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Dark Horse: The Private Life of George Harrison
The first biography about the reclusive ex-Beatle discusses Harrison's Liverpool childhood, and his life as a Beatle, his immersion in Eastern mysticism, his marital problems, and his recent musical comeback
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1989
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 30, 2012
The only reason this even rates one star is because it has some interviews and photos. Giuliano pulls facts out of an odd imagination. He misrepresents and takes out of context every little morsel he can contrive to be sensational. For instance, George satirically stated, "He knows more about me than I do." Giuliano uses this to say George endorsed his book! Actually, George was saying the exact opposite, that this guy was making things up. Terrible biography.
Recommended instead: "I, Me, Mine" from George himself.
Recommended instead: "I, Me, Mine" from George himself.
October 10, 2010
Some good anecdotes. And his perceptions of Paul were right on with the recent bio of Paul I read. Does a good job of revealing the good and bad sides of George, both of which seem kind of extreme. (Some of the bad stuff is really bad, ditto about the good.) It's weird reading a bio like this that was written before the Pattie/Eric divorce, before the Anthologies, and before his cancer and death.
One nice thing is the interview where he talks about his son seeming to have musical talent. Especially with Dhani's new band getting press now.
One nice thing is the interview where he talks about his son seeming to have musical talent. Especially with Dhani's new band getting press now.
October 10, 2010
Some good anecdotes. And his perceptions of Paul were right on with the recent bio of Paul I read. Does a good job of revealing the good and bad sides of George, both of which seem kind of extreme. (Some of the bad stuff is really bad, ditto about the good.) It's weird reading a bio like this that was written before the Pattie/Eric divorce, before the Anthologies, and before his cancer and death.
One nice thing is the interview where he talks about his son seeming to have musical talent. Especially with Dhani's new band getting press now.
One nice thing is the interview where he talks about his son seeming to have musical talent. Especially with Dhani's new band getting press now.
August 7, 2019
This book is hands down fantastic.
October 14, 2011
This is one of the worst biographies I have read, the author excerpts from other Beatles books, quotes from newspaper articles and interviews. Not only the material that was collected is from a dozen other books but the few things that the author wrote are just uninteresting.
The only reason I did not abandon it, is because I am a huge Beatle fan and because I borrowed it form the local library.
The only reason I did not abandon it, is because I am a huge Beatle fan and because I borrowed it form the local library.
June 18, 2009
I stopped reading this. It was basically a conglomeration of different Beatles/Harrison bios. Poorly written.
May 30, 2017
Until I get the opportunity to read I, Me, Mine, this will serve as the major study on George Harrison's life (in print) (perhaps Mr. Scorsese's Living in the Material World will surpass either or both). Mr. Giuliano is a knowledgeable source, which at times provides helpful insights tempered by awkward self-effacing "I don't want to offend anyone, but..." sorts of comments. His tone at other times is bemusingly insensitive, such as during the potentially life-ruining addictions to drugs seasons of George's life. (Similarly, Mr. Giuliano presents himself as a devout Hindu, yet the tone during much of that portion covering George's life at times lent me to believe Mr. G thought George was just playacting.) Still and all, this does a fine job of surveying the life and art of George Harrison, the highs, the lows, and the introspective in-between. One wonders why a third edition covering the final five years of George's life hasn't come out, though the hinted-at falling out between George and Mr. G could have had something to do with that.
Perhaps the highlight is the dearth of Beatles-era coverage; that time has been covered by others such as Mr. Lewisohn far better than a reporter of Mr. G's divers interests no matter how passionate could provide - but Mr. G knows that's not why we are reading his book anyway. We want to know about the earlier times (likely) and the post-Beatles times (more likely). And while I enjoyed the reading of it all, even if a good deal of it made me sad (such as the bizarre George/Pattie/Eric Clapton situation and the perennial drug addiction issues), some of the periods I was most interested in were glossed over or not included (the Traveling Wilburys and the end of George's life - but that last isn't something I can fault the book or its author for). Thus, it surveys it all, and gives a significant amount of time to George's spiritual journey, but Mr. G tends to lean more heavily to the era in which his personal experiences overlap George's, which isn't surprising for a journalist to do, though it does make for some of the more awkward portions of the book.
Should you read this book? If you are a George Harrison fan, certainly. If you are a Beatles fan in general, yes. If you want to know more about the '60s, Beatlemania, and the like, maybe. If not, I'm not too sure. It's not what one would call a "general interest" sort of biography. It answers a few questions, but it also raises more indirectly (such as, if each of the Fab Four was eager to move on to new things, why was the breakup so acrimonious?), which isn't quite as helpful as one would want in a "definitive" or at least "updated" biography. Yet I am glad I read it, giving me a provocative peak into the life and art of the Quiet Beatle.
Perhaps the highlight is the dearth of Beatles-era coverage; that time has been covered by others such as Mr. Lewisohn far better than a reporter of Mr. G's divers interests no matter how passionate could provide - but Mr. G knows that's not why we are reading his book anyway. We want to know about the earlier times (likely) and the post-Beatles times (more likely). And while I enjoyed the reading of it all, even if a good deal of it made me sad (such as the bizarre George/Pattie/Eric Clapton situation and the perennial drug addiction issues), some of the periods I was most interested in were glossed over or not included (the Traveling Wilburys and the end of George's life - but that last isn't something I can fault the book or its author for). Thus, it surveys it all, and gives a significant amount of time to George's spiritual journey, but Mr. G tends to lean more heavily to the era in which his personal experiences overlap George's, which isn't surprising for a journalist to do, though it does make for some of the more awkward portions of the book.
Should you read this book? If you are a George Harrison fan, certainly. If you are a Beatles fan in general, yes. If you want to know more about the '60s, Beatlemania, and the like, maybe. If not, I'm not too sure. It's not what one would call a "general interest" sort of biography. It answers a few questions, but it also raises more indirectly (such as, if each of the Fab Four was eager to move on to new things, why was the breakup so acrimonious?), which isn't quite as helpful as one would want in a "definitive" or at least "updated" biography. Yet I am glad I read it, giving me a provocative peak into the life and art of the Quiet Beatle.
December 10, 2019
Dark Horse by, Geoffrey Giuliano is a biography written about George Harrison and his Private life. Geoffrey Giuliano is a famous author of many Beatle biographies and other books about the beatles. I myself love the Beatles and George being my favorite. I was excited to check out the different classic rock books that the high school offered because the middle school had close to none. As I was looking around the biography section for Beatle stuff I saw the book and with no hesitation grabbed it and went back to the classroom.
The book is about the more unknown things about George and his private life. But the main events Geoffrey talked about in the book was, George joining the Beatles in 1958, his two marriages, his musical impact and his sad death. The most talked about people in this book is of George Harrison, the other members of the Beatles, Pattie Boyd (first wife) and his second wife Olivia Harrison. I've read a few Beatle biographies and this one is really good because most of them mainly focus on their career in the Beatles but this one only had his Beatles career in the beginning and the rest was his (underrated) solo career.
The book ended very well, George died of lung cancer at age 58, the author then talked about a brief summary of his life and it was overall a very good ending. The way he also wrote the book, it was very organized and I was very impressed how detailed it was. One of my favorite parts of the book when he was talking about George’s second wife Olivia. Most people who think about George either go to his Beatle career or Pattie Boyd. Pattie and George where such a power couple in the late 60’s to early 70’s that people don’t notice or appreciate Olivia. So i'm glad the author put a chunk about her in the book. This author has written tons of Beatle biographies so i'm excited to order some more on amazon! I would compare this book to, honestly not any other book I have read. This book has so much detail and in depth things that i can’t compare it to another biography I have read.
Another part I really enjoyed reading was of course his early days with Paul. They were friends since the beginning. It was really interesting to see how different things were back then, even in school. I also enjoyed him talking about when Ringo joined, in 1962. As the Beatles grew so did their friendship. The thing was the iconic duo, John Lennon and Paul McCartney were always busy writing songs. What would George and Ringo do? They would joke around and have fun because Paul and John wouldn’t really let them contribute ideas as much. They became very close. I would really recommend this book to anyone who likes music or biographies.
The book is about the more unknown things about George and his private life. But the main events Geoffrey talked about in the book was, George joining the Beatles in 1958, his two marriages, his musical impact and his sad death. The most talked about people in this book is of George Harrison, the other members of the Beatles, Pattie Boyd (first wife) and his second wife Olivia Harrison. I've read a few Beatle biographies and this one is really good because most of them mainly focus on their career in the Beatles but this one only had his Beatles career in the beginning and the rest was his (underrated) solo career.
The book ended very well, George died of lung cancer at age 58, the author then talked about a brief summary of his life and it was overall a very good ending. The way he also wrote the book, it was very organized and I was very impressed how detailed it was. One of my favorite parts of the book when he was talking about George’s second wife Olivia. Most people who think about George either go to his Beatle career or Pattie Boyd. Pattie and George where such a power couple in the late 60’s to early 70’s that people don’t notice or appreciate Olivia. So i'm glad the author put a chunk about her in the book. This author has written tons of Beatle biographies so i'm excited to order some more on amazon! I would compare this book to, honestly not any other book I have read. This book has so much detail and in depth things that i can’t compare it to another biography I have read.
Another part I really enjoyed reading was of course his early days with Paul. They were friends since the beginning. It was really interesting to see how different things were back then, even in school. I also enjoyed him talking about when Ringo joined, in 1962. As the Beatles grew so did their friendship. The thing was the iconic duo, John Lennon and Paul McCartney were always busy writing songs. What would George and Ringo do? They would joke around and have fun because Paul and John wouldn’t really let them contribute ideas as much. They became very close. I would really recommend this book to anyone who likes music or biographies.
