BY CHIP MADINGER AND MARK EASTER
A VERY SPECIAL BOOK IN THE COLLECTION
One of the more fascinating aspects of collecting is to own an item not possessed by many other people. (The exclusivity aspect of collecting). However, it must be noted that for me, it expresses more of a feeling of pride to own something like this rather than being boastful with the negative effect of making someone feel bad because the item cannot be obtained by them. Unfortunately, there are many collectors like that in the world.
I’m sure that you may have encountered some of them in your search for Beatles-related items. However, unlike many other limited edition books, this fabulous book about the Beatles solo years and the recordings that were made was issued to the mass audience in a more affordable softcover copy so that if you wanted one, you could find and purchase it quite easily. With a book as well-researched and documented such as this, over time, the prices that even the softcover copies demand are becoming increasingly more expensive and the best option for many is to purchase the digital pdf copy of the book which has many updates by Chip and Mark.
The book you see pictured below is the special hardcover edition of the work of Chip Madinger and Mark Easter, and it is a special edition indeed as there are only 9 copies of this hardcover edition in existence. The book presented here is copy #2 of the 9 copies that were printed. It will always hold a special place in my Beatles library.
This hardcover edition was also signed by the two authors!
A summary of the contents of the book is on the back cover:
Do you have a favourite Beatles book that is rare or is a particularly treasured possession? Let me know in the comments.
Buzz
The Beatles and Music
The music of The Beatles
My favorite is: The Beatles Covered (A Pictorial Journey Through Beatles Record Sleeves From Around the World) by Joachim Noske
Very accurately subtitled “A Pictorial Journey Through Beatles Record Sleeves From Around the World”, this book is comprehensively just that. Written by Joachim Noske, a German fellow who must be one of the most avid Beatles record collectors of all time, “The Beatles Covered” delves into his extensive personal collection. As Noske says: “On 800 LP sized pages printed in full colour throughout, it is a trip through more than sixty countries and territories on five continents and shows you an amazing array of original and reissue Beatles record covers the way they were released at the time in the respective markets across the world.
It contains well over 14,000 pictures of singles, EPs, LPs, flexi-discs, 78 rpm shellac records, coloured vinyl records, picture discs, and boxed sets of legitimately available Beatles material, which, besides their EMI output, also includes their pre-fame recordings in Hamburg (with Tony Sheridan and at the Star Club), their Decca audition set, as well as interview and documentary discs. This world discography of Beatles vinyl records is arranged geographically by continents and countries, and contains an appendix that focuses on a number of thematic issues, such as The Beatles Collection blue boxed set, their Christmas recordings and the Magical Mystery Tour releases, amongst others.” (fabbeatlebooks)
Sounds like a great book! My favorite is the 2-volume extended version of Tune In by Mark Lewisohn. This meticulously researched biography of the Beatles, with no errors or typos that I could find, was published in Oct. 2013. It ends Dec. 31, 1962. We have been waiting nearly 11 years for part 2 of what is to be a trilogy. Today is Mark’s 65th birthday and I’m 69 – I just hope we both live long enough to completely write and read parts 2 & 3!
Good points NJ. A few people have asked me why I have not yet done a piece on the Lewisohn trilogy. It is a waiting game on my part. I have the same fears that you do. I know Mark wants to have the definitive biography for historical purposes without missing anything important and being as accurate as possible. However, the first generation Beatles fans are getting older and facing their own mortality and would love to be able to read the trilogy before they depart planet Earth. There is also a danger that Mark himself could pass before he is able to finish the trilogy. Knowing Mark however, I am sure he has a contingency plan in place if that would occur.
The first time I met & spoke with Mark was at the Fest For Beatles Fans in 2019. Then in 2023 at Beatleweek I almost (literally) ran into him – he says maybe the end of 2024 or sometime in 2025 Part 2 will be released. I hope so!
Songs by George Harrison with vinyl record!!!
In the lower right hand corner of the signature page you will see the handwritten Chip note: 2/9 Number 2 of nine copies!
I don’t recall how many of the hardcover copies they made, but I’ve got one. I still have my original paperback too, well thumbed. The PDF is well worth the purchase, as is “Strange Days Indeed” by Chip Madinger and Scott Raile.
I have the book without autographs and without numbering and it is not a hardcover but a softcover. There must have been more than 9 of them.
Alfred: The hardcover edition was a special edition at a higher price designed for collectors and there were only 9 copies. If you doubt my word, then please contact Chip Madinger for verification! Thank you!