Ultimate Beatle Book

If you had to recommend one book about The Beatles to someone who knew absolutely nothing about them, what book would it be? What's the best Beatley book to read for a complete general history?

(I've got a friend who may be interested in reading a book about them, but I've no idea what to recommend or possibly lend to her. Having so much background information, it's hard for me to know what book(s) may not require some kind of previous knowledge & what would be the best summary for her.)

The Beatles Anthology might be a good place to start. It's the story of The Beatles told in their own words.

Another one is The Beatles by Bob Spitz.

Why not the Anthology DVDs? There you get the general history and the music too.

Originally Posted by zipp

Why not the Anthology DVDs? There you get the general history and the music too.

Yep, good suggestion!

I was definitely thinking about the Anthology DVDs, but this girl loves books more than anything. I may still go with that suggestion, though. That would be MY preference too, even though I love to read! Thank you for your input! :-)

Originally Posted by misfitboy

The Beatles Anthology might be a good place to start. It's the story of The Beatles told in their own words.

Another one is The Beatles by Bob Spitz.

I've never read the Spitz book, so I appreciate knowing it's a good one! Thanks.

Hunter Davies' The Beatles: An Authorized Biography would be a good place to start.

Thank you, BeatleBangs! I own that book, but have never read it myself. I guess I'll put it next on my own to-read list, along with the other suggestion(s)! :-)

This book really help to understand the rise and fall of Apple and The Beatles after the breakup and a very intriguing read:

You Never Give Me Your Money: The Beatles After the Breakup [Peter Doggett]

I really appreciate everyone's input! Thank you :]

I've got a ton of books worth reading. For starters, The Complete Beatles Chronicle by Mark Lewisohn and Eight Arms To Hold You: The Solo Beatles Compendium by Chip Madinger and Mark Easter.

I'm definitely writing down all of these suggestions. I'll buy the ones I don't already have, of course! :D

Just finished volume one of Mark Lewisohn's "Tune In"...the early years. So, so good.

Nicholas Schaffner's books The Beatles Forever and The Boys from Liverpool: John, Paul, George, Ringo.

Originally Posted by constance

Just finished volume one of Mark Lewisohn's "Tune In"...the early years. So, so good.

A very good read! I'm looking forward to the next book in that series. It'll be a long wait.