April 1, 2022
Having never been a big fan of the Beatles,I dragged it out of my library and set out to read the story of one of the least known FAB 4.A very intelligent man snd talented musician who played second fiddle to Jonn and Paul,the Indian culture, Hare Krishna,and drugs and alcohol dominated his life.
Many surprising things were included in this book.
Many surprising things were included in this book.
September 25, 2017
Very deep look at the man, his sprititual beliefs and his music. He may have been known as the quiet Beatle, he was guided by his convictions and in a sense was the one who remained true to his heart.
August 8, 2021
Unsurprisingly, this book is quite dated 31 years after its initial publication, as are most bios written about people who aren’t even 50 years old. This is for fans in search of any missed scraps, like me.
September 3, 2019
I found this book to be very interesting. It is an autobiography of George Harrison written by Geoffrey Giuliano. It talks about George's upbringing from where he was an infant. His parents bought him a guitar and he had a gift for it. He later meets up with Paul McCartney who invited him to join Quarryman which later became the Silver Beatles and than the Beatles. George meets with Ravi Shankar who teaches him to play the sitar. The Sitar is used in several of The Beatles tracks. George converts to Hindu and he gets his band members to go to India on a retreat to meet the Monerishi. He also gets the bands members to become vegan. George was the first Beatle to go solo. He was married to Patti Boyd who later leaves and she marries George's friend Eric Clapton. He later meets Olivia at a concert who he marries later on. George and Ravi Shankar stages 2 benefit concerts for Bangladesh.
George was also involved with Jackie Stewart in F1 cart racing and he was instrumental for giving 2 million dollars for the making of Monty Python's The Life of Brian. George also recorded his own records. Some of his albums were disastrous because it did not sell. He collaborated with other musicians like Jeff Lynn, Roy Orbinson and Tom Petty to record tracks and to tour.
This is a must read if you are a Beatles fan and want to know more about the quite Beatle George Harrison.
George was also involved with Jackie Stewart in F1 cart racing and he was instrumental for giving 2 million dollars for the making of Monty Python's The Life of Brian. George also recorded his own records. Some of his albums were disastrous because it did not sell. He collaborated with other musicians like Jeff Lynn, Roy Orbinson and Tom Petty to record tracks and to tour.
This is a must read if you are a Beatles fan and want to know more about the quite Beatle George Harrison.
April 27, 2024
The only reason why I read this is because I had none of my books at Grandma's house, this was my only option that looks interesting
January 2, 2026
George once made fun of the author, and it went so far over his head that he used it to quote his book.
November 6, 2026
A pretty lightweight audiobook, poor recording some interesting points but was it worthwhile. Meh
April 17, 2016
Whilst it starts off promising and appears to give off the veneer of being a labor of love, plenty in the text smacks of sensationalism and the author - dressed as a weird prohibition era press snoop on back cover - comes off as a shyster whose built his house regurgitating texts on The Beatles. George's questionable devotion to Hare Krishna is staunchly defended and seems to encompass the body of the work. Yoko Ono gets a very heavy drubbing that regardless of her characteristics just paints the author out to be a cruel bastard. The author himself can't help but slot himself into situations ("when I was in George's house...").
There is some good intentions. The chapter designs complete with Eastern iconography and quotations make a nice touch. And having never read a Beatles bio before there were some images formed in my mind I hadn't had the chance to ponder before.
I just wish I started off with a more definitive biography of the full band. I'd recommend against this book.
There is some good intentions. The chapter designs complete with Eastern iconography and quotations make a nice touch. And having never read a Beatles bio before there were some images formed in my mind I hadn't had the chance to ponder before.
I just wish I started off with a more definitive biography of the full band. I'd recommend against this book.
November 19, 2016
Someone left this book in a place I stayed during a vacation week. Since I'm a Harrison fan, I picked it up and gave it a try. It's not particularly well-written and I didn't learn very much not already known, but it did have a few anecdotes that got me through. I also enjoyed seeing the pictures contained in the middle. This is by no means a thorough study of my favorite Beatle and one could say it's superficial. I'll be generous and give it three stars.
April 18, 2007
Well, you have to want to know more about this less popular Beatle (George Harrison) to read this biography. The alternate view on this famous band's past is worth the brief read.
January 25, 2008
Not my favourite biography/history.
October 13, 2009
A really good biography of the "quiet Beatle."
July 6, 2012
Poorly written and researched. George deserves better.
March 13, 2013
ends with Roy Orbison's leaving planet
Travelling Wilbury's heaven-sent
more inside look at fame
Travelling Wilbury's heaven-sent
more inside look at fame
January 14, 2014
It's hard for me to rate biographies. On one had, I'm interested in George and didn't hate the subject of this book, but it was poorly written and whatnot.
June 2, 2018
I'm not usually a fan of Giuliano's. He does a good job here, though, telling stories I hadn't read before, and telling them well.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews