The Beatles

by Allan Kozinn

Follows the extraordinary development of the four self-taught musicians from Liverpool from their beginnings until the break-up in 1970

Genres: Music, Biography, Nonfiction, Unfinished

240 pages, Paperback

First published October 19, 1995

Reviews

[Juan-Pablo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the book to read if you're looking for a sober analysis of The Beatles life and music. Kozinn biographical accounts are almost never whimsical; they are used to explain the musical development of the group. There's also the right balance between high-level analysis of the songs, albums, studio recording techniques and lyrics. If you don't know much about The Beatles story, this is your book. If you do, it will bring your knowledge into focus, with great insights on individual songs.

My big complain is the ending: the author seems to rush through it, and his approach of the last two albums¬--"Let it be" and "Abbey Road"--is much more superficial than what you'd expect from the rest of the book. One gets the feeling Kozinn got tired and just wanted to be done with it. He redeems himself in the Epilogue, with a great fast-forward chronicle The Beatles post-breakup careers.

It is an overall great analysis and biography of The Beatles as a group and the contribution of each member to their incredible musical development throughout their short career.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

A no-frills, straightforward biography and critique of the Beatles by music critic Allan Kozinn. If you want juicy dirt on the Fab Four, you won't find it here. However, if you are looking for intelligent commentary on the artistry and cultural significance of the Beatles, this is a good (if not quite great) reading experience.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an academic book looking at detail at The Beatles and specifically Lennon & McCartney as musical composers. In that respect it's a must read and is very readable with a lot of insight to how many classic Beatles songs were put together. Don't pick this up expecting more of a biographical read about The Beatles; it's not the book for that.

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though some may find the style dry, the attention to detail and accuracy are first rate. A quality addition to the canon of Beatles scholarship.

[alex drummond · Rating 4 out of 5]

so interesting to learn about how they started and how they wrote their albums. very well done biography and i loved the pictures in it

[David]

The most I have ever read about a band.

[Farhan Lalji · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a huge Beatles fan, this book was awesome.

[Reid · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great story told solidly if a little breezily. Discussion of the recording process throughout prove to be Kozinn's most engaging elements. Everything from Sgt. Pepper on feels a bit hurried.

[Kayla Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a really good book for any Beatles fan. It had a really good in depth synopsis of the history of the Beatles.