What do you think?
Rate this book
The Beatles: Unseen Archives
With 600 fabulous photographs selected from the archives of the Daily Mail, The Beatles: Unseen Archives, comprehensively chronicles the heady years in which the group bestrode the world like a Colossus. The collection includes over 200 photographs from negatives never previously printed and they are published here for the first time.
383 pages, Paperback
First published October 15, 2000
11 people are currently reading
543 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
January 23, 2011
There weren't enough photos of the boys in short shorts.
This was my first review ever on goodreads. I can do better than that now.
This was my first review ever on goodreads. I can do better than that now.
August 5, 2014
This book is almost all photographs, your memories provide the text.
July 3, 2014
The Beatles: Unseen Archives is a coffee table book with 600 photos of The Beatles throughout their career and thereafter. The big selling point for the book is 200 of these photos were never previously printed. The book itself comes with descriptions of each photo and also comes with both a chronology of events with dates. Each chapter is broken down by each year The Beatles were together, with one chapter dedicated to their early years and one chapter dedicated to life after The Beatles.
There's not much to say about this book other than the photos that were chosen were wonderful. I think the opening page or two of what happened with The Beatles that year was a bit unnecessary since the picture descriptions described the events as they occurred. My only problem with this book is the story being told through pictures at the end never particularly mention Linda McCartney's death. So anyone picking it up for the first time has no clue why McCartney had what looked like to be a happy and joyous marriage then suddenly was getting married to someone. Overall though, definitely picking up for an afternoon if you consider yourself a Beatles fan.
There's not much to say about this book other than the photos that were chosen were wonderful. I think the opening page or two of what happened with The Beatles that year was a bit unnecessary since the picture descriptions described the events as they occurred. My only problem with this book is the story being told through pictures at the end never particularly mention Linda McCartney's death. So anyone picking it up for the first time has no clue why McCartney had what looked like to be a happy and joyous marriage then suddenly was getting married to someone. Overall though, definitely picking up for an afternoon if you consider yourself a Beatles fan.
November 25, 2013
Lovely photography, fabulous good fun!
October 8, 2022
Really enjoyed this book loads of images and facts
Read
February 7, 2023I recently read Philip Norman’s biography of John Lennon and his biography of Paul McCartney. I loved the in-depth information both books provided about the life of the Beatles, but there were very few pictures in relation to the page count. I wanted more pictures. I wanted lots of pictures. I wanted to see pictures of everything. That’s what this book is. Very little text, lots and lots of pictures.
The pictures are from the archives of The Daily Mail, so they are mostly of events a newspaper might send a staff photographer to. We see the Beatles clowning for the camera, the Beatles coming and going at airports, the Beatles getting awards, the Beatles signing autographs, the Beatles onstage.
The book is in chronological order. It starts with “The Early Years,” then year by year from 1964 to 1971, then “After The Beatles.” An intro to each year describes the major events of that year, and a timeline breaks it down day by day. (I skipped over the timelines.) After that it’s pictures, pictures, pictures (with captions).
In the early years, the four are always together, and almost always wearing matching outfits. There are a lot of smiles. Being famous was new, and fun, although you can guess they are mostly doing what they are told.
Over the years you watch the lads become men, with individual styles, and with wives and girlfriends. I was surprised that I found that they mostly grew more attractive as they aged. Ringo was an awkward kid with his large features and puppy-dog eyes, but mature Ringo with his beard and glasses had dignity. George turned into a downright craggy hunk in the 70s, with his thick mustache and wavy hair. Paul was always “the cute Beatle,” but he could also look like a total goofball. Actually, mature Paul could also look goofy. John, in my opinion, overdid it with the hair in his later years, but he found his look when he started wearing the granny glasses, and stopped squinting.
One thing that surprised me was that there was SO MUCH SMOKING! In the early years, almost everyone is smoking. In the cover photo, George and John are carrying Paul on their shoulders. Everyone is laughing. And Ringo stands behind with a cigarette in his hand. On page 60, John waves to the cameras with a cigarette between his fingers. On page 107, the four pose together, and this time both George and Paul are smoking. Well, it was a different era.
I enjoyed looking at the pictures, but an even stronger testimonial than mine is that someone ripped some of the pages out of this book. Someone liked some of these pictures so much that they wanted to keep them.
The pictures are from the archives of The Daily Mail, so they are mostly of events a newspaper might send a staff photographer to. We see the Beatles clowning for the camera, the Beatles coming and going at airports, the Beatles getting awards, the Beatles signing autographs, the Beatles onstage.
The book is in chronological order. It starts with “The Early Years,” then year by year from 1964 to 1971, then “After The Beatles.” An intro to each year describes the major events of that year, and a timeline breaks it down day by day. (I skipped over the timelines.) After that it’s pictures, pictures, pictures (with captions).
In the early years, the four are always together, and almost always wearing matching outfits. There are a lot of smiles. Being famous was new, and fun, although you can guess they are mostly doing what they are told.
