February 7, 2014 will mark the 50th anniversary of the Beatles' arrival in America. If you are up for a walk down memory lane -- and a long one at that -- enjoy a quick list of recent and classic books about this influential British band who forever changed musical history and American culture.
The Beatles: All These Years by Mark Lewisohn
Presents the first volume in a planned trilogy on the iconic band, documenting their early years in Liverpool and Hamburg and the role of American music in shaping their ambitions.
Beatles vs. Stones by John McMillian
The author, an assistant professor of history at Georgia State University, compares and contrasts the careers of the two greatest rock 'n' roll bands of the 20th century. Who's your favorite?
Beatles : the BBC Archives: 1962-1970 by Kevin Howlett
A carefully curated collection of the surviving transcripts of the Beatles' appearances on BBC Radio and Television from 1962 to 1970, featuring commentary from the author. Listen to the Live at the BBC music CDs while you read.
An oral history style book of the band though 1970. In a word? Epic. Pair it with the eight volume video series of the same name.
The Beatles by Hunter Davies
Described as the only authorized biography of the Fab Four, Davies spent 18 months with the band between 1967 and 1968.
You Never Give Me Your Money: The Beatles After the Breakup by Peter Doggett
Chronicles the band's break-up and subsequent legal feuds.
For Younger Fans
The Beatles Were Fab (and They Were Funny) by Katherine Krull and Pal Brewer
Q: How do you find all this business of having screaming girls following you all over the place? George: Well, we feel flattered . . . John: . . . and flattened. Enjoy a lighthearted look at the Fab Four's sense of humor.
An easy to read narrative about the their Liverpudlian childhoods, first leaps into rock music, what Beatlemania was like, and why the band broke up.
Yellow Submarine, story adapted by Charlie Gardner
Pair the picture book with the animated film.
Beatles: Leading the British Invasion by Diane Dakers
An unvarnished look on the Beatles as a band and as individual performers.
Loving the Beatles in a LEGO Kind of Way...
