Paul McCartney/The Biography
Philip Norman
Hachette Australia
Orion Books
ISBN: 9780297870760
Description:
The definitive Paul McCartney biography, written with his approval by bestselling biographer Philip Norman. Since the age of twenty-one, Paul McCartney has lived one of the ultimate rock-n-roll lives played out on the most public of stages. Now, Paul’s story is told by rock music’s foremost biographer, with McCartney’s consent and access to family members and close friends who have never spoken on the record before. PAUL McCARTNEY reveals the complex character behind the façade and sheds new light on his childhood–blighted by his mother’s death but redeemed by the father who introduced him to music. This is the first definitive account of Paul’s often troubled partnership with John Lennon, his personal trauma after the Beatles’ breakup, and his subsequent struggle to get back to the top with Wings–which nearly got him murdered in Africa and brought him nine days in a Tokyo jail. Readers will learn about his marriage to Linda, including their much-criticized musical collaboration, and a moving account of her death. Packed with new information and critical insights, PAUL MCCARTNEY will be the definitive biography of a musical legend.
My View:
I am and always will be a Beatles fan – their music is timeless, ergo I am a fan of the individual members of the group and as a fan this book did not disappoint. I really knew nothing much about the band or Paul McCartney apart from the music and the headlines – until I read this mammoth book – all 800+ pages reveals more than just the headlines.
This is a more than just music, more than the Beatles, more than a love story, more than a story of cancer, dying and grief, more than a shocking divorce story…. this is an epic life story, an adventure that is not yet over.
My favourite images ( I wish there was more of them in this biography) p.312 titled “ Rampant Beatlemania, held in check by the tolerant British bobbies of yesteryear” and p.503 “The Apple rooftop concert, January 1969,” classics that tell the story of a bygone era.
Reading, Writing and Riesling 
Oh, this must be great, Carol! I’m a Beatles fan, too, and I do love McCartney’s music even apart from the work he did with the Beatles. So glad you got to enjoy this one!
This is a great read Margot – what a life! Have you seen the new Beatles documentary? I havent but would love to – i t is just in theatres now in Australia.
Not seen it yet, Carol, but I intend to!
Just saw a doc at our film fest called The Sixth Beatle. It covers the period from the very beginning, when they met, during the time that Pete Best was the drummer, goes through all of their managerial/promoter changes and ends when they land in the U.S. Fascinating stuff.
This book sounds like a good follow up to the story.
I havent heard of that one Anne – sounds interesting – I will keep a look out for it.