Over the years you watch the lads become men, with individual styles, and with wives and girlfriends. I was surprised that I found that they mostly grew more attractive as they aged. Ringo was an awkward kid with his large features and puppy-dog eyes, but mature Ringo with his beard and glasses had dignity. George turned into a downright craggy hunk in the 70s, with his thick mustache and wavy hair. Paul was always “the cute Beatle,” but he could also look like a total goofball. Actually, mature Paul could also look goofy. John, in my opinion, overdid it with the hair in his later years, but he found his look when he started wearing the granny glasses, and stopped squinting.
One thing that surprised me was that there was SO MUCH SMOKING! In the early years, almost everyone is smoking. In the cover photo, George and John are carrying Paul on their shoulders. Everyone is laughing. And Ringo stands behind with a cigarette in his hand. On page 60, John waves to the cameras with a cigarette between his fingers. On page 107, the four pose together, and this time both George and Paul are smoking. Well, it was a different era.
I enjoyed looking at the pictures, but an even stronger testimonial than mine is that someone ripped some of the pages out of this book. Someone liked some of these pictures so much that they wanted to keep them.
Read
January 13, 2024The Beatles!
I just get such a wonderful feeling looking back on moments from the incredible lives these four guys led. From the Cavern Club all the way through Let It Be, there is not a single dull moment: the songs, the scandals, the tours, the movies, the feuds, the marriages, the drugs, the interviews, the fashion, the parties, and, above all, the music.
(Note: this appears to be a different version of another "Daily Mail archives" Beatles photobook I read - the previous [UK version] was better than this one. Many of the photos are repeats, though there are some different photos in this version. I'm not going to rate this one.)
I just get such a wonderful feeling looking back on moments from the incredible lives these four guys led. From the Cavern Club all the way through Let It Be, there is not a single dull moment: the songs, the scandals, the tours, the movies, the feuds, the marriages, the drugs, the interviews, the fashion, the parties, and, above all, the music.
(Note: this appears to be a different version of another "Daily Mail archives" Beatles photobook I read - the previous [UK version] was better than this one. Many of the photos are repeats, though there are some different photos in this version. I'm not going to rate this one.)
November 17, 2019
This book was given to me as a gift a few years ago and it really is a great book to both browse and to read. It covers The Beatles years together and as solo acts and runs up to 2002. It is packed with hundreds of photos, some of which have not been seen before or have not been seen in decades. It is interesting to look at the familiar photos as well as the alternative shots of the same image. It is broken out by individual years and each section begins with a day-by-day listing of key moments in their careers/lives. Highly recommended for Beatles fans.
September 10, 2017
I LOVE this book. Almost completely photographs, usually accompanied by brief text. Gorgeous black and white photos.
Today I found it at my local library and made many prints of my favorite photos. I plan to completely cover the walls of my room in Beatles glory!!
Today I found it at my local library and made many prints of my favorite photos. I plan to completely cover the walls of my room in Beatles glory!!
May 6, 2018
We do not appreciate, rotten apples. A hashtag is faster
than an apple flag!
than an apple flag!
April 6, 2020
My review of this book can be found on my Youtube Vlog at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOgik...
Enjoy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOgik...
Enjoy!
December 5, 2021
Too much gossip and not enough music anecdotes, anyway this is an amazing collection of photos.
August 19, 2022
A great little book filled with awesome photos and information about The Fab Four.
October 31, 2023
I love The Beatles.
This book ia fantastic with some of the best pictures of The Beatles.
Gorgeous black and white photos.
This book ia fantastic with some of the best pictures of The Beatles.
Gorgeous black and white photos.
February 26, 2024
Added this last year to make my 2023 reading goal so now it counts for 2024. So many good photos, but I expected there to be at least one of the rooftop concert (maybe those don't exist?)
April 11, 2024
Very neat seeing previously unpublished photos and fun captions
October 5, 2016
The Daily Fail proves it doesn't always live up to its flippant nickname with this collection of photos of my second favorite subject matter (after animals, of course.) There are some familiar pics as well as rare ones I hadn't seen before.
I agree with others who say that there are a lot of holes in this collection, particularly after the break-up. The last pages are mainly Paul on-stage and at various official functions and so forth. I will say I was rather stunned by the images of Maureen Starkey in the 1970s. She went from a typical 60s Mod girl to some sort of proto-Goth with black lipstick, a belt made of bullets and other strange accessories.
I agree with others who say that there are a lot of holes in this collection, particularly after the break-up. The last pages are mainly Paul on-stage and at various official functions and so forth. I will say I was rather stunned by the images of Maureen Starkey in the 1970s. She went from a typical 60s Mod girl to some sort of proto-Goth with black lipstick, a belt made of bullets and other strange accessories.
February 18, 2013
someone who knows I'm a Beatles fan has left this in my intray at work. Nice of them..don't know who yet..
Have found out, thanks Christian! Anyway a lovely book with lots of pictures I hadn't seen, surprising for a Beatles-fan-since-1964, taking in the days of Beatlemania through to the post Beatles years, up to 2008 when it was published. There are also chronologies and articles on each year. A hardened fan probably won't learn anything new, but still a pleasant read/picture view. As these are photos from the Daily Mail and therefore British based, there are few of Lennon post-Beatles as he went off to America, and few of Beatley things outside of the UK in general.
here's a sample:
Have found out, thanks Christian! Anyway a lovely book with lots of pictures I hadn't seen, surprising for a Beatles-fan-since-1964, taking in the days of Beatlemania through to the post Beatles years, up to 2008 when it was published. There are also chronologies and articles on each year. A hardened fan probably won't learn anything new, but still a pleasant read/picture view. As these are photos from the Daily Mail and therefore British based, there are few of Lennon post-Beatles as he went off to America, and few of Beatley things outside of the UK in general.
here's a sample:
June 9, 2021
I have a strange obsession with this book. When I first got it I carried it around with me everywhere at school for about a month! Lovely book- the array of pictures is clearly thought through and the photos are stunning and beautiful. I enjoyed how little writing was needed to tell the story, and that the photos were able to tell the story themselves. That said, the texts at the beginning of each chapter were still very informative and enjoyable. If you're a die-hard Beatles fan you probably won't learn anything particularly new by reading this, but I think this is especially perfect for anyone getting into the Beatles or someone who might not be the biggest die-hard fan. Regardless, any Beatles fan and any music fan will enjoy looking at all the photos!
And I may or may not be especially happy that they included a picture of Paul McCartney with Roger Taylor and Brian May of Queen- I'm a MASSIVE Queen fan :)
And I may or may not be especially happy that they included a picture of Paul McCartney with Roger Taylor and Brian May of Queen- I'm a MASSIVE Queen fan :)
January 28, 2016
This was kind of an odd collection of photos of the Beatles. A lot of them were quite interesting, but since they were only taken from one source (the Daily Mail archives) the content is actually quite limited. The book could have been improved by tighter editing choices, since there’s no reason to print a whole run of photos rather than the best image or two from the set. By trying to tell the story of the Beatles using a single source it often felt like the captions were stretching it a bit, and that a lot of the important parts of the story (their early years, international performances, behind the scenes family life, etc) were missing entirely, even though I will concede that it is interesting to see the depth of reportage on the Beatles from a single news source.
December 24, 2012
What can one say about a beautiful compilation of Beatles photos and a chronological narrative of their time together and beyond, but WOW? This gorgeous volume documents the amazing career of my favorite band, and there were tidbits that were new to me. I loved that the last few chapters included their lives after The Beatles, too, with family photos and Travelling Wilburys and The Anthology. Sitting with the hefty book in my lap looking at the familiar faces that I have come to adore was such fun…
May 7, 2014
The Beatles Unseen Archives is a smallish hardback mini coffee table book that opens the Daily Mail photo archives for our approval. It's primarily a black and white photo book with a modest amount of text to allow the pics to speak for themselves. The photos are spendid by the way and capture The Beatles informal moments. It goes beyond Beatlemania to their later years and there is even a section on After the Beatles. There are also helpful Chronology listings throughout the book to give the reader an idea on where the pics fit into Beatles history.
February 11, 2016
This is an excellent 378 page B&W photo essay of the Beatles by the Daily Mail. It covers the years 1972 - 2002 (most of the 20th Century).....
The Beatles are covered not only as a group but as individuals with and without their respective families......
Glimpses that we would never have seen otherwise, unless we were in the U.K.
The Beatles are covered not only as a group but as individuals with and without their respective families......
Glimpses that we would never have seen otherwise, unless we were in the U.K.
April 3, 2008
Really great photos taken from the Daily Mail. I'm a huge Beatles fan so it was nice to be able to see some photos that I hadn't seen before. Some interesting stuff in the captions. I bought it for 5 dollars but i don't think I'd spend much more than that on it. Otherwise, pretty good :)
August 13, 2012
The Beatles: Archivos Inéditos, fue el primer libro que tuve de mi banda favorita hace unos cuatro años.
El texto es sí aporta muy poquitas cosas sobre ellos, pero las fotos son geniales y la calidad del papel tambien.
El texto es sí aporta muy poquitas cosas sobre ellos, pero las fotos son geniales y la calidad del papel tambien.
August 16, 2012
It is actually a coffee table book - compilation of photographs taken by reports over the time. All photographs are from Daily Mail Archives.
On an unrelated note, more I read about Beatles, more I dislike Yoko. I am unable to put my finger on it though.
On an unrelated note, more I read about Beatles, more I dislike Yoko. I am unable to put my finger on it though.
June 28, 2016
1st Read: June 27, 2016
A rather quick read as there were more photographs to occupy visual stimulation. The writing that was in the book is informative and good story telling behind the photos. You can read this one in a couple of hours, of which I'd done.
December 15, 2011
Read through bookcrossing. It's amazing they didn't breakup sooner given how hard they were being worked.
December 22, 2007
Fantastic! Great! Extraordinary!!!
January 18, 2014
Good pictures, but some of the little text there is was either oversimplified or inaccurate.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews