In many instances the pictures look familiar, like the ones taken on the Champs Elysées, but they're not. The photographs printed here are from a different perspective and a few moments earlier or later and thus give a fresh impression of well-known Beatles-history. A few pages further on, The Beatles Files shows us lesser known events, such as the mailmen delivering two vanloads of birthday fanmail to George Harrison's parents, who are looking slightly embarrased.

The book presents the Beatles' story from the Daily Mirror's perspective, including the newspaper's headers and comments. It also implies that the trips abroad are less dealt with; UK news is emphasized instead. The story starts in 1963 and chronologically takes us to 1969, with unique shots of John and Yoko, dressed in black capes, recording for their film in Suffolk.

The author, Andy Davis, has worked for the official Beatles magazine, the "Beatles Monthly" (which still exists today) and is a regular contributor to the Record Collector, his latest contribution being a detailed overview of first-issue Beatles singles from the UK (issue 230 from Oct. '98).

The book has an attractive lay-out, and its large format not only allows a pleasant presentation of the pictures, but it also makes it fit perfectly next to Lewinsohn's "The Complete Beatles Recording Sessions"!


A great addition to your personal Beatles library!   December 8, 1998
D. Schmitz (verlagsservice@t-online.de) (Munich, Bavaria)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

Well-chosen photographs (some 400 black and whites or so), well-researched (ever wanted to know what the British press had to say about the Fab Four while they were still fab?) and well-printed. A great addition to your personal Beatles library, and a steal at that price!