Title: The Rough Guide To The Beatles
Author: Chris Ingham
Copyright: October 2003
Release Date: October 30, 2003
Distrubuted By: Penguin Books
Publisher: Rough Guides (www.roughguides.com)
ISBN: 1-84353-140-2
In the author’s own words, “The Rough Guide To The Beatles is your one-stop shop for the remarkable story of the group and beyond...”

My Review: Set in a style similar to a pocket reference, this entertaining, informative little book covers an incredibly wide range of topics. It’s part history and discography, with unique sections on promotional videos, television and film work, work in other art forms, Beatle related landmarks and geography, the various “5th Beatles”, books by other authors, best and “weirdest” cover versions, songs written by group members that were released by other artists, Beatles related rumors, trivia and much more. Main sections are devoted to the solo years, as well as 50 essential Beatles songs (and the stories behind them).

The critical commentary on each album, film and side project is written in a witty, non pandering style. This book packs a lot of information in it’s 400 pages. I recommend this book as a great desk reference for seasoned fans and newer fans wondering what the 40th anniversary fuss is all about.

Side Note: I was blown away to discover this web site included among the "10 Beatle Websites" on page 389 (as a “Useful source of up-to-date news and reviews of the solo and post-split Beatles projects.”).

This is the first time my site has received this kind of much appreciated recognition. I’m both honored and pleased to be included alongside the other fine web sites that were listed.

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Purchase Links: amazon.com  ;  amazon.ca  .