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Harry Benson. The Beatles
Behind Beatlemania
These photos convey a really happy period for them and for me. It all comes down to music, they were without a doubt the greatest band of the 20th century, and that’s why these photographs are so important. – Harry Benson, 2011
In early 1964, Harry Benson was getting on a plane for a foreign assignment in Africa, when he got a call from his photo editor of London newspaper The Daily Express. He was now going with the Beatles to Paris to document French Beatlemania and what followed was the biggest (ticket to) ride of his life.
Benson was warmly welcomed into the Beatles’ inner sanctum, resulting in some of the most intimate photographs ever taken of the band, then on the cusp of world domination. In Paris, he took the iconic photograph of the Fab Four having a pillow fight at the George V hotel; he shot their groundbreaking first visit to the United States, the full impact of New York hysteria, their famous appearance on the Ed Sullivan show, the band in Florida, including their surprising encounter with Cassius Clay; as well as on the set of A Hard Day’s Night. The relationship continued in 1966, including George’s honeymoon in Barbados and their notorious US tour, under the shadow cast by Lennon’s comment that the Beatles were “bigger than Jesus Christ.”
Benson’s luminous black and white photographs show at close quarters the Beatles composing, performing, encountering their fans, relaxing, and engaging with each other, while trying to cope with their increasingly isolating fame. As well as hundreds of photographs, many previously unseen, there is an introductory essay by Benson as well as quotes and newspaper clippings from the period.
Collector’s Edition of 1,764 copies, all numbered and signed by the photographer.
Also available in two Art Editions of 100 copies each and coming with a silver gelatin print.
These photos convey a really happy period for them and for me. It all comes down to music, they were without a doubt the greatest band of the 20th century, and that’s why these photographs are so important. – Harry Benson, 2011
In early 1964, Harry Benson was getting on a plane for a foreign assignment in Africa, when he got a call from his photo editor of London newspaper The Daily Express. He was now going with the Beatles to Paris to document French Beatlemania and what followed was the biggest (ticket to) ride of his life.
Benson was warmly welcomed into the Beatles’ inner sanctum, resulting in some of the most intimate photographs ever taken of the band, then on the cusp of world domination. In Paris, he took the iconic photograph of the Fab Four having a pillow fight at the George V hotel; he shot their groundbreaking first visit to the United States, the full impact of New York hysteria, their famous appearance on the Ed Sullivan show, the band in Florida, including their surprising encounter with Cassius Clay; as well as on the set of A Hard Day’s Night. The relationship continued in 1966, including George’s honeymoon in Barbados and their notorious US tour, under the shadow cast by Lennon’s comment that the Beatles were “bigger than Jesus Christ.”
Benson’s luminous black and white photographs show at close quarters the Beatles composing, performing, encountering their fans, relaxing, and engaging with each other, while trying to cope with their increasingly isolating fame. As well as hundreds of photographs, many previously unseen, there is an introductory essay by Benson as well as quotes and newspaper clippings from the period.
Collector’s Edition of 1,764 copies, all numbered and signed by the photographer.
Also available in two Art Editions of 100 copies each and coming with a silver gelatin print.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published June 15, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 22, 2022
very many photos of the beatles in their boxers
February 21, 2025
livro religioso essencial a uma existência
April 18, 2025
i spent an absurd amount of time thirsting over the george's photographs and i am not so sorry about it (i was actually sick drunk after buying the book and i tried my best to protect it but it still has a vomit smell and stains i can't get off now)
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October 31, 2024I don’t know how to rate this as it’s mostly photos but it’s a lovely collection of photographs for any Beatles fan!🖤✨
April 24, 2025
This book is full of 5x7 black and white photos of the Beatles on tour 1964-1966. The book is by Harry Benson who is the photographer who traveled around with them and took the photos in the book. There is very little to read and what is there is Harry Benson giving info about the picture or which city they were in, etc etc. I read the blurbs while looking at the pics then I went back to page 1 and just looked at the pics again. Paul is both my favorite and my mom's favorite Beatle. I have 3 favorite pics from the book and they are all of Paul. This would make a great gift for a photography buff or a Beatles fan. Loved it!!!
January 15, 2021
Tiene fotos muy buenas en blanco y negro.
January 11, 2026
I have nothing appropriate to say on this book
April 21, 2013
Wieder einmal ist es dem Taschen Verlag gelungen, ein Stück unvergesslicher Musikgeschichte auf den Buchmarkt zu bringen. Die Beatles, sanfte Rock-Rebellen der 60er Jahre, Schrecken der spießbürgerlichen Erziehung und musikalisch das genaue Gegenteil von den Stones, veränderten die Musikbranche für immer.
Der Promi-Fotograf Harry Benson hielt den Beginn dieser Veränderungen in packenden Schwarzweiß-Bildern fest. So entstehen ganz persönliche Eindrücke einer jungen Band auf dem Weg nach oben und auf dem Höhepunkt ihrer Karriere - rastlos, nachdenklich, vom Erfolg selbst überwältigt. Die Eigendynamik ihrer Geschichte spiegelt sich auf so manchem Gesichtsausdruck der vier Musiker wieder.
