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The Walrus and the Elephants: John Lennon's Years of Revolution
“Lennon is one of the most documented individuals in modern culture, yet never before has this early New York period of his history been examined with greater depth and clarity.”–Lee Ranaldo, co-founder of Sonic Youth
In late 1971 John Lennon left London behind and moved to New York, eager to join a youth movement rallying for social justice and an end to the Vietnam War. Lennon was quickly embraced by radicals and revolutionaries, the hippies and Yippies at odds with the establishment. Settling in Greenwich Village, the heart of Manhattan's counterculture, the former Beatle was soon on the frontlines of the antiwar movement, and championing a range of causes and issues. Seen as a savior by a generation in need of cultural heroes, Lennon was just as passionately hounded by a government eager to find enemies within. The FBI and White
House considered Lennon a threat; a plan was devised to deport the singer prior to the election as a "strategic counter-measure" to preserve Richard Nixon's presidency in 1972.
The Walrus and the Elephants is told by the unlikely cast of friends, including the musicians of Elephant's Memory, who were among the few with a chance to see the man behind the Beatle. Exclusive interviews include writer and feminist leader Gloria Steinem; congressional black caucus cofounder Ron Dellums; "Chicago Seven" veteran Rennie Davis; immigration attorney Leon Wildes; and legendary poet-activist John Sinclair, whose imprisonment for marijuana--a ten-year sentence for two joints--kicked off Lennon's American journey.
It was a busy year of making albums, controversial TV appearances and what would be Lennon's last full-length concert at Madison Square Garden; it was a time of great change in America, the confrontations that began brewing in the sixties reaching an end for many movements . . . and the beginning of a new era. John Lennon fought for peace and was treated with scorn by some, suspicion by others--including a government wishing to silence the singer. The Walrus and the Elephants is a look back by those who fought the fight; he was a dreamer, but he wasn't the only one.
In late 1971 John Lennon left London behind and moved to New York, eager to join a youth movement rallying for social justice and an end to the Vietnam War. Lennon was quickly embraced by radicals and revolutionaries, the hippies and Yippies at odds with the establishment. Settling in Greenwich Village, the heart of Manhattan's counterculture, the former Beatle was soon on the frontlines of the antiwar movement, and championing a range of causes and issues. Seen as a savior by a generation in need of cultural heroes, Lennon was just as passionately hounded by a government eager to find enemies within. The FBI and White
House considered Lennon a threat; a plan was devised to deport the singer prior to the election as a "strategic counter-measure" to preserve Richard Nixon's presidency in 1972.
The Walrus and the Elephants is told by the unlikely cast of friends, including the musicians of Elephant's Memory, who were among the few with a chance to see the man behind the Beatle. Exclusive interviews include writer and feminist leader Gloria Steinem; congressional black caucus cofounder Ron Dellums; "Chicago Seven" veteran Rennie Davis; immigration attorney Leon Wildes; and legendary poet-activist John Sinclair, whose imprisonment for marijuana--a ten-year sentence for two joints--kicked off Lennon's American journey.
It was a busy year of making albums, controversial TV appearances and what would be Lennon's last full-length concert at Madison Square Garden; it was a time of great change in America, the confrontations that began brewing in the sixties reaching an end for many movements . . . and the beginning of a new era. John Lennon fought for peace and was treated with scorn by some, suspicion by others--including a government wishing to silence the singer. The Walrus and the Elephants is a look back by those who fought the fight; he was a dreamer, but he wasn't the only one.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2013
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763 people want to read
About the author
James A. Mitchell
30 books2 followersJames A. Mitchell is the author of "The Walrus and the Elephants: John Lennon's Years of Revolution" (December 2013, Seven Stories Press); "But for the Grace: Profiles in Peace from a Nation at War" (2009, Mansion Field); "It Was All Right: Mitch Ryder's Life in Music" (2008, Wayne State University Press); and "Applegate: Freedom of the Press in a Small Town (2002, University Press of America). A reporter and editor for more than thirty years in New York, Michigan, and as a US Army soldier-journalist, Mitchell's works on a wide range of subjects have appeared in dozens of newspapers and magazines.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 11, 2025
"I don't remember anything about the radicalism. He and his wife were very idealistic in their desires for peace. I don't think it was 'anti-establishment' in his mouth, I think it was genuinely . . . peace. You know? Lennon, to me, is connected more with a desire for peace and hands across the sea and goodwill and that kind of thing, as opposed to the internal divisions within our society." -- the recollections of Joseph Blatchford, third director of the Peace Corps (1969-1971), on page 230
Although numerous books have been published on John Lennon's childhood / teenage experiences, the momentous years with the Beatles, or his final decade living in New York City, author Mitchell spins out in yet another direction with his brisk and slyly-titled The Walrus and the Elephants. The appellation is meant to evoke a double meaning, as 'the Elephants' in this instance represents both the Republican Party in power at that time (POTUS Richard Nixon, FBI director J. Edgar Hoover, and various other cronies) AND the NYC-based rock band the Elephant's Memory, two factions which respectively worked against and for Lennon in the early 1970's. Just after John Lennon and Yoko Ono's big move to New York City in the summer of 1971, the duo allied for a time with various radical figures (some were legitimate, but others just seemed insufferable or ridiculous) who were opposing the Vietnam Conflict. This soon put them squarely on the U.S. governmental radar - along with Lennon's minor misdemeanor drug infraction on record in the U.K. from 1968 - and they then had to properly work to achieve residential citizen status (enlisting the aid of respected immigration attorney Leon Wildes, who quickly became a friend and supporter) or else risk facing deportation back to England. During this time Lennon also delivered arguably his most political music - the 1972 album Some Time in New York City - and performed in what would be his last full-length concert appearance, with the respected studio act Elephant's Memory providing his instrumental back-up. Pleasantly, this book is often a depiction of Lennon as a mellowing, humorous and polite man who simply wanted to work / reside in what he considered the most exciting city on Earth, and pursued and finally won said intent through proper legal channels over four nerve-wracking years.
Although numerous books have been published on John Lennon's childhood / teenage experiences, the momentous years with the Beatles, or his final decade living in New York City, author Mitchell spins out in yet another direction with his brisk and slyly-titled The Walrus and the Elephants. The appellation is meant to evoke a double meaning, as 'the Elephants' in this instance represents both the Republican Party in power at that time (POTUS Richard Nixon, FBI director J. Edgar Hoover, and various other cronies) AND the NYC-based rock band the Elephant's Memory, two factions which respectively worked against and for Lennon in the early 1970's. Just after John Lennon and Yoko Ono's big move to New York City in the summer of 1971, the duo allied for a time with various radical figures (some were legitimate, but others just seemed insufferable or ridiculous) who were opposing the Vietnam Conflict. This soon put them squarely on the U.S. governmental radar - along with Lennon's minor misdemeanor drug infraction on record in the U.K. from 1968 - and they then had to properly work to achieve residential citizen status (enlisting the aid of respected immigration attorney Leon Wildes, who quickly became a friend and supporter) or else risk facing deportation back to England. During this time Lennon also delivered arguably his most political music - the 1972 album Some Time in New York City - and performed in what would be his last full-length concert appearance, with the respected studio act Elephant's Memory providing his instrumental back-up. Pleasantly, this book is often a depiction of Lennon as a mellowing, humorous and polite man who simply wanted to work / reside in what he considered the most exciting city on Earth, and pursued and finally won said intent through proper legal channels over four nerve-wracking years.
December 4, 2013
I was not interested in yet another book about John Lennon. I was quite certain it would be yet another rambling and fawning monument to a musician who was equally talented and, in terms of historical placement, quite lucky. Entire forests have been denuded to publish those books.
Begrudgingly, I opened the front cover and was taken captive by something totally new.
James Mitchell has chosen to focus on the years of Lennon's most public foray into activism.
Not included, thankfully, are the recycled stories about McCartney's role in John's life, nor a long treatise about his absentee Mother and father, his being reared by an aunt, etc.
His post-Beatles/pre-Double Fantasy years give us a different glimpse of the artist's motivations and politics. And you may be surprised to learn the truth of these.
I enjoyed the book and, as ever, encourage you to read it then decide for yourself.
The writing is effective. The insight is quite interesting
Begrudgingly, I opened the front cover and was taken captive by something totally new.
James Mitchell has chosen to focus on the years of Lennon's most public foray into activism.
Not included, thankfully, are the recycled stories about McCartney's role in John's life, nor a long treatise about his absentee Mother and father, his being reared by an aunt, etc.
His post-Beatles/pre-Double Fantasy years give us a different glimpse of the artist's motivations and politics. And you may be surprised to learn the truth of these.
I enjoyed the book and, as ever, encourage you to read it then decide for yourself.
The writing is effective. The insight is quite interesting
December 28, 2013
A professional colleague’s son once summarized “Frankenstein” as “Scientist creates a monster, except that the true monster of the story is the scientist himself”.
This statement, with a little paraphrase, is the underlying message of James A. Mitchell’s “The Walrus & the Elephants: John Lennon’s Years of Revolution”. The government – clarify that to be “the Nixon Administration” – was very concerned about former Beatle John Lennon’s attempts at activism, as well as his potential influence among the 18-20 year olds who had just won the right to vote. He, along with so many others, made his way to Nixon’s infamous Enemies list. As such, the government spent a lot of time, money, and effort tracking his movements and building a case for his deportation – often sloppily, and in the end, ineffectually.
The main story, however, is about John Lennon, the man, and his days after the break-up of the Beatles. It talks about his desire to pursue music for music’s sake – as he no longer needed to do it purely for the money. It talks about his wanting to make a difference in society, to help right wrongs and to bring awareness to causes. And, it talks about his friends, both real and hangers-on, transient and permanent, that entered his life in the 70s.
The book provides an entertaining and an enlightening read, and I recommend it to all, with possible exception of fans of Richard Nixon or J. Edgar Hoover.
RATING: 4 stars
DISCLOSURE: I received this book at no cost as part of the Goodreads FirstRead program. There was no charge, but a fair and unbiased review is always an implied request as a part of that ongoing giveaway.
This statement, with a little paraphrase, is the underlying message of James A. Mitchell’s “The Walrus & the Elephants: John Lennon’s Years of Revolution”. The government – clarify that to be “the Nixon Administration” – was very concerned about former Beatle John Lennon’s attempts at activism, as well as his potential influence among the 18-20 year olds who had just won the right to vote. He, along with so many others, made his way to Nixon’s infamous Enemies list. As such, the government spent a lot of time, money, and effort tracking his movements and building a case for his deportation – often sloppily, and in the end, ineffectually.
The main story, however, is about John Lennon, the man, and his days after the break-up of the Beatles. It talks about his desire to pursue music for music’s sake – as he no longer needed to do it purely for the money. It talks about his wanting to make a difference in society, to help right wrongs and to bring awareness to causes. And, it talks about his friends, both real and hangers-on, transient and permanent, that entered his life in the 70s.
The book provides an entertaining and an enlightening read, and I recommend it to all, with possible exception of fans of Richard Nixon or J. Edgar Hoover.
RATING: 4 stars
DISCLOSURE: I received this book at no cost as part of the Goodreads FirstRead program. There was no charge, but a fair and unbiased review is always an implied request as a part of that ongoing giveaway.
December 18, 2014
REALLY interesting look at a really interesting piece of history, musical-political-social-activist history in particular. Leaves a hippie-loving, musically aware Gen X-er such as myself full of emotions and wondering why I wasn't born a decade earlier. Also? If you don't both respect John Lennon and scoff at our federal bureaucracy after reading this, you either don't really know how to read or you have no soul.
May 2, 2014
A quick-reading, fast-paced but thorough account of Lennon's role in the counter-culture of the 60's and 70's in America. Included are his and Yoko's musical growth which was integral to that role. The Establishment (Nixon, Hoover et al) do not fare well in this detailed portrait of their vendetta against him. Interesting and engaging stuff.
P.S. If you were a fan of alternative American rock in the late 60's and early 70's, you might remember the group Elephant's Memory (see book title)(John's first back-up band). Their first album is mouldering on my shelves as I type. If not, the part they played in John's musical journey as described in the book, may lead you to seek them out, some 40+ years on.
P.S. If you were a fan of alternative American rock in the late 60's and early 70's, you might remember the group Elephant's Memory (see book title)(John's first back-up band). Their first album is mouldering on my shelves as I type. If not, the part they played in John's musical journey as described in the book, may lead you to seek them out, some 40+ years on.
July 17, 2022
Esses últimos dias foram muito corridos, uso isso de desculpa pois demorei muito para terminar esse livro. Vou usar minha falta de tempo como uma frase poética para dizer que eu não queria acabar esse livro. Quando eu conheci os Beatles não queria escolher um Beatle favorito, porém o John me escolheu. Acho que a música god tocou na minha alma e a partir daí eu não queria deixar ele morrer. Atualmente não me preocupo com isso pq sei que legendas nunca morrem. John, desde sua partida o mundo não melhorou muito. Tenho certeza de que vc estaria lutando contra a guerra na Ucrânia. Mas acho q eu prefiro assim. Vc em paz dps de tudo que passou. Acredito ou não você mudou minha vida, sem nem mesmo ter coexistido comigo. Adorei o livro. Daqui vou continuar imaginando as pessoas vivendo em paz. Até mais! Te vejo nas músicas!
May 22, 2014
About halfway thru the book and I'm enjoying it although one small mistake in the book is making me wonder how well researched the whole book is. The authority was talking about Pigpen from the Grateful Dead and he listed him as the drummer and he was the bands keyboardist and vocalist. Like I said enjoying the book but that little mistake has put a damper on that enjoyment
Finished it today like I said a very enjoyable read, very entertaining book. Would recommend it to anyone interested in this time period
Finished it today like I said a very enjoyable read, very entertaining book. Would recommend it to anyone interested in this time period
February 8, 2015
I feel like this book helped bridge what I learned in history in high school to my real life. It was like putting history to a soundtrack that I know and love. I learned a lot and I enjoyed the writing. I felt like there was a good balance between music, art, history, family life, and politics. It was a bit heavy and the last period of his life was glossed over, but I feel like it was the perfect spring board to catch my curiosity.
December 18, 2013
John Lennon v the Nixon Administration. A good document on his coming to America / New York and his work with the Elephants Memory band
September 26, 2021
Um ótimo livro que conta sobre a vida de John nos EUA, sobre os álbuns depois de Imagine e principalmente sua participação política nos anos 70, evidenciando o quão merda foi Nixon e aquele governo. Um ótimo livro, que as vezes se arrasta e tem umas histórias chatas, principalmente no quesito das leis de imigrantes. Muitas curiosidades interessantes e novos músicos para descobrir.
August 6, 2018
A lot of insights about Lennon's live inthos stage. Vividly written.
January 28, 2021
Aqui tem material para um pequeno artigo da Wikipedia, mas o autor consegue a proeza de ser raso e repetitivo, prosa preguiçosa, não recomendo.
April 3, 2021
pretty cool to hear some stories from those in the inner circle of a time in John's life that I didn't know much about. Worth the listen/read.
March 9, 2017
Relato detalhado da vida de Lennon pós beatles na cidade de Nova York. Desde as lutas pela paz e contra o governo norte-americano até à sua própria luta contra a extradição promovida pelo governo de Nixon. Escrita com referências a muitas personagens da vida de Lennon e por mim desconhecidas que tornou, por vezes, a leitura difícil de acompanhar.
September 25, 2016
Fairly dull. There's another book called Come Together which covers similar subject matter, which is a much more interesting examination of Lennon and radical politics.
January 20, 2014
This was a free read thanks to Goodreads First Reads!. What we have here is a nice and concise but generalized look at John Lennon's attempt to reestablish himself with newly found backup band Elephants Memory. In the weeks and months that followed, Lennon experienced a gauntlet of obstructions which prevented him from moving out of the Beatles spotlight into his solo music career. This piece touches on his alignment with infamous revolutionaries. his realized paranoia of government monitoring and behind the scenes control of his immigration status, and his on again off again relationship with Yoko Ono. Sadly, The Walrus and the Elephants does not provide photography which I was easily able to locate some samples by some quick and easy internet searching, but like I said, this was a general work which if anything will cause the reader to look for more in-depth Lennon biographical works as there are plenty out there. Mitchell writing was easy to follow and didn't get too tied up in areas that some may lose interest in causing the reader to stay easily focused. I would recommend this to the obvious Lennon/Beatles fan but also those who are just finding out about Lennon and how powerful, influential, and remarkable a person he was. If anything, it adds to his legacy and will only add to it.
June 13, 2015
One of the best books I have read about this time period in Lennon's life. New interviews of people from the period, excellent research and very readable. I really enjoyed this book and learned some new information about Lennon and his fight. Also a good round up of his music from the time.
December 27, 2014
Revealing biography centering on Lennon's "activist" years in the early 1970s, his musical collaborations with Elephant's Memory, and immigration problems
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews