Beatles Forever

by Nicholas Schaffner

Beatles.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Biography, History, Rock N Roll, Pop Culture

224 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1977

Reviews

[Kirk · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had this book as a kid---the first edition of it, anyway. I remember it ending with John slinking off into retirement, Paul riding the charts with "Silly Love Songs" (described as soulless Philly disco by NS), George slipping into mediocrity with 33-1/3, and Ringo fading fast from his "Photograph"/"You're Sixteen" peak.... that tells you how long ago it was. I read it so many times between 77-80 the binding came apart and I had to holepunch it into a big green binder, which I recently retrieved from my mother's. Lots of good commentary, but best enjoyed for the pics. Sadly, Nicholas passed away in the early 90s. His Pink Floyd bio is his best book, but this one has my heart.

[Phil Overeem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Besides featuring the advertised images of scads of nutty Beatles memorabilia, Shaffner's book is extremely informative without becoming numbing, and very, very witty (in fact, the author's often as irreverent as his subjects. It's a 1978 copyright, but still a blast to read and look at.

[Anfrbr · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is totally great.

[Evan Whitlock · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh, there wasn’t any new information for me, but it was interesting to read something written while they were all still living.

[John Russo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read many books and biographies on the Beatles. This late 1970s compilation tells an unvarnished story of the Beatles and particularly on the four individuals after the 1979 breakup. I found it very insightful. The unfinished story in 1977 would finish with Lennons assassination and a Beatles resurgence in the 1990s with the anthology series. I found Mr. Schaffners details quite interesting and unique with opinions not found in the individual biographies. His perspective from his age and beatlemania experience while uncovering many details and insights in that period make a great read.

[Chris Meloche · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first Beatles related book that I purchased. I still have a soft spot for it even though the information has been eclipsed over the years.

[Brent · Rating 5 out of 5]

,

[Elaine McCrae]

Didn't finished

[Vincenzo Ridente · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very hard to find now but if you can find a copy it's definitely worth hunting down

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as either a Christmas or a birthday present when I was in high school and really into the Beatles. Probably I received it at the same time that I was given Sargeant Pepper. This is a rock solid history of the Beatles, written very well from the perspective of a fan and musical historian. Nothing feels groundbreaking about it anymore, but if you want a good overview of the rise and fall of the Beatles, what the Beatles did, and what they accomplished this is an excellent source.

[Chuck Yoakum · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cover here represents a later reprint of this book. Most Beatle fans have this book and regard it as a "must have" in their collection. It is a slim volume, but Nick Schaffner manages to include just the right mix of information, insight, commentary and pictures in a way that other, more expansive books can't. Plus, Nick was a really nice person as well.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Fan Book about the Fab Four. A basic bio, rare photos, memorabilia, the occasional first-hand account of the author - this was a great introduction to the Beatles. As I recall, it went on up to 1973, so their early solo careers are covered as well.

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for an entry-level fan, but with nice details for the obsessives. The only down side (if you'd consider it as such) is that it's a very American-centric view of the whole phenomenon. Still, this is probably my all-around favorite Beatles book.

[Gojohnrun16 · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite books. it was extremely informative and alot of fun!

[Patti Villegas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this in grade school as I was just starting to listen the Beatles -- helped turn me into the butcher-cover-owning fan I am today :-)

[Chris Leib · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing up this was the ultimate Beatles bible. No holds barred, but reverently written, a must for any Beatles fan.

[Rich · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read if you are a Beatle's lover. After reading this book as a young man, it made me love the Beatle's music more.

[Miranda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Remember going back to this book a lot

[Shannon Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book about the Beatles I ever read. Lots of photos of original memorabilia.