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The Beatles
[Penguin Readers Level 3]
The year was 1963, and Beatlemania was only just beginning. Soon the Beatles had fans all around the world. For the rest of the 1960s their music led the way and they changed modern music forever. This book tells the story of the greatest band in the world from the early days in Liverpool to the Beatles’ music in the world today.
The year was 1963, and Beatlemania was only just beginning. Soon the Beatles had fans all around the world. For the rest of the 1960s their music led the way and they changed modern music forever. This book tells the story of the greatest band in the world from the early days in Liverpool to the Beatles’ music in the world today.
- GenresNonfictionMusicBiography
48 pages, Paperback
First published February 12, 2002
About the author
Paul Shipton
621 books32 followersPaul Shipton (born 1963) is an award-winning children's author.
He was born in Manchester and attended Emmanuel College, Cambridge, and Manchester University. After completing two Masters' degrees (in Classics and Philosophy), he taught English in Istanbul for a year. After returning to the UK, he taught English as a foreign language for several years, and it was around this time that he published his first book, Zargon Zoo (1991).
Four years later, he published Bug Muldoon and the Garden of Fear, and relocated with his family to Wisconsin, United States, where he works as a freelance writer and editor. He also writes books for younger readers under the pen name Paul Cooper. He and his wife and two daughters now divide their time between Cambridge, England, and Madison, Wisconsin.
He was born in Manchester and attended Emmanuel College, Cambridge, and Manchester University. After completing two Masters' degrees (in Classics and Philosophy), he taught English in Istanbul for a year. After returning to the UK, he taught English as a foreign language for several years, and it was around this time that he published his first book, Zargon Zoo (1991).
Four years later, he published Bug Muldoon and the Garden of Fear, and relocated with his family to Wisconsin, United States, where he works as a freelance writer and editor. He also writes books for younger readers under the pen name Paul Cooper. He and his wife and two daughters now divide their time between Cambridge, England, and Madison, Wisconsin.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 6, 2020
4,5 stars. Despite being a short text, I learned many things about the lives, thoughts and temperaments of Lennon and McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr, that I didn't know. A funny and fast way to learn English and to know more about "The Beatles"! Text + audio.
June 28, 2017
The sense of modernism that does not pay attention of what you believe. I liked that every song has its own story.
I do not like the way they were as a band. It feels like a 4-divided-parts picutre. Before reading the book I liked more John Lennon as many have said, he is the core of the beatles. At the end, I liked Paul much more for his purity. Paul was like the best once he recorded "HEY JUDE" for John's son Julian after the deprature of the son's parents. Though I am pretty sure that John lennon had a hard life. It is clarified in every bit he sings. He tents more to the misery.
I liked also the diversity of the band that highlights why they recorded tottlay opposite ideas in the same song.
Finaly, to the writer. the book is so easy to read, but I waited a biography book. thanks.
I do not like the way they were as a band. It feels like a 4-divided-parts picutre. Before reading the book I liked more John Lennon as many have said, he is the core of the beatles. At the end, I liked Paul much more for his purity. Paul was like the best once he recorded "HEY JUDE" for John's son Julian after the deprature of the son's parents. Though I am pretty sure that John lennon had a hard life. It is clarified in every bit he sings. He tents more to the misery.
I liked also the diversity of the band that highlights why they recorded tottlay opposite ideas in the same song.
Finaly, to the writer. the book is so easy to read, but I waited a biography book. thanks.
August 26, 2020
Bhadra 10, 2077, Wednesday
The Beatles - Paul Shipton (2002)
[Penguin Readers Pre-Intermediate (Level 3)]
Genres: EnglishGradedReaders/ Nonfiction/ Biography
Pages: 48
Rating: 5/10
Themes: Music/ Relationship
Opener:
“Paul McCartney once said, ‘The Beatles were always a great little band - nothing more, nothing less.’ Millions of fans around the world disagree with this. To them, the Beatles were a ‘great little band’ who changed modern music forever.”