Ob im Tourbus, im Studio oder Backstage, im Hotel - die fabelhaften Vier ganz privat oder professionell on Stage - der Betrachter fühlt sich automatisch, als wäre er grade jetzt dabei und würde diese aufregenden Momente noch einmal miterleben. Ein absolutes Must-Have für jeden Musikliebhaber und eine Zeitreise der ganz besonderen Art!
Der Fotograf Harry Benson spielt mit Licht und Schatten, mit Emotionen und der Unbeschwertheit des Augenblicks. Dann wieder dokumentiert er Konzentration und Schaffenskraft mit seiner Kamera. Viele Nuancen seiner Werke entdeckt man erst beim zweiten oder dritten Mal. Man muss sich wirklich Zeit für diesen Bildband nehmen. Ein Stück Kulturgenuß wie ein edler Wein!
Das Buch selbst präsentiert sich im Großformat als Hardcover mit einem dynamischen Foto des jungen Paul McCartney auf dem Frontcover, das Rückencover zeigt die unbeschwerte Band bei einer Session. Der silberne Buchrücken mit blauer Schrift auf dem Schutzumschlag unterstreicht das Besondere dieses Buches. Im Innenteil werden die Bilder begleitet von Erläuterungen in den Sprachen Deutsch, Englisch und Französisch. Fünf von fünf Punkten (ist leider noch zu wenig :-)).
Der Promi-Fotograf Harry Benson hielt den Beginn dieser Veränderungen in packenden Schwarzweiß-Bildern fest. So entstehen ganz persönliche Eindrücke einer jungen Band auf dem Weg nach oben und auf dem Höhepunkt ihrer Karriere - rastlos, nachdenklich, vom Erfolg selbst überwältigt. Die Eigendynamik ihrer Geschichte spiegelt sich auf so manchem Gesichtsausdruck der vier Musiker wieder.
Ob im Tourbus, im Studio oder Backstage, im Hotel - die fabelhaften Vier ganz privat oder professionell on Stage - der Betrachter fühlt sich automatisch, als wäre er grade jetzt dabei und würde diese aufregenden Momente noch einmal miterleben. Ein absolutes Must-Have für jeden Musikliebhaber und eine Zeitreise der ganz besonderen Art!
Der Fotograf Harry Benson spielt mit Licht und Schatten, mit Emotionen und der Unbeschwertheit des Augenblicks. Dann wieder dokumentiert er Konzentration und Schaffenskraft mit seiner Kamera. Viele Nuancen seiner Werke entdeckt man erst beim zweiten oder dritten Mal. Man muss sich wirklich Zeit für diesen Bildband nehmen. Ein Stück Kulturgenuß wie ein edler Wein!
Das Buch selbst präsentiert sich im Großformat als Hardcover mit einem dynamischen Foto des jungen Paul McCartney auf dem Frontcover, das Rückencover zeigt die unbeschwerte Band bei einer Session. Der silberne Buchrücken mit blauer Schrift auf dem Schutzumschlag unterstreicht das Besondere dieses Buches. Im Innenteil werden die Bilder begleitet von Erläuterungen in den Sprachen Deutsch, Englisch und Französisch. Fünf von fünf Punkten (ist leider noch zu wenig :-)).
May 4, 2023
The Beatles by Harry Benson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Harry Benson's book The Beatles is a collection of photographs that Benson took of the band during their peak years of fame, from 1964 to 1966. The book is a treasure trove of intimate and candid images, capturing the Beatles at their most relaxed and playful, as well as at their most iconic and larger-than-life.
Benson was a trusted and respected member of the Beatles' inner circle, and he had unprecedented access to the band. He was there for their first trip to the United States, their first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, and their filming of A Hard Day's Night. He also photographed them on their honeymoons, at home, and on tour.
Benson's photographs are not just beautiful, they are also historically significant. They provide a unique and personal glimpse into the lives of four young men who changed the world.
This book is a beautiful ‘coffee table’ book and to spend a few hours flicking through the pages on a relaxed Sunday is a gorgeous way to spend the day.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Harry Benson's book The Beatles is a collection of photographs that Benson took of the band during their peak years of fame, from 1964 to 1966. The book is a treasure trove of intimate and candid images, capturing the Beatles at their most relaxed and playful, as well as at their most iconic and larger-than-life.
Benson was a trusted and respected member of the Beatles' inner circle, and he had unprecedented access to the band. He was there for their first trip to the United States, their first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, and their filming of A Hard Day's Night. He also photographed them on their honeymoons, at home, and on tour.
Benson's photographs are not just beautiful, they are also historically significant. They provide a unique and personal glimpse into the lives of four young men who changed the world.
This book is a beautiful ‘coffee table’ book and to spend a few hours flicking through the pages on a relaxed Sunday is a gorgeous way to spend the day.
April 4, 2013
Another Taschen classic.
August 29, 2014
i love this book so much ten billion stars rating
the pages are wet with my tears oh my god we wants it preciouuussss
the pages are wet with my tears oh my god we wants it preciouuussss
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews