Most Popular Books by Philip Norman

Updated to include Paul McCartney’s knighting and the deaths of John Lennon and George Harrison. Philip Norman’s biography of the Beatles is the definitive work on the world''s most influential band—a beautifully written account of their lives, their music, and their times. Now brought completely up to date, this epic tale charts the rise of four scruffy Liverpool lads from their wild, often comical early days to the astonishing heights of Beatlemania, from the chaos of Apple and the collapse of hippy idealism to the band''s acrimonious split. It also describes their struggle to escape the smothering Beatles’ legacy and the tragic deaths of John Lennon and George Harrison. Witty, insightful, and moving, Shout! is essential reading not just for Beatles fans but for anyone with an interest in pop music.

National Bestseller Drawing on previously unknown sources, unpublished letters, and unprecedented access to all the key figures, author and journalist Philip Norman gives us the most complete and revealing portrait of John Lennon that is ever likely to be published. For this masterpiece of biography, Philip Norman set himself the challenge of looking afresh at every aspect of Lennon’s much-chronicled life. He has not just dug deep into the archives, including his own vast collection of tapes and notebooks dating back to the 60s, but spoken to hundreds of witnesses, from every walk of life and every stage of Lennon’s. The interviewees include Sean Lennon, whose moving reminiscences reveal his father as never before, and Yoko Ono, who speaks with sometimes shocking candour about her marriage to John. In his brilliant Shout!, we were shown a band; in John Lennon, Philip Norman gives us a portrait of a man. It reconciles as never before the contradictions of this endlessly fascinating character–the volatile and violent hippie, the phenomenally wealthy advocate of no possessions, the family man and junkie–and his journey from Liverpool suburbia to becoming one of the presiding geniuses of pop culture.

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 favßade 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.

Rock Music.

From the bestselling author of Shout!, comes the definitive biography of Eric Clapton, a Rock legend whose life story is as remarkable as his music, which transformed the sound of a generation. For half a century Eric Clapton has been acknowledged to be one of music''s greatest virtuosos, the unrivalled master of an indispensable tool, the solid-body electric guitar. His career has spanned the history of rock, and often shaped it via the seminal bands with whom he''s played: the Yardbirds, John Mavall''s Bluesbreakers, Cream, Blind Faith, Derek and the Dominoes. Winner of 17 Grammys, the Rock ''n'' Roll Hall of Fame''s only three-time inductee, he is an enduring influence on every other star soloist who ever wielded a pick. Now, with Clapton''s consent and access to family members and close friends, rock music''s foremost biographer returns to the heroic age of British rock and follows Clapton through his distinctive and scandalous childhood, early life of reckless rock ''n'' roll excess, and twisting & turning struggle with addiction in the 60s and 70s. Readers will learn about his relationship with Pattie Boyd -- wife of Clapton''s own best friend George Harrison -- the tragic death of his son, which inspired one of his most famous songs, "Tears in Heaven," and even the backstories of his most famed, and named, guitars. Packed with new information and critical insights, Slowhand finally reveals the complex character behind a living legend.

A miracle of still-plentiful hair, raw sex appeal, and strutting talent. The frontman of one of the most influential and controversial groups of all time. A brilliant musician with a career spanning over four decades. A testament at once to British glamour and sensual decline. The ultimate demigod of rock. Bestselling biographer Philip Norman offers an unparalleled account of the life of a living legend, Mick Jagger. From middle-class schoolboy to rebel without a cause to Sixties rock sensation and global idol, the myth of the inimitable frontman of the Rolling Stones is unravelled by Norman with astonishing intimacy. Jagger charts his extraordinary journey through scandal-ridden conspiracy, infamous prison spell, hordes of female admirers and a knighthood while stripping away the colossal fame, wealth and idolatry to reveal a story of talent and promise unfulfilled. Jagger is shown in all his paradoxical glory: understated yet ostentatious; the ultimate incarnation of modern man''s favourite fantasy--"sex, drugs and rock ''n'' roll"--yet blessed with taste and intelligence; a social chameleon who couldn''t blend in if he tried; always moving with the Jagger swagger, yet modest enough to be self-deprecating. This revelatory tour de force is ample tribute to a flawed genius who reconfigured the musical landscape.

''He''s got me spot on'' Elton John ‘Anyone who can read will admire the intelligence, the detail and the robust good sense of this biography. It captures the flavour of the times every bit as distinctively as it captures the personality of Elton John’ Sunday Telegraph Elton John is one of the biggest stars in the world, a man whose extraordinary career has resulted in timeless songs and sold-out world tours. But how did the sensitive boy from Pinner, who started out pounding the piano in a pub, become such an iconic figure? Philip Norman’s acclaimed biography paints a frank but sympathetic portrait, from Elton’s rise to success to the attempted suicides, from Watford football club chairman to flamboyant Versace shopaholic, from the draining addictions to his turbulent personal relationships and the extraordinary moment in Westminster Abbey when ‘Candle in the Wind’ turned into a requiem for his friend Diana Princess of Wales. Covering the first five decades of Elton’s life, setting him in the context of the changing music scene, this is a vivid, perceptive, superbly researched account of a musical legend.

From the premiere Beatles biographer—author of the New York Times bestseller John Lennon: The Life and Shout!: The Beatles in Their Generation—a rare and “absorbing biography” (Wall Street Journal) of George Harrison, the most misunderstood and mysterious Beatle, based on decades-long research and unparalleled access to inside sources. Despite being hailed as one of the best guitarists of his era, George Harrison, particularly in his early decades, battled feelings of inferiority. He was often the butt of jokes from his bandmates owing to his lower-class background and, typically, was allowed to contribute only one or two songs per Beatles album out of the dozens he wrote. Now, Philip Norman examines Harrison through the lens of his numerous self-contradictions in this “keen and lovely tribute” (Booklist, starred review). Compared to songwriting luminaries John Lennon and Paul McCartney he was considered a minor talent, yet he composed such masterpieces as “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” and “Here Comes the Sun,” and his solo debut album All Things Must Pass appears on many lists of the 100 best rock albums ever. Modern music critics place him in the pantheon of sixties guitar gods alongside Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Keith Richards, and Jimmy Page. Harrison railed against the material world yet wrote the first pop song complaining about income tax. He spent years lovingly restoring his Friar Park estate as a spiritual journey, but quickly mortgaged the property to help rescue a film project that would be widely banned as sacrilegious, Monty Python’s Life of Brian. Harrison could be fiercely jealous, but not only did he stay friends with Eric Clapton when Clapton fell in love with Harrison’s wife, Pattie Boyd, the two men grew even closer after Clapton walked away with her. Unprecedented in scope and filled with numerous color photos, this rich biography captures George Harrison at his most multi-faceted: devoted friend, loyal son, master guitar player, brilliant songwriter, cocaine addict, serial philanderer, global philanthropist, student of Indian mysticism, self-deprecating comedian, and, ultimately, iconic artist and man beloved by millions.

A beautifully written and insightful portrait of a musical legend by one of our most acclaimed biographers. Buddy Holly is the best-known yet most elusive and enigmatic of all Rock ''n'' Roll legends. Now Philip Norman, who has won international praise for his biographies of the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and Elton John, has written the definitive story of a short but extraordinary life. Buddy''s records are played, and his memory is cherished, the world over.

"This salute to ''the father of New Zealand composition'' offers fascinating insights into the world of New Zealand music. literature and fine art through the eyes and ears of one of our most creative sons, Douglas Lilburn. Affectionately written by composer and musicologist Philip Norman, the book is a happy blend of meticulous research and human-interest revelations from Lilburn''s personal papers. Lilburn was at the vortex of arts activity in New Zealand from the 1940s, forging friendships with cultural luminaries such as Allen Curnow, Denis Glover, Rita Angus and Alistair Campbell, and associations with leading arts organisations, from the National Film Unit and the literary journal Landfall to the New Zealand Players and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. At Victoria University of Wellington, where he taught for thirty years, Lilburn helped found what has become the most influential music school in the country. A number of his former students are now leading composers and teachers. His work was recognised with many honours, including a personal chair in composition and the rare Order of New Zealand, New Zealand''s highest award. The ''musician with the farmer''s hands'', as Lilburn once described himself, touched and enriched many lives. This biography is a lively and long-overdue account of an extraordinary man." --Dust Jacket.

His genius flamed briefly, and then he was gone--killed in a plane crash at 22. Now, the best selling author of the Beatles biography Shout! provides the definitive portrait of one of rock-and-roll''s greatest and most enigmatic figures. of photos.

Through the creations of characters like a black god of soul, a reluctant blues singer, a faceless brilliant rock guitarist and an iron cripple at the throat of country and western, the author extracts from pop music what is interesting, good and great.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

In "Drawings of Old London," Philip Norman invites readers to traverse the cobblestone streets of historical London through an exquisite collection of illustrations that breathe life into the city''s past. The book is not merely a visual delight; it is a meticulously researched narrative that interweaves the artistic representations of bygone eras with poignant anecdotes and historical context. The literary style reflects a rich tapestry of descriptive prose, underscored by a keen observation of cultural nuances, inviting readers to engage deeply with each drawing while contemplating the evolution of urban life and heritage. Philip Norman, a distinguished biographer and chronicler of British culture, has long been captivated by the diverse narratives of London. Holding a fervent interest in the interplay between societal changes and artistic expression, Norman''s background in journalism and biography greatly influences his storytelling approach, as he consistently strives to unveil the layers of meaning behind visual art. His love for the city, coupled with a profound understanding of its storied past, informs this artistic exploration. "Drawings of Old London" is an essential read for anyone fascinated by history, art, or the complexities of urban life. It serves as an engaging visual guide that not only illuminates London''s architectural splendors but also evokes a deeper contemplation of the city''s ever-evolving identity. Readers are encouraged to immerse themselves in this captivating tribute to one of the world''s most vibrant capitals.

The final word on music''s greatest legend, in which Philip Norman reveals a John Lennon the world has never seen. With ground-breaking insight into the pain, beauty and frustration that shaped the genius of modern music, John Lennon: The Definitive Biography redefines a legend.

Shares the author''s memories of John Lennon, and gathers photographs that trace the rise of the Beatles, and John''s political activism and private life