Summary:
There has never been another band like the Beatles! They arrived on the music scene just when the world was ready for something new. Teenagers wanted their own bands and their own music to be played by people like them. They wanted to experience something that was completely different from anything of their parents’ generation. In the 1960s Beatlemania swept first across Britain and then the world, and in this book, we set out with the band from their early days in Liverpool as they strive and then attain international success. We can look at all the important moments in the Beatles’ colorful life together. At the beginning of their careers, the Beatles learned to play live music in Hamburg and in Liverpool’s famous Cavern club. With hours of practice and a little help from manager Brian Epstein, they developed their own style. We travel with the Beatles to America, where they were the first British band to be truly successful. And in the UK, even the British government and the Queen wanted to be part of their story. Their success continued as their music developed, becoming more sophisticated and original. They upset a lot of people along the way, including governments and religious leaders, but they went on making records and films. Things started to change after their manager died and John met Yoko Ono. George became interested in Eastern philosophy and Paul wanted to develop the business side of the band. John and Paul both had strong characters and their own ideas — the book shows us how it became impossible for them to work together and stay part of the same group. But while the band lasted, John and Paul developed a unique songwriting partnership that produced some of the world’s most famous songs. Most of their music is still popular today, forty years after four young men with short hair.
Final Review:
John, Paul, George, and Ringo - four young men from Liverpool become the most famous and successful musicians of the 1960s. The book delineates how the forming of the band took place and what difficulties the band faced throughout its music career. The writing as it is wont to do in most of these pre-intermediate level books is nothing much to write home about.
The Beatles - Paul Shipton (2002)
[Penguin Readers Pre-Intermediate (Level 3)]
Genres: EnglishGradedReaders/ Nonfiction/ Biography
Pages: 48
Rating: 5/10
Themes: Music/ Relationship
Opener:
“Paul McCartney once said, ‘The Beatles were always a great little band - nothing more, nothing less.’ Millions of fans around the world disagree with this. To them, the Beatles were a ‘great little band’ who changed modern music forever.”
Summary:
There has never been another band like the Beatles! They arrived on the music scene just when the world was ready for something new. Teenagers wanted their own bands and their own music to be played by people like them. They wanted to experience something that was completely different from anything of their parents’ generation. In the 1960s Beatlemania swept first across Britain and then the world, and in this book, we set out with the band from their early days in Liverpool as they strive and then attain international success. We can look at all the important moments in the Beatles’ colorful life together. At the beginning of their careers, the Beatles learned to play live music in Hamburg and in Liverpool’s famous Cavern club. With hours of practice and a little help from manager Brian Epstein, they developed their own style. We travel with the Beatles to America, where they were the first British band to be truly successful. And in the UK, even the British government and the Queen wanted to be part of their story. Their success continued as their music developed, becoming more sophisticated and original. They upset a lot of people along the way, including governments and religious leaders, but they went on making records and films. Things started to change after their manager died and John met Yoko Ono. George became interested in Eastern philosophy and Paul wanted to develop the business side of the band. John and Paul both had strong characters and their own ideas — the book shows us how it became impossible for them to work together and stay part of the same group. But while the band lasted, John and Paul developed a unique songwriting partnership that produced some of the world’s most famous songs. Most of their music is still popular today, forty years after four young men with short hair.
Final Review:
John, Paul, George, and Ringo - four young men from Liverpool become the most famous and successful musicians of the 1960s. The book delineates how the forming of the band took place and what difficulties the band faced throughout its music career. The writing as it is wont to do in most of these pre-intermediate level books is nothing much to write home about.
January 12, 2021
Beatles’ history abridged version! I did not know about the Beatles, especially members like Richard Starkey, George Harrison, so it’s good to know about their works too. ( I have only heard of Paul McCartney and John Lennon).
I was also surprised to know at the time when Abbey Road and Let it be were recorded, the band struggled with differences of opinion. Those albums are the most prominent ones of all time!! Although how the band ended was unhappy, it’s good to know finally John and Paul became friendlier again after John passed away.
I was also surprised to know at the time when Abbey Road and Let it be were recorded, the band struggled with differences of opinion. Those albums are the most prominent ones of all time!! Although how the band ended was unhappy, it’s good to know finally John and Paul became friendlier again after John passed away.
October 28, 2023
I remembered the first Time i listened to The Beatles i was 16 and my best friend gave me a CD with all the albums and he said to me: You must listened from album 1 AND so on. In order, he meant.
From that Day, i fell in love with their music...
From that Day, i fell in love with their music...
July 15, 2015
1. penguin readers level3
2. about 1 hour 30 minutes
3. the beatles / music / biography / formation / money / broke up / assassinate / family / the band
4. a. the book tells about the history (biography) of "the beatles". the beatles came from liverpool in England. the relationship between the band, with thier very differnet personalities, is an important theme in this story. McCartney and Lennon wrote most of the band's songs. They were both strong characters ans their rich and creative pertnership often became fight. This book also discribe about the previous member who left from the band, and the family background of each of the beatles and how they began singing together.
b. the most impressive scene for me was when John Lennon was killed in 1980, and then, many people were sad because they had hoped the Beatles would play together one more time. (the beatles had broken up)
5. This book doesn't olny discribe thier biography, but also why they become famous and popular, what the background is. The reason was because of the state of affairs of the world. The world was waking up from the Secound World War. The economy was starting to improve and people had money to spend. In particular, teenagers were beggining to experience a something new. Teenagers wanted freedom. They had money to spend on entertainmaint and clothes, and thier entertainment was pop music. And at then, the beatles appeared and their song become the sprit of the young age. I know about the beatles, of corse, but I did't know that there is the link between of historical background between the world and the beatles. I felt the beatles was really influential band for the world ever.
2. about 1 hour 30 minutes
3. the beatles / music / biography / formation / money / broke up / assassinate / family / the band
4. a. the book tells about the history (biography) of "the beatles". the beatles came from liverpool in England. the relationship between the band, with thier very differnet personalities, is an important theme in this story. McCartney and Lennon wrote most of the band's songs. They were both strong characters ans their rich and creative pertnership often became fight. This book also discribe about the previous member who left from the band, and the family background of each of the beatles and how they began singing together.
b. the most impressive scene for me was when John Lennon was killed in 1980, and then, many people were sad because they had hoped the Beatles would play together one more time. (the beatles had broken up)
5. This book doesn't olny discribe thier biography, but also why they become famous and popular, what the background is. The reason was because of the state of affairs of the world. The world was waking up from the Secound World War. The economy was starting to improve and people had money to spend. In particular, teenagers were beggining to experience a something new. Teenagers wanted freedom. They had money to spend on entertainmaint and clothes, and thier entertainment was pop music. And at then, the beatles appeared and their song become the sprit of the young age. I know about the beatles, of corse, but I did't know that there is the link between of historical background between the world and the beatles. I felt the beatles was really influential band for the world ever.
November 9, 2016
1.penguin readers, level4
2.80min
3.Beatles, band, singing, music, human, life
4.This book is about "The Beatles". It is written the story from their beginning until the end. At first, the Beatles was five people including John Lenon, Paul McCartney and George Harrison. Later, Richard Starkey, he is usually called Ringo Starr joined. They were very very popular from 1962 to 1968. When John said "We're more popular than Jesus", they went to down. Finally, the Beatles was finished.
5.a,The most impressive scene of this book is in golden age of the Beatles. They were very popular, but their fans, Beatles mania, were shouting and screaming, and they could not play instruments well because of them. They were not happy then. I thought, the fan in the old days was extreme.
b,The reason I wanted to read this book is because I learned about them in the class, music culture. I had known them before taking class, but I wanted to know them more. There were a lot of information of Beatles I did not knew, I glad to know it.
2.80min
3.Beatles, band, singing, music, human, life
4.This book is about "The Beatles". It is written the story from their beginning until the end. At first, the Beatles was five people including John Lenon, Paul McCartney and George Harrison. Later, Richard Starkey, he is usually called Ringo Starr joined. They were very very popular from 1962 to 1968. When John said "We're more popular than Jesus", they went to down. Finally, the Beatles was finished.
5.a,The most impressive scene of this book is in golden age of the Beatles. They were very popular, but their fans, Beatles mania, were shouting and screaming, and they could not play instruments well because of them. They were not happy then. I thought, the fan in the old days was extreme.
b,The reason I wanted to read this book is because I learned about them in the class, music culture. I had known them before taking class, but I wanted to know them more. There were a lot of information of Beatles I did not knew, I glad to know it.
January 14, 2017
1. Penguin Readers& Stage3
2. 1/12 = 60minutes 1/13 = 60minutes Total =120minutes
3. history, band, music, british, difficulties, famous, rumor
4. a) Stu died in April 1962. And he was only 21years old.
b) First, I didn't know the beatles has 6 members first before I read this, And he was dead as too young age, So he seemed that couldn't play his role(bass guitar)
5. I like the beatles very much because I listened to their music since I was young. But I didn't know well about their history because I've only listened. Then this book involved their personality, ideas, music, history and so on. So I could learn how did they grow one band "The Beatles." As I said, I didn't know the sixth member Stu Sutcliffe and his tragedy life. I noticed I knew only a few about them like their play in Nihon Buhdokan and "Rooftop Concert." I was most suprised at and interested in the rumor "Paul is dead." I recommend this topic if you have time to read this.
2. 1/12 = 60minutes 1/13 = 60minutes Total =120minutes
3. history, band, music, british, difficulties, famous, rumor
4. a) Stu died in April 1962. And he was only 21years old.
b) First, I didn't know the beatles has 6 members first before I read this, And he was dead as too young age, So he seemed that couldn't play his role(bass guitar)
5. I like the beatles very much because I listened to their music since I was young. But I didn't know well about their history because I've only listened. Then this book involved their personality, ideas, music, history and so on. So I could learn how did they grow one band "The Beatles." As I said, I didn't know the sixth member Stu Sutcliffe and his tragedy life. I noticed I knew only a few about them like their play in Nihon Buhdokan and "Rooftop Concert." I was most suprised at and interested in the rumor "Paul is dead." I recommend this topic if you have time to read this.
September 30, 2016
1, penguin Lv3
2, 9/28 60min
9/30 20min
3.Beatles,history,behind story,hardship,greatest band,love,forever
4)a, In the past, Beatles thout that "It is hard to sing in a live stage" because their fans are shouting all the time when they are singing. So, they can't listen their own sounds.
b)Now, in Japan there are many idol vocal group and they performe in TV show or live concert.
However, fans are always showting in a loud voice. I can't understand that. If I go to a concert, I want to listetn carefully not to regret after the concert.
5, Acutually, I'm not familiar with western musician or Beatles but this book told me about Beatles a lot. I think they are band of legend. However they experienced many crisis and they finished the group action. Still now there are lots of fans and maybe it is increasing. I also became a fan of Beatles
2, 9/28 60min
9/30 20min
3.Beatles,history,behind story,hardship,greatest band,love,forever
4)a, In the past, Beatles thout that "It is hard to sing in a live stage" because their fans are shouting all the time when they are singing. So, they can't listen their own sounds.
b)Now, in Japan there are many idol vocal group and they performe in TV show or live concert.
However, fans are always showting in a loud voice. I can't understand that. If I go to a concert, I want to listetn carefully not to regret after the concert.
5, Acutually, I'm not familiar with western musician or Beatles but this book told me about Beatles a lot. I think they are band of legend. However they experienced many crisis and they finished the group action. Still now there are lots of fans and maybe it is increasing. I also became a fan of Beatles
May 20, 2015
This genre is non fiction. This book is written about history of The Beatles. For example their history,record debut,the success of the US and the UK,background of representative music,the concept of members each other,Live activities stop,feud between members,marriage of members,dissolution of circumstances each members after the dissolution of the activities,John go death and so on. I like Paul MacCartny because I know only him. so I couldn't imagine what members of The Beatles was what kind of person. I didn't have favorite part. Because it was difficult for me,so I was my best to read. I enjoyed this book because I could know a little bit about The Beatles. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in The Beatles or want to know.
October 10, 2012
- penguin readers, level 3
- Time: 10/5 = 20 minutes : 10/8 = 40 minutes : 10/9 = 20 minutes : 10/10 = 40 minutes
- 7 - word summary : Beatles - Liverpool - Beatlemania - famous - Abbey Road - death - top
- Disussion questions
1. Do you like Beatles' song?
Yes, my favorite somg is Let It Be. I listned to it, when I was junior high school student.
2. What do you know Beatles' song?
I know Let It Be, Stand by me, Yesterday and Imagine. I listned to many Beatles song in English class.
l know beatles life and Beatlemania. I want to listen to Beatles' song after reading this book.
- Time: 10/5 = 20 minutes : 10/8 = 40 minutes : 10/9 = 20 minutes : 10/10 = 40 minutes
- 7 - word summary : Beatles - Liverpool - Beatlemania - famous - Abbey Road - death - top
- Disussion questions
1. Do you like Beatles' song?
Yes, my favorite somg is Let It Be. I listned to it, when I was junior high school student.
2. What do you know Beatles' song?
I know Let It Be, Stand by me, Yesterday and Imagine. I listned to many Beatles song in English class.
l know beatles life and Beatlemania. I want to listen to Beatles' song after reading this book.
October 23, 2013
Penguin Level 3
It took 90 minutes
Word summery- Liverpool, Hamburg, tour, film, band, concert,album
Q and A What's your favorite Beatles song?
I like Hey Jude.
-- Now, every people have heard the name of Beatles. Surprisingly, a lot of children also know about them. They are legacy in this world.
At first, British young guys got together, then they made a band. They didin't expect that becoming popular.
Beatles era was only 8 years. But in spite of short terms, they made a lot of good songs.
It took 90 minutes
Word summery- Liverpool, Hamburg, tour, film, band, concert,album
Q and A What's your favorite Beatles song?
I like Hey Jude.
-- Now, every people have heard the name of Beatles. Surprisingly, a lot of children also know about them. They are legacy in this world.
At first, British young guys got together, then they made a band. They didin't expect that becoming popular.
Beatles era was only 8 years. But in spite of short terms, they made a lot of good songs.
June 8, 2016
1. penguin readers/ level 3
2. 06/02= 20 minutes, 06/03= 20 minutes, 06/07= 20 minutes, 06/08= 20 minutes
3. Ringo, George, Paul, John, Liverpool, band, singing
4. George Harrison is the youngest in The Beatles.
I had thought that The Beatles consist of same old. So I was surprised very much.
5. I had not known about The Beatles in detail. So I thought that it was good for me to know them from reading this book. For example, I could know the reason why Richard Starkey changed his name into Ringo Star.
2. 06/02= 20 minutes, 06/03= 20 minutes, 06/07= 20 minutes, 06/08= 20 minutes
3. Ringo, George, Paul, John, Liverpool, band, singing
4. George Harrison is the youngest in The Beatles.
I had thought that The Beatles consist of same old. So I was surprised very much.
5. I had not known about The Beatles in detail. So I thought that it was good for me to know them from reading this book. For example, I could know the reason why Richard Starkey changed his name into Ringo Star.
April 20, 2013
1. Paul Shipton, Penguin Readers, Level 3
2. 5 hours
3. 1 history 2 1950s 3 Rock and Roll 4 Liverpool 5 band 6 Beatlemania 7 death
4. Do you like Rock and Roll ? Why ?
Yes, I do. That's because I think that it is easy for artists to message their feelings to the audience.
5. I like the Beatles, so it was fun. If you read this book, you can understand what the Beatles is.
2. 5 hours
3. 1 history 2 1950s 3 Rock and Roll 4 Liverpool 5 band 6 Beatlemania 7 death
4. Do you like Rock and Roll ? Why ?
Yes, I do. That's because I think that it is easy for artists to message their feelings to the audience.
5. I like the Beatles, so it was fun. If you read this book, you can understand what the Beatles is.
July 17, 2013
1 PENGUIN level3
2 80 minutes
3 history, bass, band ,1950s ,die, famous beatles
4 Do you know Beatles?
Yes, but I knew only name before I read it.
5 I knew only name about Beatles, but now I
got to understand what they were. For example, they were very popular all over the world. I want to listen to their songs!
2 80 minutes
3 history, bass, band ,1950s ,die, famous beatles
4 Do you know Beatles?
Yes, but I knew only name before I read it.
5 I knew only name about Beatles, but now I
got to understand what they were. For example, they were very popular all over the world. I want to listen to their songs!
May 6, 2009
This book make me think about all the history of the beatles,i liked because the beatles were a great band and they have a really interesting career, i like their music too, i think that they were really good, and in this book explain you everything about them.
May 8, 2013
1.Paul Shipton,Penguin readers,
2.4 hours
3.1bass 2recorded 3popular 4paul 5dead 6famous 7beatles
4 I play bass, can you play bass? or some instruments?
I'm sorry I did't write correctly.
I didn't understand that.
Is review OK?
2.4 hours
3.1bass 2recorded 3popular 4paul 5dead 6famous 7beatles
4 I play bass, can you play bass? or some instruments?
I'm sorry I did't write correctly.
I didn't understand that.
Is review OK?
Read
November 24, 2017i don't know anything about The Beatles before, i just know that they are the great band in the world. I learn something from this book, that is about keep what we are saying, the world of Beatles was changed worse just by a sentence.
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