I happen to be lucky enough to own a copy of the "big leather job" (#126). Without a doubt the best book ever written about the Beatles from an inside perspective. Well it's Derek's bio rather than a book about the Beatles but... That the book is "outwith" (great old word) most peoples pocket is a pity.
I have had the pleasure of reading it (and did indeed scan the excerpt in this post). I wrote to Derek's delightful widow Joan this June to tell her how much I had enjoyed it, and she wrote back in part as follows: 'I agree with you, he did use his gift for expression very well in Fifty Years Adrift. Even I, who lived through it all, still find his voice fresh and surprising. I'm very glad he wrote it. I'm not sure about its republishing. I'm hoping it will one day escape its leather and gilt into something less exclusive.'
thanks for the answer, sean. just googled it and saw close to 5K as a price. waaaaaay out of my budget. i guess i'll never read it. but i now know another word in the english language: outwith! i do hope they decide to republish it at a reasonable price.
I really wish this book was reissued, and at a reasonable price- at a good few grand it will sadly be forever outwith my meagre grasp.
ReplyDeleteGot "As Time Goes By" off Amazon for the rather more reasonable sum of 7 quid, though- what a great book!
Outwith mine too. There's a useful precis over at Galactic Ramble, under Friends & Neighbours, off which this was ripped.
ReplyDeletei love it! which book are you guys talking about???
ReplyDeleteI happen to be lucky enough to own a copy of the "big leather job" (#126). Without a doubt the best book ever written about the Beatles from an inside perspective. Well it's Derek's bio rather than a book about the Beatles but...
ReplyDeleteThat the book is "outwith" (great old word) most peoples pocket is a pity.
Fifty Years Adrift by Derek Taylor, to answer Lizzie's question. I've never even seen a copy.
ReplyDeleteI have had the pleasure of reading it (and did indeed scan the excerpt in this post). I wrote to Derek's delightful widow Joan this June to tell her how much I had enjoyed it, and she wrote back in part as follows: 'I agree with you, he did use his gift for expression very well in Fifty Years Adrift. Even I, who lived through it all, still find his voice fresh and surprising. I'm very glad he wrote it. I'm not sure about its republishing. I'm hoping it will one day escape its leather and gilt into something less exclusive.'
ReplyDeletethanks for the answer, sean. just googled it and saw close to 5K as a price. waaaaaay out of my budget. i guess i'll never read it. but i now know another word in the english language: outwith! i do hope they decide to republish it at a reasonable price.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if it was written the day George skipped class at Apple and went Eric`s.
ReplyDeleteA trip to either Westminster and the British Library should offer one the chance to see this fabulous item.
ReplyDeleteRemarkably, the Westminster copy was originally bought for public use! Whether it is still there would necessitate a call - but all worth the effort.
Simon W.