Posted on 3 Comments

In The Beginning, There Was Genesis – Part 1

Mike McCartney's Early Liverpool
Mike McCartney’s Early Liverpool

Genesis Beatles Books

Special limited edition book titles hold a particular fascination with me as a collector. There is a pride in being able to obtain a release that only a few other people may have access to in their personal collections. However, personally, there is also a feeling of guilt when you realize that others would love to be able to own the particular title yet may not have the financial resources to be able to purchase a copy. The trouble with many of these limited edition books is that they sell out quickly and the prices only increase in collecting circles as time passes by. That is why I use the behavior pattern of acting quickly when I see a limited book edition being issued, because even if it presents a financial strain at that time, it would be far worse later if I did not act and wanted to purchase the book once it was sold out!

The company that popularized the signed limited edition books was Genesis Publications. The late Brian Roylance made an agreement with Beatles George Harrison to publish his book “I Me Mine” in the 70’s and then Beatles-related limited edition books became in vogue. Genesis Publications over the years has issued over 30 books with a Beatles-related connection.

I make an honest attempt to add all Beatles-related Genesis titles to my book collection when I can. Hope you will enjoy this post of the Genesis titles that have a direct Beatles connection. This post will be presented in 2 parts. Also, please be advised that the books are not presented in the order they were chronologically released!

Mike McCartney’s Genesis book (above) features many previously unseen photos, including a very rare Quarrymen color photo.

Raga Mala-the Autobiography of Sitar Master, Ravi Shankar!

Raga Mala by Ravi Shankar
Raga Mala by Ravi Shankar

An excellent Beatles-related photography book by Michael Ward

A Day In The Life by Michael Ward
A Day In The Life by Michael Ward

Eric Idle, a member of Monty Python and a close friend of George Harrison-memoirs

Always Look on the Bright Side of Life - Eric Idle
Always Look on the Bright Side of Life – Eric Idle

One of two Ringo Genesis photo books

Another Day in the Life - Ringo Starr
Another Day in the Life – Ringo Starr

Wonderful stories and photos of the Beatles in Germany featuring the signatures of Tony Sheridan and noted German photographer, Günter Zint.

Beatles In Germany - Tony Sheridan, Gunter Zint
Beatles In Germany – Tony Sheridan, Gunter Zint

One of my favorite Genesis titles features the photography of Michael Cooper, who took the cover photos of the Beatles “Sgt. Pepper” album and the Stones “Satanic Majesties Request” LP

Blinds and Shutters by Michael Cooper
Blinds and Shutters by Michael Cooper

Jurgen Vollmer, who has been credited for the original Beatles haircut has this wonderful Genesis title of his excellent photos

From Hamburg to Hollywood - Jurgen Vollmer
From Hamburg to Hollywood – Jurgen Vollmer

A fantastic photo book from Astrid Kirchherr and Max Scheler

Golden Dreams - Astrid Kirchherr, Max Scheler
Golden Dreams – Astrid Kirchherr, Max Scheler

Another wonderful book about the Beatles in Germany from 2 of the Beatles’ close friends, Astrid Kirchherr and Klaus Voormann. Astrid was of course to become the love interest of Stu Sutcliffe, before he so tragically passed away

Hamburg Days - Astrid Kirchherr, Klaus Voormann
Hamburg Days – Astrid Kirchherr, Klaus Voormann

Excellent photos of the Beatles in Japan from 1966

Hello Goodbye, Shimpei Asai
Hello Goodbye, Shimpei Asai

An excellent compilation of the works of artist, Yoko Ono

Infinite Universe At Dawn - Yoko Ono
Infinite Universe At Dawn – Yoko Ono

Fabulous photos of the late Curt Gunther

Mania Days, The Beatles 1964 US Tour - Curt Gunther
Mania Days, The Beatles 1964 US Tour – Curt Gunther

Another excellent Beatles photography book by Michael Peto

Now These Days Are Gone - Michael Peto
Now These Days Are Gone – Michael Peto

An excellent compilation of the work of artist, Stu Sutcliffe compiled by Stu’s sister, Pauline, and Kay Williams

Stuart - Pauline Sutcliffe, Kay Williams
Stuart – Pauline Sutcliffe, Kay Williams

Many wonderful photos of the super band organized by George Harrison. Book signed by Wilbury, Jeff Lynne!

The Traveling Wilburys
The Traveling Wilburys

Don’t forget to ask your friends to subscribe and Part 2 will be coming soon!

Buzz

3 thoughts on “In The Beginning, There Was Genesis – Part 1

  1. These books touch our soul!!!!

  2. These books touch our soul,Excellent blog!!!!!

    1. Eddie-you would be surprised at some people though who hold resentment for those that buy limited edition books. I think some of that attitude is a bit of frustration and belief that all Beatles-related books should be available for everyone to purchase, and unfortunately some of the prices on some of the titles are simply unaffordable to many people! The new McCartney book that comes out in June of 2023 featuring photos that he took in late 63 and 1964, featuring the rise of Beatlemania, will be issued in a limited edition of 175 copies and each book will cost $3,000 right from the onset. Many middle class people will never be able to afford that price!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.