The blog is designed to feature both old and new Beatles-related print material including books, magazines, posters, or correspondence with people that have a Beatles connection or association. The blog will also feature books from people that have worked with the individual members of the group during their solo careers! Looking forward to seeing you here! Looking forward to your participation and feedback on the blog!
John “Buzz” Bezzini has one of the world’s largest collections of Beatles books and he will share his thoughts and opinions on some of the more rare and unusual Beatles titles.
John taught a course in 1984 called “The Beatles in Retrospect” marking the 20th anniversary of the Beatles’ arrival in America.
John also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication.
Enjoy Buzz’s Beatles Book Blog.
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A John Lennon biography written by someone who was considered by many to be a Beatles confidante, with 3 Lennon-related signatures at three different times.
A confidante will face a special task when they are writing the biography of famous individuals especially when the protagonist had many escapades of controversy during their lifetime. The author/ writer is then often accused of writing the book for the person in a more favorable light than what was deserved in reality. I will leave others to judge that in this circumstance.
I only have to say that I enjoy Ray Coleman as a writer and I believe he gave a balanced portrayal of John in this book, describing both his good and bad sides. His incredible talent and imagination are balanced by the chip Lennon kept on his shoulder throughout his lifetime. If you are only seeking the salacious and meaner side of John Lennon, then you probably need to travel to other books to satisfy that inclination…
The Original Title
Originally this book was published as a 2-volume set, the first volume titled “John Winston Lennon” and the 2nd volume titled “John Ono Lennon.” The photographs of the original volumes appear at the bottom of this post.
This Lennon biography is special to me for the three individuals who signed this copy at three different time frames. It is signed by the author the late Ray Coleman, the late Cynthia Lennon, John Lennon’s first wife, and Julian Lennon, John Lennon and Cynthia Lennon’s son.
Ray Coleman Lennon
The three signers of my volume of the book:
Ray Coleman, Cynthia Lennon and Julian Lennon Autographs
The back cover of this hardcover edition.
Back Cover of Coleman’s “Lennon”
The original Hardcover UK editions, this is Volume 1:
Original Volume 1
This is Volume 2:
John Ono Lennon
Which is your favourite Lennon biography? Let me know in the comments.
GEORGE PECKHAM ALSO CUT THE MASTERS FOR A COUPLE OF THE SOLO BEATLES TOO
Highlighting another limited edition book put together by the excellent publisher of special Beatles-related titles, APCOR BOOKS. This publishing outfit centered in the Netherlands has also produced the fabulous 4 book series- A Is For Apple. I try not to miss out on any of their fabulous titles. For a summary of the contents of this fine book, please read the details provided on the back cover in the photo provided below!
The Book About George Peckham and his Career
George Peckham The man Who Cut The Masters for The Beatles
The back cover of the book with a summary of the contents:
The Table of Contents:
Table of Contents
The Last Copy
AS IT TURNS OUT IT IS INDEED THE LAST COPY: “TO BE A SPECIALIZED COLLECTOR IS OFTEN NOT AS EASY AS IT SOUNDS.” Here are a few details to explain what I mean… I normally like to collect the last signed and numbered copy of limited edition books that I purchase. When I received my copy of this particular title it was numbered #300 instead of #500 that I had requested and I was wondering why this had occurred? Here is the explanation provided to me by the publisher that it is indeed the last copy of the limited edition! I imagine I have my work cut out for me if I ever decide to sell or part with my copy of the book as a result! Lol! The parting with the book is not likely to occur soon, I must say!!! I like it too much!!!
Buzz
Cavern Club – The Inside Story
This first-hand account of Debbie’s teen years frequenting and eventually helping to run the original Cavern Club is the authentic inside story of the Beatles launch pad, full of triumphs and failures – and surprise celebrity encounters.
£17.25Original price was: £17.25.£13.50Current price is: £13.50.
Barry Miles has a long history of dealing with prominent figures of the ’60s. From his interactions with Jon (John) Dunbar, and Robert Fraser at the famous Indica Gallery where John met Yoko, to the involvement of Miles with the International Times, to his interactions with Paul McCartney and John Lennon, Miles represents much of the ’60s countercultural movement to a public that may have followed his work over the years. His backlog of books of figures from that age includes titles about Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac, William Burroughs, and Charles Bukowski.
Here is a limited signed edition of one of Barry Miles’s books. This title features his recollections of what he deems to be the most significant moments and issues of the ’60s. The slipcase that this book came in is not pictured in the photos provided below.
In The Sixties Barry Miles
The back cover of the book:
The signature of Barry Miles on the copy that I was able to acquire:
Signature of Barry Miles
Many Years From Now
The universally liked book that Barry Miles authored was about his good friend, Paul McCartney, called Many Years From Now. The book was well received by the public and sold many copies. It demonstrated that Paul was indeed at the forefront of examining subjects and artists that were considered avant-garde or experimental.
In a matter of historical irony, Paul was instrumental in Yoko Ono meeting John Lennon, when she was seeking famous people to contribute one of their musical transcripts or compositions as a celebratory gift to her artist friend, John Cage. She approached Paul first, and he was initially resistant to the request, and he suggested she go ask John Lennon first. This of course helped to set the wheels in motion and time and other events (like business) resulted in the songwriting partners drifting apart and helped to contribute to the eventual dissolution of the group.
This is further evidence that it is never a single factor that results in a major cultural decision or event, but it serves as a reminder that it is indeed a tangled web we weave by the things that are said and done!!! Fans speculate about such matters all of the time. It does not change what occured but people seem to have the NEED to know! The sad thing is that fans have a tendency to want to take sides and want to blame one party over the other. What we should be sad about is how lifelong friendships can deteriorate and fragment…. for whatever the reasons turn out to be!
Many Years From Now
The very rare book that was organized in part by Barry Miles (see the reference to him on the cover) was a collection of fan photos of the Beatles taken over the years. It was only on sale for about a week when either because of administrative hassles or copyright issues, the book was quickly withdrawn. Fortunately, I was able to acquire a copy from another collector, but I truly empathize with others who are frantically searching for a copy of the book and are unable to find it. I have had numerous requests from people asking me where they can acquire a copy of this book and I feel bad that I can only give them the information to keep their eyes open on eBay for someone who may be getting rid of their own personal copy.
The People’s Beatles
The People’s Beatles
The Beatles – A Diary
While I was preparing this post, noted book publisher Steven Wilson reminded me of this book, which he was involved with publishing. Sometimes, keeping track of all of the Beatles-related books by a particular author and keeping them properly sorted is a difficult task. Here is a day-by-day Beatles diary authored by Miles…Thanks for the update and reminder Steven!
The Beatles A Diary
Finding my copy of the Beatles Diary in the collection thanks to Mr. Steven Wilson, reminded me of another Barry Miles limited edition book that I have that came in a slipcase – A special Limited Edition issued in 2012 – The Beatles Phenomenon. Published in 2012 by Omnibus and authored by Barry Miles, is described by Amazon in their promotion of the book as being; “The Beatles Phenomenon is a unique new Beatles chronicle that brings their astonishing legend to vivid life using sheet music, rare photographs and a detailed chronology of their gigs, venues, public quotes and most memorable moments.”
The Beatles Phenomenon
The Beatles Phenomenon
Of course we need to mention “The Zapple Diaries” by Barry Miles which was the first book to document the special label set up by the Beatles to deal with more non-conventional matters whether in musical expression or matters of literary concern. Zapple was a short-lived Beatles project.
Leading literary and cultural figures of the time, including Allen Ginsberg, Charles Bukowski, Richard Brautigan, William Burroughs, and Frank Zappa are discussed in the book and projects that Zapple was considering regarding these individuals are mentioned. The Zapple Diaries details and summarizes the ill-fated venture and presents a revealing account of a little-known segment of Beatles’ history.
Publisher: Abrams Image
Publication Date: 2016
The Zapple Diaries
The Zapple Diaries
Earlier UK cover of the book
Title:The Zapple Diaries : The Rise and Fall of the last Beatles label
Publisher: Peter Owen Limited
Publication Date:2015
The Zapple Diaries
Barry Miles was such an influential part of the ’60s scene and his eyewitness accounts are essential reading.
Buzz
Discover More About The Beatles at The Beatles Bookstore
Just acquired this special and wonderful 4 CD set on eBay compiling some of the best production work done by Tony Visconti. There is also a 6 LP limited edition version available of this set. The LP and CDs were released in 2023!
Tony has produced many well-known musical luminaries over the years, including David Bowie, Marc Bolan and Joe Cocker. As a special bonus to this retrospective, they also provided a signed print of Tony with the package.
Beatles Connections
For the purposes of this Beatles connections relevant to this blog, Tony has numerous Beatles connections and associations over the years as he has produced the Iveys, the precursor to the band, Badfinger. He was also to produce and later to marry Apple singer Mary Hopkin. They had two children. Following their divorce he was later to marry, May Pang, John Lennon’s former girlfriend when John was having problems with his relationship with Yoko in the 70s! Tony and May also had 2 children together before their eventual divorce.
Another prominent Beatles-related connection: Tony Visconti scored the arrangements for orchestra for the Wings Album “Band on the Run.” He is a man with certainly a stellar resume of achievements over the years! It must be stressed that his production credits reach far beyond his association with Apple and the Beatles!
The cover of the special limited edition Tony Visconti Boxset:
Produced by Tony Visconti
The track listing for the Tony Visconti 4 cd set:
Track Listing
Tony Visconti’s signature on the print provided with my special limited edition:
As a personal observation it is always appreciated by a collector when the person who signs an item, signs it with a clearly readable signature. Thanks to you Tony!
Visconti Signature
This is the part of the package that houses the special booklet contained within the set:
The Booklet
The excellent booklet provided in the set which gives great detail to all of the tracks presented:
Though books bound in leather are controversial, especially to vegetarians, the quality of these books is superb in their durability and their lasting power. Apologies are sent to those who may be offended by leather-bound books but that consideration and criticism would then also extend to such special publishers like Genesis who pride themselves in their leather-bound books’ workmanship and high quality. When the Get Back Beatles book by Calloway Publishers was published I was wondering if there would ever be a special edition of the book.
I stumbled across an internet site called Send a Frame, which was offering leather-bound editions of the Get Back Book. A photo of the book appears below as well as the link to the Send A Frame site. I will not spend time arguing about the validity or merit of higher-priced books like this as opinions vary from person to person. I can only speak for myself saying that as a collector, I was happy to acquire the special edition. I do have issues with the final price of the book but I am also aware of the much higher cost of manufacturing and producing these titles primarily due to their quality and durability!
BOUND BY HAND IN LUXE BONDED LEATHER
PERSONALIZATION IS AVAILABLE IN GOLD
300 PAGES
SIZE: 11.25″ W X 1.25″ D X 10.25″
GRAPHIC IMAGE™ HAND-CRAFTS GENUINE LEATHER BOOKS AND GIFTS THAT HAVE SET THE MODERN-DAY STANDARD FOR QUALITY AND DESIGN.
This is a picture of the mass-market edition of the Get Back book published by Callaway in 2021. This followed the Disney presentation of the Peter Jackson documentary. As well as containing photographs by photographer Ethan Russell, it also contained photos taken by Linda Eastman (McCartney).
Get Back by The Beatles
To bring this post to a conclusion the book at the bottom of this post was the book that accompanied a limited-run boxed-set release when the Beatles Let It Be album was released in 1970. It was only issued in a couple of countries. Photographs were taken by Ethan A. Russell. The text was written by Jonathan Cott and David Dalton. This book is/was highly sought after by collectors. One drawback was that it was issued in a softback format where the binding was not secure and many people that purchased the book in the box set had some of the pages come loose as a result of the bad binding.
Many years later on eBay, I discovered a copy that someone had custom-made as a hardback copy by taking the contents of the original softcover, reproducing the cover in hardback format and binding the contents as a hardback copy of the book. I was thrilled to buy that copy for my collection as now my fears of losing pages were greatly reduced. Collectors were hoping that all of the photos available in the original Get Back book would also be available in the book above but that was not to be the case. That type of situation always causes dissatisfaction with collectors who call themselves completists.
Photographs by Ethan A. Russell. Text by Jonathan Cott and David Dalton
A wanted poster (or wanted sign) is a poster distributed to let the public know of a person whom authorities wish to apprehend. They generally include a picture of the person, either a photograph when one is available or of a facial composite image produced by the police.
My definition is slightly different – To me as a collector the definition is more accurately reflected by- is it a poster that I WANTED FOR THE COLLECTION!!!
A collector friend of mine in France who specializes in collecting signed Beatles-related photos got me into the additional obsession of collecting signed posters of the Beatles by the photographers who took the photos of either the group or of the solo Beatles and members of their families.
A couple of years ago acting on the great advice of my friend in France, I was able to acquire this signed print by the late photographer, Richard Avedon on eBay!
John Lennon by Richard Avedon
A close-up of Avedon’s signature
Avedon’s Signature
A signed photo by the late French photographer Henri Pessar. This photo was obtained through my friend in France who is also a member of this blog. Pessar is the photographer who shot some of the photos of John and Yoko socializing with artist Salvador Dali.
Signed by Henry Pessar
A Henry Pessar Posterthat my friend in France sent me:
Kieron “Spud” Patrick Murphy
A signed and numbered Imagine session photo I also acquired from my French collector friend. The photograph was taken by the late photographer Spud Murphy who passed away in 2020 and was taken at the Imagine sessions at Tittenhurst Park in Ascot. From the content of the photo it was apparent that John knew the Imagine album would be a roaring success:
John by Spud Murphy
A son of John Lennon and a son of Paul McCartney signed posters
A signed poster from Sean Lennon and Charlotte Kemp Muhl of the Ghost of a Saber-Tooth Tiger:
Signed by Sean Lennon
A signed tour poster from 2013 of James McCartney
I was able to attend the New Haven show by James McCartney on May 21st, 2013:
Signed by James McCartney
One of my favorite signed posters in my collection is a signed photo of John Lennon and the early Beatles in the Top Ten Club in Germany taken by noted German photographer, Peter Brüchmann. I bought this photo on Ebay several years ago!
The Beatles in Hamburg by Peter Bruchmann
Through the recommendation of noted German collector, Thorsten Knublauch I was able to obtain one copy of a limited edition poster that was issued in honor of the Kaiserkeller club where the Beatles played some gigs at. The poster was signed by Kaiserkeller owner, Bruno Koschmider aka Bruno Kochschmider, Tony Sheridan who the Beatles backed and with whom they recorded the “My Bonnie” single with, Pete Best, the drummer who was soon to be replaced by Ringo Starr, and E. Ross who was the designer of the poster. According to Thorsten there may be less than 100 of these signed posters in circulation.
