Nigel Pearce, the Cromer-based Beatles historian, and the author has just been given some great news in that his book released last year Inside No 3 which showcases through his own collection the long-lost world of Apple is to be given a second print run.
This is fabulous news said Nigel, as it not only confirms that the market for new Beatles products is vibrant and demanding, but that also the approach was right in showing those long lost products that originated from The Beatles Apple Records HQ at No 3 Savile Row, London.
Inside number 3
I have already been contacted from people in America, Australia, and Europe who missed the initial run and want to order a copy for themselves. The website is www.insideandoutsideno3.com
The Second Book
Nigel also explains that the second book in the series is now underway and hopefully that will hit the counters later this year.
Nigel has also started to undertake special presentations where he showcases his book and some of his rare memorabilia to fascinated audiences. He has already opened for Steve Hackett at a weekend residency and has also worked with local-based Steve Hackett band member Amanda Lehman who also wrote an introduction to the book.
Genesis
Steve has agreed to compose the introduction for the second book Genesis to no 3, and he is pictured here with Steve with his Lennon Rickenbacker 325 C64 Jet glow Black licences replica, which Nigel finishes with Steve also played a fair selection of Beatles numbers on my guitar it was great to see and hear.
He is also undertaking a special project to commemorate 60 years since The Beatles played in Norwich at the Grosvenor Ballroom on 17th May 1963.
Photos enclosed are frames from the book, Amanda Lehmann, Nigel, and Steve Hackett and some frames from May 1963.
Inside Number Three – The Illustrated History of Apple Records
Inside No3 takes you through that famous door, deep into the minds of all who worked there at Apple Records. This is done also in a very different way. This is not a kiss-and-tell diary, it is through fan adulation and understanding via a personal collection of artifacts and memorabilia that author Nigel Pearce has built up over the last 50 years.
A subject matter that seems to have been thoroughly examined in books is the 1968 Beatles’ sojourn to India. Largely influenced by the impact of Eastern culture on Beatle George Harrison, the Beatles became transfixed on learning Transcendental Meditation and the ancient philosophy of Indian culture.
George in particular, through his association with sitar virtuoso, Ravi Shankar, was able to commingle spiritual Indian music, with the realm of pop music.
The Beatles White Album
Not only did their journey to India inspire the writing of nearly all of the songs on the Beatles “White Album” but years after their trip, both John and Paul were to write songs about India in their solo years.
Paul Saltzman
Undoubtedly, the best photographs taken of the Beatles in India were by film producer, Paul Saltzman. The photos were presented in a number of book releases of which a couple are shown here.
The first one is the limited edition published in October of 2006 by Insight Editions-
Signed and numbered Limited Edition, only 1968 copies were issued.
Paul allowed me to purchase copy #1968 which is also the year the pictures were taken and the year of the release of the fabulous “White Album” aka “The Beatles.”
The photos in this book are stunning and may be the best photos of the Beatles taken at a specific location, somewhat akin to the Mad Day Out photo session in London, though the Beatles seem to be more relaxed in the Indian setting.
This hardcover edition was released in Feb of 2018-Has a preface by Tim Wride, an Afterword by Donovan and a Foreword by Pattie Boyd Also published by Inside Editions.
The Beatles in India
The Beatles in Rishikesh
This edition under a different title was published in October of 2000 by Viking Studio.
The Beatles in Rishikesh
This book is more of a history of India and the cover shot was probably used a marketing tool for sales. The book is written by author Sam Miller and is an outstanding historical perspective of a foreigner and how he perceives the beauty and wonder of Indian culture. Published in July of 2015 by Vintage Books.
A Strange Kind of Paradise
With The Beatles, by Lewis Lapham, was published in October of 2005 by Melville House Publishers. I found this book to be very informative and the author delves into the goings-on behind the scenes in this book which may or may not alter your perspectives of what has been written before about the Beatles’ disillusionment when the Beatles left the Maharishi’s camp.
With The Beatles
Dear Prudence
At a Fest for Beatles fans in NY, I was able to meet Mia Farrow’s sister and the lady who was the inspiration for the famous song “Dear Prudence.” I was able to give her as a gift the demo that John had written of the song which she told me she had never heard. She was so kind to sign a copy of her book for me at a later date with some of the lyrics from the song as part of the inscription. A very kind soul was my distinct impression of her.
CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; First Edition (June 26, 2015)
Dear Prudence
This book by Nancy Cooke Herrera was one of those books I accidentally stumbled upon at Abe Books, looking for Beatles-related titles. This book was authored by the lady who was the inspiration along with her son for John Lennon’s song “The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill” featured on the “White Album.” Nancy was the mother of the man who shot the tiger which was detailed in the song. She was also a friend of the reclusive Greta Garbo. I was able to obtain a signed edition of this book. Nancy is now deceased.
Beyond Gurus
This somewhat updated version of the book was published in 2005 by Rupa & Co.
All You Need Is Love
The Maharishi
Author Paul Mason has written two wonderful books about both the Maharishi and the Beatles’ trip to India. The first one is a biography of the Maharishi. Published in 1994, the hardcover edition was published by Element Books.
The Maharishi
This is Paul’s book that is more directed towards the Beatles’ element in India.
Published by Premanand (May 15, 2017). This is a unique book in the Beatles Indian collection. It is a volume that I enjoyed very much.
The Beatles, Drugs, Mysticism & India
Author Susan Shumsky has written two books with the theme of the Maharishi and the Beatles. The first title discusses her many years of interaction with the leader of TM.
The book was published by Skyhorse; First Edition (February 13, 2018)
Maharishi & Me
The Inner Light
Susan’s new release is shown here. I have just begun to read this title published in 2022 by Permuted Press. Interested in learning Susan’s more analytic approach to this subject. Obtain a signed copy of the book from the Fest for Beatles fans.
The Inner Light
I thoroughly enjoyed this relatively obscure account of an actor’s recollections of being there in India in 1968. Many fascinating anecdotes in this one. Judd Linger’s interesting book was independently published in October 2021.
The Beatles: All Too Much
I wanted to discuss one of the many Beatles in India books that has the perspective of a man native to India as he not only discusses the impact that India had on the Beatles but also the impact that the Beatles had on India. I found this book to be very informative and entertaining and reinforced my opinions of how deep the cultural impact of the Beatles truly extended. How the band was able to incorporate stimuli from so many sources, assimilate them, and make them a part of their musical vocabulary.
Thís book was written by Ajoy Bose, published in 2018 by India Viking.
Across the Universe
Another book that deals with the impact of Eastern mysticism on the Beatles
NOTHING IS REAL: WHEN THE BEATLES MET THE EAST By Luca Beatrice
Publisher: Silvana Year of Publication 2017
Nothing Is Real
The subject of The Beatles in India is such an interesting one and a fascinating collection of books help us understand The Beatles more.
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi: The Biography of the Man Who Gave Transcendental Meditation to the World (2020)
This is an updated version of the earlier book (see above) and includes more information as well as more photographs too.
Maharishi Biography by Paul Mason
The songs inspired in India can sometimes divide Beatles fans. Did you like the Indian influences? Let me know in the comments below.
Our resident Beatles Memorabilia expert Terry Crain takes a look at another great piece of memorabilia – the Beatles Beach Hat.
Beatles Beach Hat
Now Beatles fans could “follow the sun” in a stylish protective fashion! It was likely a scientific fact that the sun shone more brightly on Beatles fans at the beach, and what type of headgear could they trust? Well, The Beatles Beach Hat, of course!
Manufactured in the U.S., the beach hat (or “sports hat” in some advertisements) was available in red and white, black and white, or blue and white fabric. Pressed onto the white space of the cap were graphics with Beatles faces and facsimile autographs in black ink. When fanned out, the hat was 9″ in diameter.
The Beatles Beach Hat
The Beatles Flocking
The advertisement for the hat lured the consumer with enticing language: “Cotton Twill Stitched Brim Hat with The Beatles Flocking. Blue and white and red and white. One size fits all. Hurry! 99¢. Be In Rhythm with ’em!”
The label inside the beach hat contained the logo from the United Hatters, Cap and Millinery Workers International Union (Union Made). It also had a tag that said: “Made in U.S.A.”
The hat first came out of England in black, then headed across the waters to the U.S. with the additional red and blue colors to the inventory for the American market.
Puritan Fashions had the license from NEMS to produce the beach hats via the U.K. company Kangol and U.S. solicitor/middleman Budd Hellawell. Many of the early Sixties ads for Puritan products included their sweatshirts, shirts, and beach hats grouped.
Kangol Wear
Kangol Wear UK
An interesting side note: Kangol Wear in the U.K. talked via phone on February 10, 1964 (the day after the first Ed Sullivan appearance), to Puritan representative Bud Hellawell. It granted Puritan a sublicense to manufacture and distribute “hats” in the United States. During that phone call, Kangol reminded him that he owed them $1000 as a “down payment” for the license.
NEMS and the Business of Selling Beatles Merchandise in the U.S. 1964-1966 (2ND EDITION)
The book covers the approximately 150 licensed items that dotted store shelves and helped fuel the band-crazed fan during the time right after the band landed in America and performed on The Ed Sullivan Show. Toys, games, dolls, jewelry, clothing, wigs, and more!
John Lennon, when the Beatles were at their creative peak, was once asked for his favorite American group and he humorously replied, “Harry Nilsson.” Later on, all of the Beatles were able to form friendly associations and working relationships with Harry. John and Ringo, in particular worked on several recording projects with Harry Nilsson. Harry’s recording of the Badfinger penned “Without You” certainly must have earned a significant amount of money for Apple Publishing as it has become a classic.
Authors David Roberts and Neil Watson in December of 2021 published this very interesting book of fan and musician recollections of meeting this great singer and artist. Published by “This Day In Music Books,” the book is entitled “Harry & Me.”
I was fortunate to be able to post my recollection of meeting Harry Nilsson back in 1991. Have included that recollection from the book below.
The cover of the excellent book by David Roberts and Neil Watson.
Harry & Me
My little contribution to the book written when I administered the Facebook Group “The Beatles in Print-Together and Solo.”
IN 1974
The photo of the cover of the Lennon-produced Harry Nilsson Album called Pussy Cats. Notice the drug reference that the two artists put on the cover. On the bottom of the album are two blocks with the letter D and S positioned on either side of a small rug. D–rug-S. I am surprised that Nilsson’s recording company for the LP, RCA, allowed the reference to go out at that time. The LP featured the Lennon/Nilsson co-composition “Mucho Mungo/Mt Elga.”
Harry’s Album that John Lennon Produced
A little after Pussy Cats was recorded, John’s Walls and Bridges album was recorded and released. It featured another co-written Lennon/Nilsson composition called “Old Dirt Road.”
Walls and Bridges
Harry Nilsson passed away on January 15, 1994 from a combination of heart disease and diabetes.
Many fellow collectors and Beatle fans have asked me about favorite items in my collection. This signed book is clearly one of my favorites. This is due not only for the rarity of the signature but the historical importance that the signer had in the forming or development of the Beatles. Ivan Vaughan held the historical significance of being friends with both John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Ivan played the important role of introducing and encouraging the friendship of two people that were to lead to the cultural explosion the world still has not recovered from.
Introducing Paul McCartney to John Lennon
It was at Ivan’s insistence that Paul would accompany him to the Woolton Village Fete in July of 1957 that would light the fuse.
Ivan himself did play for a very short time with the Quarrymen, John’s skiffle group, but that tenure was over very quickly. Ive was to have a statement on the block that held the tea chest instrument he played in the group and it read “Jive with Ive.” However, Ivan later became absorbed in his academic studies which resulted in him eventually becoming a teacher.
The Quarrymen
Ivan Vaughan pictured with the tea chest that he played with the Quarrymen. The Jive with Ive lettering on the instrument was the question that John Lennon posed to Ivan Vaughan to prove that it was actually Ivan calling him at the Dakota. To memorialize his childhood friend, Paul McCartney wrote a poem for Ivan Vaughan after his passing. The poem was entitled “Ivan”, and was in his “Blackbird Singing” book of poetry
Later in life, Ivan developed Parkinson’s disease.
The book was first published in the UK by Macmillan in 1986 in the UK in 1986. It was then published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux on Nov. 1, 1987 in the US. This book features the details of Ivan Vaughan’s ordeal with Parkinson’s disease. Ivan passed away from pneumonia in 1993.
Autograph
Ivan rarely signed his autograph for fans. His friend Len Garry relayed to me through his wife that the signature is genuine and that it is very obscure since when he did sign a few copies of his book, he rarely used his full name. Possibly Ivan’s hesitancy to sign things is he might have felt that his association with the world famous celebrities did not merit him signing anything. However, that may be pure speculation as he simply may have been a very private person. This particular signature was done for his friend “Margaret” who helped him in his tax preparation. Ivan’s wife who was fluent in French helped Paul with the French language bit in the song “Michelle.”
Ivan’s autograph
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