The Beatles Book

by Hunter Davies

Hunter Davies, the only ever authorized biographer of the group, brings together three eminent Beatles experts to compile an invaluable and essential guide. Divided into four sections—People, Songs, Places and Broadcast & Cinema—the book covers every element of the band’s history.

Illustrated with material from Hunter's remarkable private collection of personal artifacts and memorabilia, this compendium is an beautiful, insightful and entertaining treasure for any Beatles fan.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Biography, History

576 pages, Paperback

Published August 1, 2019

About the author

Edward Hunter Davies OBE is an author, journalist and broadcaster, and a former editor for the Sunday Times of London. He is the author of numerous books, including The Glory Game and the only authorised biography of the Beatles. He was born in Johnstone, Renfrewshire, to Scottish parents. For four years his family lived in Dumfries until Davies was aged 11.

His family moved to Carlisle in northern England when Davies was 11 and he attended the Creighton School in the city. Davies lived in Carlisle until he moved to study at university. During this time his father, who was a former Royal Air Force pay clerk, developed multiple sclerosis and had to retire on medical grounds from a civil service career.

Davies joined the sixth form at Carlisle Grammar School and was awarded a place at University College, Durham to read for an honours degree in History, but after his first year he switched to a general arts course. He gained his first writing experience as a student, contributing to the university newspaper, Palatinate, where one of his fellow student journalists was the future fashion writer Colin McDowell. After completing his degree course he stayed on at Durham for another year to gain a teaching diploma and avoid National Service.

He lives in London.

Reviews

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having never read a Beatles book, and despite its size, it’s an informative, brisk read.
People, songs, places all laid out alphabetically - just my style.
Each person, place and lyric explained - fun and interesting.
Plus I could add the missing songs to my playlist that I didn’t realize I’d missed.
But most fun of all was the time (wasted/well spent) watching old videos of them!

[Erin Brody · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t believe i read this FAT biography from start to finish, but i did. I was absolutely pouring over this book for so long. It is so in depth and so fascinating. Also i LOVE how Davis rates every single song and provides an a description and anecdotes for them all. Im now an expert on the Beatles, i have to say.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Encyclopaedia style book that covers the people, places, media and, most importantly, songs that defined The Beatles. Excellent as a reference book to dip in and out of when you want to find out more about a specific aspect of The Beatles.

[Georgia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book if you want to find out more about the Beatles and who they were surrounded by.

[Vincenzo Ridente · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good reference book if your a fan of The Beatles

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hunter Davies is the only person I trust to write a Beatles book and do it properly. He was the only one to get permission from The Beatles to write a official biography and this book was great. I recommend this to any Beatles die-hard like me!