forty years ago today (more or less)...
Lewis Lapham was detailed by his editor at the "Saturday Evening Post", Otto Friedrich, to insinuate himself into the spiritual confabulations of the Marharishi Mahish Yogi with his newest, most famous disciples, the Beatles. The fact that Lapham had no interest either in eastern spirituality or western popular music, and thus no entree into the goings-on in Rishikesh, in no way dissuaded Friedrich from sending Lapham on this particular assignment; "Friedrich rated the difficulties [of access] trifling, easily overcome by any journalist who once had worked the City Hall beat in San Francisco", which has to be quite the nicest tribute anyone has ever paid to San Francisco politics. The resulting description of Lapham's sojourns amongst the Maharishi's devotees in Berkeley and Los Angeles, and amongst the spiritual seekers, jet setters, and monkeys in Rishikesh, makes for entertaining reading indeed.
I treasure Lewis Lapham: in the weeks following 9/11, his and Aaron MacGruder's voices sounded the only clear notes of sanity. It is fun reading him on a topic which is of less moment.
Lewis Lapham was detailed by his editor at the "Saturday Evening Post", Otto Friedrich, to insinuate himself into the spiritual confabulations of the Marharishi Mahish Yogi with his newest, most famous disciples, the Beatles. The fact that Lapham had no interest either in eastern spirituality or western popular music, and thus no entree into the goings-on in Rishikesh, in no way dissuaded Friedrich from sending Lapham on this particular assignment; "Friedrich rated the difficulties [of access] trifling, easily overcome by any journalist who once had worked the City Hall beat in San Francisco", which has to be quite the nicest tribute anyone has ever paid to San Francisco politics. The resulting description of Lapham's sojourns amongst the Maharishi's devotees in Berkeley and Los Angeles, and amongst the spiritual seekers, jet setters, and monkeys in Rishikesh, makes for entertaining reading indeed.
I treasure Lewis Lapham: in the weeks following 9/11, his and Aaron MacGruder's voices sounded the only clear notes of sanity. It is fun reading him on a topic which is of less moment.
July 15, 2018
This wasn't a book that needed me, but a book I needed. It showcases the Beatle and their association with a delusional maharishi. I've always wondered why celebrities ended admiring certain guru and cult leaders. This book shows how maharishi lures the Beatles and others in and at the end, the Beatles see through him and his "corrupt ways."
May 31, 2008
More an essay than a book, Lapham recalls his brief time in India reporting on the Beatles and their guru, the Maharishi.
July 10, 2016
Nice palate cleanser, quick and easy. Lapham was far more readable in his early years. His writing now is too clever by half, at risk of self-parody.
August 12, 2025
This was a charming little book that was very fun to read and carry around. I have to admit, it left me wanting more. This was a pretty surface-level dive into transcendental meditation, especially in comparison to Paul Saltzman's documentary. This book was a great companion to that, but it was mostly describing who was who and what was what, not really including the feeling of what India with the Beatles and Maharishi Mahesh Yogi was like. It talked way more about the Maharishi than I thought it would, and it honestly led me to question him more than to believe him.
What do I believe? I'm a Catholic, through and through. I think George would have remained one if he shared my experiences. So much of what they taught in Rishikesh was very Catholic, but not for the close-minded, 20th century Catholic. This book and so much of the Beatles have made me believe meditation is like psychological medicine, but transcendence only truly happens when you love—when you sacrifice something. It seemed TM only satisfied the Beatles for a brief period. And actually... it didn't satisfy John at all. So I think the answers are hinted at in the Maharashi's sermons, but the inaction is a huge detriment that will leave many with a hole in their hearts. Ringo, John, Paul, and George already knew the answer—all you need is love. I think George kept the spirituality in his life strong, which is commendable. But the same could be said for consientious morality and decision-making in any lifestyle.
Ringo looks up. He's simple, direct, and brief. He has little to no ego, although sometimes satirically.
John will smirk, looking to the side. He'll look at you, but he'll never tell you what he's truly thinking unless you're Yoko Ono. His eyesight sucks anyway.
Paul often looked backwards. He wrote "Yesterday" because that is him. He banks on nostalgia, not unlike his constant return to talking about when he peaked.
George will look directly at you. He's the least distracted, the most realistic, while still holding on to what optimism and friendship he has, and for that, he's my favorite.
And what I just described is why Revolver remains my favorite Beatles album cover art. They had the answers here already. It's not drugs, it's not even transcending. It's love, for one transcends automatically with it.
What do I believe? I'm a Catholic, through and through. I think George would have remained one if he shared my experiences. So much of what they taught in Rishikesh was very Catholic, but not for the close-minded, 20th century Catholic. This book and so much of the Beatles have made me believe meditation is like psychological medicine, but transcendence only truly happens when you love—when you sacrifice something. It seemed TM only satisfied the Beatles for a brief period. And actually... it didn't satisfy John at all. So I think the answers are hinted at in the Maharashi's sermons, but the inaction is a huge detriment that will leave many with a hole in their hearts. Ringo, John, Paul, and George already knew the answer—all you need is love. I think George kept the spirituality in his life strong, which is commendable. But the same could be said for consientious morality and decision-making in any lifestyle.
Ringo looks up. He's simple, direct, and brief. He has little to no ego, although sometimes satirically.
John will smirk, looking to the side. He'll look at you, but he'll never tell you what he's truly thinking unless you're Yoko Ono. His eyesight sucks anyway.
Paul often looked backwards. He wrote "Yesterday" because that is him. He banks on nostalgia, not unlike his constant return to talking about when he peaked.
George will look directly at you. He's the least distracted, the most realistic, while still holding on to what optimism and friendship he has, and for that, he's my favorite.
And what I just described is why Revolver remains my favorite Beatles album cover art. They had the answers here already. It's not drugs, it's not even transcending. It's love, for one transcends automatically with it.
April 15, 2024
First off, a decidedly cheesy mislead for a title (with accompanying irrelevant pictures); might've more aptly been called Nearby The Beatles. But a fairly interesting account of the whole business (and yes, I do mean business)...although Lapham's condescending attitude throughout--with that relentless New Yorkerish smirk down his nose at his surroundings--did grow pretty tiresome, not to mention making him come off arguably as shallow as anybody else on the scene (no wonder the guy ended up working for Harper's). Then too there was the ongoing assumption that the reader would be sure to find his prose stylings every bit as cute (and discerning) as he so obviously thought they were.
November 30, 2024
This is a very slight volume, but it is so well-written that it's a joy to read.
February 12, 2008
Halfway between the summer of love and the Tet offensive, the Beatles went to India to study with the Maharishi — and Lewis Lapham, esteemed Harper's editor and award-winning writer, was there. WITH THE BEATLES is a remarkable book of cultural commentary on that seminal '60s moment.
The ashram in Rishikesh, India was the ultimate '60s scene: the Beatles, Donovan, Mia Farrow, a stray Beach Boy and other '60s icons gathered along the shores of the Ganges—amidst paisley and incense and flowers and guitars—to meditate at the feet of the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. The February 1968 gathering received such frenzied, world-wide attention that it is still considered a significant, early encounter between Western pop culture and the mystical East. And Lewis Lapham was the only journalist allowed inside.
And what went on inside the compound has long been the subject of wild speculation and rampant rumor. The Beatles said they wrote some of their greatest songs there . . . and yet they also came away bitterly disillusioned. In With The Beatles Lewis Lapham finally tells the whole story.
The ashram in Rishikesh, India was the ultimate '60s scene: the Beatles, Donovan, Mia Farrow, a stray Beach Boy and other '60s icons gathered along the shores of the Ganges—amidst paisley and incense and flowers and guitars—to meditate at the feet of the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. The February 1968 gathering received such frenzied, world-wide attention that it is still considered a significant, early encounter between Western pop culture and the mystical East. And Lewis Lapham was the only journalist allowed inside.
And what went on inside the compound has long been the subject of wild speculation and rampant rumor. The Beatles said they wrote some of their greatest songs there . . . and yet they also came away bitterly disillusioned. In With The Beatles Lewis Lapham finally tells the whole story.
May 2, 2014
An essay masquerading as a book. Each Beatle gets a couple of pages of face time and maybe one direct quote. The rest of it is Lapham describing various kooks and aspirants at the ashram with as much detail as you'd expect almost four decades after the events took place. Meh.
January 5, 2012
This has almost nothing to do with the Beatles whatsoever
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews