Here is the type of book that I love adding to my Beatles collection and library. Early in 2022, Ivano Poggi of Italy produced this wonderful 2 volume set of books which were each written in a numbered and signed edition of only 100 copies each. The books were issued in an English edition of which I purchased copy #100. The description of the two books is provided on the back covers of the respective titles shown below.
Standing With A Bootleg in Your Hand – Back Cover
The subject matter of these two books is a photographic history of many of the unauthorized Beatles Bootleg recordings that have appeared over the years. This is the type of book that gives me tremendous satisfaction in collecting, independently produced, a small limited-edition run, often difficult to find, and an interesting subject matter.
Standing With A Bootleg in Your Hand Vol 2
Standing With A Bootleg in Your Hand – Volume 2 Back Cover
The author did an excellent job with this project. Well done, Ivano!
Beautiful book of photos taken in 1963 by Norman Parkinson: With The Beatles
A beautiful book of Beatles photos taken in 1963 by noted British photographer, Norman Parkinson. His son, Simon Parkinson signed all 350 copies for his late father. Simon had assisted his father in taking several photos on the day this photo session occurred. This is a wonderful book to add to your collection if you can locate a copy. To state the obvious, since there are only 350 copies of this book, it is on the expensive part of the ledger!
Details of the date of publication and the publisher are noted below.
To me, this is a clear example, of one of the prime jewels of collecting limited-edition Beatles books.
With The Beatles
Book Details: There were 350 of this special limited edition book issued. I was fortunate to be able to acquire the last numbered and signed copy #350.
Hardcover – “Recycled Leather” Slipcase Edition with Clamshell box.
Limited Edition: 350 signed copies worldwide. Each copy is hand-signed by Simon Parkinson, Norman’s son, who took some of the shots with his father on that day, September 12, 1963.
Date: Published 2016
Page: 288 pages
Publisher: Rufus Stone Limited Editions Ltd
A sample page from the book:
George Harrison – Don’t Bother Me
Do you have a favourite book of Beatles photos? Let me know?
Buzz
If you like Beatles photobooks, we can also recommend:
Bill Zygmant – Where Did You Get That Shirt? (Signed Limited Edition)
Get your copy of Bill Zygmant’s portfolio book of unique photographs covering his career from the late 1960s to the 1980s.
This will be a signed, numbered edition – maximum of 250 numbered editions.
It comes with one of Bill’s signed photographs, which usually sells for £50!
Beatlemania Lives On is written by a fan, about the fans, and for the fans, this book is about Beatles fandom and excitement for the band as it continues, undiminished, in the 21st century. The author conducted nearly 100 interviews with superfans across the globe, gathering stories that explain and exemplify the enthusiasm that drives this unique fandom.
Readers will meet fans who met and married at Beatleweek in Liverpool; who had the chance to go onstage with Paul McCartney, got his autograph on some unusual places on their bodies, and had the signature permanently tattooed; and first-generation fans who saw the Beatles live and remember every detail as if it was yesterday.
Noteworthy interviewees include Wings guitarist Laurence Juber; Mark Featherstone-Witty, co-founder of Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts; Bill Heckle, director of the Cavern Club and Magical Mystery Tour Bus in Liverpool; and well-known music publsiher David Stark, who now stands by Paul’s side at LIPA graduations, but started as a good-natured teenage fan sneaking his way into Beatles premieres and even knocking on band members’ front door.
The book also takes a deep dive into Beatles–related TV shows, Broadway musicals, movies, businesses, Sirius XM DJs, tribute bands, and more.
Companies designed most Beatles memorabilia and merchandise for young female fans. Revell model kits bucked that trend. The company already produced models of planes, ships, and other male-orientated products, so why not the Fab Four? In 1964, the Beatles’ “Authentic Kits” models joined the market.
Like other band items, Revell was cautious about investing their inventory into producing all four Beatles as models. So, after researching that Paul and Ringo were the two most popular Beatles in the U.S. at that time, they designed them first by early August 1964.
Tony Bulone and Magda Kopec did Paul’s original Revell model sculptures for molding, then Kopec did the other three Beatles. Bulone’s daughter, Jill Houghton, added, “Elvis sat for [her dad] once, about the time Elvis was going in the military.” After demand for the models stayed strong, Revell produced all four Beatles by the end of 1964.
