Lennon: The Definitive Biography Book

The late Ray Coleman had known John Lennon since Ray's days as editor of Melody Maker and he was about to interview him again in New York when the former Beatle was senselessly murdered. Written in co-operation with Yoko Ono, and with input from John's indefatigable Aunt Mimi and first wife Cynthia, as well as a host of former lovers, band members and relatives, this is one book that really gets close to the heart of John Lennon. Originally published in two volumes during the 1980s, this single volume paperback from 1995 includes an invaluable revised introduction, which takes account of the extraordinary posthumous obsession that developed after Lennon's murder. A diligent biographer, Coleman offers revealing insights into many aspects of Lennon's life--from rebellious teenager, through talented Beatle, to 1970s chameleon--all culminating in the assassination outside the Dakota Building on 8 December, 1980.This is a healthy, and very welcome, corrective to Albert Goldman's shrill 1988 broadside The Lives of John Lennon. If anything, Coleman may at times be a touch too reverential towards his subject--something you could never accuse John's Aunt Mimi of being! As a result, hers is often the voice which shines through in this exemplary biography: "I still can't understand a word you're saying in all these interviews, and now there's this worry over drugs. What do you need drugs for and a Scouse accent?" --Patrick HumphriesRead More