Lennon Books & DVDs

As with The Beatles, there have been numerous books written on John Lennon. I've attempted to cut these down to a few (and for what it's worth, here are my own Lennon Musings):

In His Own Words:

 In His Own Write

In 1964 John Lennon then acknowledged as the leader of The Beatles, the band that had conquered the world, did the unthinkable. He published a volume of his er...poetry, goonish, spastic puns and parodies, a collection of pieces that he had been writing for his own amusement for years, which received some very good reviews.

Suddenly Lennon was no working class rock'n'roller, he was a punning, playful member of the Literati...

John Lennon: In His Own Write

"...John Lennon sparkled with creativity during his life. His musical achievements were nothing short of legendary; however, his writing talent is almost always overlooked! All three of his published books are absolutely fabulous and this one, the first, brims with poetry and prose unlike anything ever read. I highly recommend this book to those who love fun, and to those who loved the author himself!..." Amazon reviewer N. Morton "mosaic of tastes"

"...A side of Lennon we never see. My 13 y.o son read and cracked oop. Really mangles the English language..."  Amazon reviewer E.Hicks "Gino"

"...Quite a fascinating read! I couldn't put it down after reading the first story! John's 'language' is quite amusing and the pictures are a blast to look at! I highly recommend it to anyone who likes off-the-wall entertainment..." Amazon reviewer Susana Santamaria

In His Own Write was also transferred to the stage in 1968 under the guidance of Beatle friend and actor, Victor Spinetti. 

                  A Spaniard In The Works

Lennon released a second volume of his writings a year later, though it's presently difficult to get a copy. "...Jesus El Pifico, a garlic-eating stinking little yellow, greasy fascist bastard catholic spaniard..." ...is just some of the purple prose you're likely to encounter.

John Lennon: A Spaniard In The Works

"...John Lennon was undoubtedly a very complex man and he had a marvellous sense of humour. The spoonerisms in some tales are magnificent - some stories are real laugh out loud material but there is still a streak of the dark and brooding Lennon which occasionally cuts into the comic genius and makes you look at him in a different way. This is a valuable book for anyone who seeks to understand one of the great musical influences of our time...and also one if you're looking for a good giggle!..." Amazon reviewer Lesley West

"...Twas mimbly jus befour Kruschobe wen I first laid eggs on vis book. To my delight and amazon, i red such crap - very good crap - like 'Snore Wife and some several dwarts' - wot is my fave-rave ov all storeez - . Iff you want a good book, you just carn't go passed this book amonxt books. A verry meri haddy Chruschove book for all the familiar..." Amazon reviewer First Year Literature Student at Deakin University, Australia

                   Skywriting By Word Of Mouth

Scraps of Lennonisms from over the years, gathered together and released posthumously.

John Lennon: Skywriting By Word Of Mouth

"...Anyone who enjoys Edward Lear will love Lennon's book of nonsense. He masterfully crafts the English language to suit his desires and needs, giving the reader a non-sensical trip into his before-his-time mind. Filled with classic Lennon-isms, Skywriting is a must for any fan of John's. There is something new to be seen every time you pick it up!..." Amazon reviewer cccymusic@ aol.com

"...This is by far one of the best works of writing that I have ever had the pleasure to read. Far more entertaining than TV and movies..." Amazon reviewer Joelle K. Levine

"...I love this book, his writings about him and Yoko, the Beatles breakup, Peace, his battle with the U.S. government are very revealing but the book is a treasure because of the many "Lennonisms", such as:

• why did the chicken cross himself
• always a bridesmaid, never a couplet
• if you can manicure a cat, can you caticure a man?
• Maurice finished his donut, tipped over the waitress and headed for the door
• this is my story both humble and true take it to pieces and mend it with glue..." Amazon reviewer A. Customer

John

Cynthia Lennon

John Lennon's first wife...and her second attempt at telling "the full and truthful" story of her marriage...and her constant battle to keep it alive through the attacks of:

• Beatlemania
• drugs & finally
• Yoko Ono

                     John Lennon...In My Life  

Pete Shotton

For many years, Lennon's best friend from the straight world, Shotton was close to Lennon until Yoko Ono entered his life

"...Starting from their rebellious childhood antics in Woolton and Quarrybank we are taken on a Magical Mystery Tour through the Quarrymen formation and onto Beatles superfame. Throughout it all Pete was the sane down-to-Earth component of John's life.

Here's a glimpse of the Real John Lennon from getting every bird around...and the rest...to going off the deep end with Acid. It's sure to entertain you and keep you laughing with uncanny Lennon humor. The book is no whitewash but neither is it the blackwash of Goldman's book. It's basically as close to the truth as a good friend can get..." Amazon reviewer Adam Bernstein

                                 The Last Days Of John Lennon

Biographies:

             Lennon: The Definitive Biography  

        Ray Coleman

Yoko Ono sanctioned and the best, most thorough biography of John Lennon on the market by longtime journalist and friend, Ray Coleman. Well researched and unafraid to show some warts, it keeps the Lennon flame burning.   

                 The Lives Of John Lennon  

Albert Goldman

Ugly hatchet job that gets numerous facts wrong...and frequently passes off conjecture as fact (e.g Lennon's rampant bisexuality) but, for me, when talking about Lennon's art, gets closer to Lennon's spirit (Beatle & SOLO) than any other book.

Photographs:

            John Lennon: The New York Years

Bob Gruen, Lennon's personal photographer

"...Gruen closely associated with John and Yoko as a neighbor and as their personal photographer, and the images show the intimacy and the trust they had in him in capturing their moments in just about every situation, in the studio, a walk in the park, or simply hamming it up for the camera..." Amazon reviewer R. Delparto 

"...This book is wonderful. Once I started reading it, I could not put it down. I was very surprised and pleased to find that the writing was every bit as insightful and revealing and respectful as the photos. I have not read such an inspiring and simply enjoyable book in a very long time. Thanks Mr. Gruen for your very thoughtful work..." Amazon reviewer Scott R. Ferraro

         Life Magazine: Remembering John Lennon

LIFE Magazine: John Lennon

"...I can't figure it out. What is it about John Lennon that makes his photographs so fascinating, fresh, and appealing all these years after he was killed?

• Is it because he is the only Beatle that didn't grow old?
• Is it because he is the image of my generation's youth?
• Is it because of the music he created that still resonates today?
• Is it simply because he was so photogenic?
• Is it because he was an enigma, someone we thought we knew, someone we wanted to know better?
• Is it all of these things, or some combination?..." 

Amazon reviewer Reading Fan Romans 8.1  

DVDs:

Sweet Toronto

The filmed component of the LIVE Peace In Toronto album from 1969. Find it at the end of the album review.

 John & Yoko: A Year Of Peace

Yoko sanctioned, this is a look at the crazy John & Yoko Peace show of 1969, including the Give Peace A Chance video. 

A Yoko sanctioned theatrical-release documentary about the life of John Lennon using Lennon's interviewed voice as the narration. 

             The U.S. v John Lennon 2005

Trailer of The US -v- John Lennon

see also:

• After the Double Fantasy review, John Lennon's last interview with David Scheff
• At the end of Posthumous Releases, John Lennon's personal assistant's (1979-80) diaries & 
• Beatle Books