All the Fab Four in 1964
“In 1964, hot on the heels of Revell’s popular Rat Fink line came the company’s issue of the four members of The Beatles. They apparently beat rival Aurora to the punch in obtaining the license to the group’s likenesses – Revell was known much more for their kits of automobiles, planes, and battleships than characters; that’s where Aurora excelled.
“All four likenesses were accurately sculpted, complete with accurate depictions of their instruments (Ringo only had a snare drum, rather than a full drum set), and all were posed in the standard stances that their fans could even recognize in silhouette. John Lennon is unusually pictured playing his acoustic with electronic pickups, rather than the more famous Rickenbacker of his early days. Today the Paul and Ringo figures are the most commonly found of the set of four, with George being much more difficult and John being the toughest of them all.” – The Michigan Toy Soldier Company Blog.
UK Version in 1965
Revell made the models, designed to be painted, from white plastic. The U.K. version came out in the spring of 1965 when their U.K. branch picked up the license – had more vivid colors on the boxes and used the British spelling on the package for “moulded.” When the models were first issued, only the John and George kits were released in the
Make Yourself A Beatle
The UK
U.K. market, with Paul and Ringo only available in the U.S. The U.K. versions were marked “Revell (G.B.) Ltd.” and were missing the U.S. price code marker next to the model number. Other than the information on the box, the actual U.S. and U.K. models were identical.
Each box measured 9″x6″x2″ and featured vivid color graphics drawn by artist Donald “Putt” Putman. Once completed, the model measured officially at 2½”x6″x9½”. The description listed that each figure stood 9″ tall – except Ringo, whose model stood 7″ when completed. Inside the model, boxes were individual plastic bags with instructions/assembly directions.
Printed on the box exterior was a description written for each Beatle. For example, John’s story read, “Features…This beautifully detailed reproduction of John Lennon with guitar stands a full 9” high. Each feature is so life-like that it is a “must” for every teenage room. A few simple pieces…a few dabs of paint…and John will be your very own.” There was a slight variation in the name and instrument on the other individual boxes.
John – Kookiest Of Them All
The box for the model of John was labeled “Kookiest Of Them All” (H-1352:150). Paul as “The Great McCartney” (H-1350:150). George as “Lead Guitar – Loud and Strong” (H-1353:150). Ringo’s label read, “Wildest Skins In Town” (H-1351:150) model.
They also printed a short biography on the side of the box:
“John…the most “way-out,” he writes many of the Beatles’ songs with Paul McCartney. It was John’s inspiration that started the group and today he is considered to be the leader of the Beatles.”
Paul – the Zaniest Beatle
“Paul…an irrepressible, good-humored member of the McCartney clan, he is loved by thousands as the zaniest Beatle. His black hair and his hazel eyes have won as many hearts as his left-handed stroking of the bass guitar. Not only does he possess a clever tongue and wild imagination, he is also regarded as the best-looking Beatle.”
George – Freedom of Expression
“George…the youngest of the Beatles plays lead guitar for the group. He has always defended “freedom of expression” and at one time considered being an artist. Offstage he is quiet and sensitive…but on stage, he comes on loud and strong.”
Ringo – Craggy Features
“Ringo…is the pulsing, throbbing creator of the Beatle rhythm. Best known for craggy features and jeweled fingers, his beat has brought ecstasy to worshippers all over the world. The pounding crescendo of these drums has made “Ringo” a name to remember…everywhere.”
The company produced promotional posters advertising the Beatles Model Kits. These posters featured printed drawings of Paul and Ringo on each end and stated, ‘Build the Beatles Revell Authentic Kits $1.50 each. Printed in the U.S.A.’ They measured 25½” x11″ (65cm x 28cm).
“Around 1965, my father had a friend who worked for Revell. One day, the friend told him, “Hey, you got a son, right? Well, I have a garage full of Revell models. Bring him by. He can help himself to as many as he wants.” My dad didn’t believe in ever turning down anything that was free, so I soon found myself in his friend’s garage staring at crates of new, unopened Revell models…from 20 to 50 (I’m guessing) of everything the company had put out in the preceding decade. “Help yourself,” the friend said. “Take as many as you want. I’m going to throw them out one of these days. I need the space for my new band saw.” – Mark Evanier “The Beatles Model Kits” (via News From Me Blog)
Shop display flyers/brochures featured the Paul and Ringo model. They measured 8½” x11″ and were two-sided, with Paul on one side and Ringo. John and George were not pictured but described as “available at a later date.” It proudly boasted that “35,000,000 fans say this kit can’t miss!”.
“I started at Revell (at the) end of 1968. When I had my very first day at the company (Revell), I made a ‘company trip’ with my new boss. When we visited the shipping department, I saw a single small model kit on an empty shelf. This model kit was Paul McCartney. I asked him if I could buy it. It was OK, and I did; it was my very first purchase at Revell. After this first model kit, I became interested in this theme and wanted to know how Revell came to this strange product. At that time, there was a second European Revell-sister, Revell (G.B.) Ltd. in Potters Bar. Our English friends were (a long time before Revell Germany) in the position to create their own products, especially for the U.K. market. Such a project was ‘The Beatles.’
Our English friends took care of the license, which was given by NEMS Enterprises London/England in 1964. The production run was done at Revell in Venice/Calif., the main company of Revell. All four figures were in the international catalogue from 1965 until 1966 only. After that, I suppose the licensor changed, and the license fee became too expensive.
There was never a special leaflet with the pictures of the kits. Also, those kits were never the big seller in Germany. At that time, The Beatles were of less interest. For example, ‘Ringo’ never was sold on the German market, only the other three.
During my job at Revell, I became Head of Product Development at the beginning of the Seventies. Many, many times, I tried to re-introduce the Fab Four because we still owned the molds. But no matter who was the licensor, I never got the permission for a reissue. There were a couple of owners of the rights on The Beatles (Apple, Michael Jackson, Sony, etc.), but all couldn’t give me the OK. The reason was Yoko Ono; she didn’t allow any replica of her husband, John. A few years ago, we were asked by a new licensor to make model kits of The Beatles, but only from the Yellow Submarine comic, but at those figures, nobody was interested.
(About the sculptures which became the molds) The original but necessary bigger scale sculptures had been done in England. The sculptures were shipped to Revell Inc., Venice, U.S.A. And as I know, all the molds from them were made in Canada close to the U.S. border. Today one mold is stored in the U.S.A. and one at Revell in Germany. One mold includes two figures.” – Ulli Taubert (Revell employee, 1968-2017)
There were reproductions of these models made from “heavier” resin by a company out of Hong Kong. Many had extra thin plastic hanging from the pieces.
The Revell Molds
The Instructions
Revell reports that the original molds for the models (each included two figures) still exist. Stored in Buende, Germany, the molds are in excellent condition, even with their age. The company reports that there are no plans to reissue the original model kits right now. Revell researches the possibilities of bringing them back from time to time, but they are not allowed to run the molds because the iconic “Beatles” and “Fab Four” names have copyright protection.
Apple Corps
Revell Industries had its merchandising license included in contracts supplied to Apple Corps Limited on August 8, 1968, by the firm Wright, Webb & Company. The company was named in a NEMS Enterprises, Ltd vs. Seltaeb, Incorporated lawsuit filed in the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, First Judicial Department, dated: New York, New York, July 6, 1965. On April 19, 1965, they received a letter (reported by L.C. Schlesinger, an employee of the company) about an “amended complaint” pertaining to the lawsuit.
In addition, Revell (through their attorneys Gladstone & Lowell, Esqs.) requested that they be “held harmless in this matter.”
One of Revell’s attorneys, Stanley H. Lowell (of the law firm Gladstone & Lowell), reported receiving an “amended complaint” letter about the lawsuit. He told Selteab that “…royalty payments due Seltaeb Incorporated would not be released until Seltaeb Incorporated entered into an indemnity agreement with Revell.”
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!
Excellent limited edition books about that famous Mad Day Out photo session taken around the time of the Beatles recording the “White Album.”
The Beatles were photographed in July of 1968 in several locations around London. The photographers taking photos of them that day were: Don McCullin, Ronald Fitzgibbon, Stephen Goldblatt, Tom Murray, Tony Bramwell, and Mal Evans.
Here are a few of the limited edition books about that famous photo shoot.
This book is by photographer and cinematographer, Stephen Goldblatt.
Edition One Books published this work for the non-profit organization Fotovison around 2010. Only issued in an edition of 250 copies, it is the most difficult Beatles Mad Day Out photo book to acquire. Two people who were instrumental in seeing this book become a reality were Beatles expert Norman Maslov and book designer, Michael Rylander. The images in this book are exclusively black and white!
Mad Day Out by Stephen Goldblatt
Paul McCartney originally commissioned war photographer Don McCullin to take photos of the Beatles for promotional purposes around the impending release of the “White Album.” The slip-cased signed version of this book containing both color/ colour and black and white photos is very rare, as Don McCullin had emergency surgery while he was beginning the signing of this special edition so very few of the signed slip-cased version of the book has made it to the marketplace. Here are a few photos of the McCullin book:
Published by Jonathan Cape, 2010
A Day in the Life of The Beatles
A Day in the Life of The Beatles
A Day in the Life of The Beatles
Tom Murray
Tom Murray’s book was published by Archivum publishers in 2018 to mark the 50th anniversary of the photoshoot.
Tom Murray was asked by photographer Don McCullin if he was interested in taking photos of a band he was shooting that day in 1968. Only Don McCullin did not notify Tom Murray of the band he was shooting that day. Tom agreed to go with Don that day. With the limited information that Don provided to Tom, he only took one roll of colour/color film with him to shoot that day. Needless to say, he was shocked and startled to see the band that McCullin was scheduled to photograph. Tom’s film was fortunately in color and he was able to take what many consider to be the best color photographs of the Beatles taken that day. Tom is a very friendly and gracious personality and has taken many fabulous photos throughout his illustrious career.
Mad Day Out by Tom Murray
The Beatles: The Summer of 1968
Earlier than the above-mentioned limited edition books, I was able to acquire a limited paperback version of Tom’s photos entitled: “The Beatles The Summer of 1968” through the UK company Tracks.
The Beatles The Summer of 1968
The Beatles The Summer of 1968
All of these books are highly sought after as they represent what possibly may be the best Beatles photoshoot of their career.
Is this your favourite Beatles photo shoot? Or do you have another?
Buzz
Another Beatles Photograph Book
Bill Zygmant – Where Did You Get That Shirt? (Signed Limited Edition)
Get your copy of Bill Zygmant’s portfolio book of unique photographs covering his career from the late 1960s to the 1980s.
This will be a signed, numbered edition – maximum of 250 numbered editions.
It comes with one of Bill’s signed photographs, which usually sells for £50!
Adrian Allan was born in 1971. After showing early promise on the classical guitar, he went on to pass a performance diploma in 1996. He also has a keen interest in historical research which is clearly demonstrated in the following set of books noted below.
He holds a BA Hons degree in history from Lancaster University and a Master’s with distinction in Scottish history from The University of the Highlands and Islands.
The books noted here are all self-published by Adrian under the imprint of “Meadow Music Publishing”.
Adrian’s McCartney books are not only well-researched, they have the advantage of being written by someone with a depth of musical knowledge which allows the information to be presented in both an informative and educational context. He is thorough and I have learned significant new material from this author. For further information about Adrian’s titles, you can access this website https://paulmccartneyafterthebeatles.com/
Current list of Adrian’s McCarney books:
Paul McCartney After The Beatles A Musical Appreciation
Published in 2019 -this is a two-volume set appearing in 2019 and 2020 that demonstrates many of the musical contributions that Paul has presented to the world after being in the greatest pop band ever. This impressive two-volume set was an impressive debut into the world of Beatles-related literature.
Paul McCartney After The Beatles A Musical Appreciation Volume 2
Published in 2020
Paul McCartney After The Beatles – 2
Wings Live
Published in 2020 and deals primarily with Paul’s post-Beatle performances during the Wings years.
Wings Live
Paul McCartney The World Tour 1989-90
Published in 2022-This volume deals with a specialized short time frame when Paul did numerous live appearances throughout the world. I was amazed at the depth of information provided in this volume.
Paul McCartney The World Tour 1989-90
Wings Live Extended Special Edition
Published in 2022-an expanded edition of his Wings Live book which includes memories and photos of fans that were fortunate to see Paul as a live performer in his post-Beatle years. My memories of seeing Paul perform live for the first time in 1976 were included in this volume.
