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I Me Mine
I Me Mine is the closest we will come to George Harrison's autobiography. Featuring George in conversation with Derek Taylor, it touches on everything from growing up in Liverpool and early Beatlemania to his love of India, gardening, and race cars. Originally published in 1980 and now including a new introduction by Olivia Harrison, I Me Mine is also a compendium of the l...more
Paperback, 400 pages
Published
March 8th 2007
by Chronicle Books
(first published November 4th 1981)
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George Harrison tells in his own words about his life with and after the Beatles. He takes his music seriously, but is not afraid to parody himself and the Beatles as his collaboration on the Rutles with members of Monty Python proves. Harrison had to fight for his space on the Beatles records. Two of the Beatles biggest songs, "Something" and "Here Comes the Sun" were Harrison tunes. After the breakup of the group his songwriting skills flourished on the classic album "...more
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The first half of the book is a strange mélange of commentary from George Harrison's second wife Olivia, a friend named Derek Taylor who conducted a number of tape recorded interviews with George from which he quotes, and those quotes from George Harrison himself. Olivia's and Derek's commentary are in italics, and George's own words are in plain text, but it's still hard to follow sometimes whose commentary you're reading. I would have expected things to be arranged chronologically, but they'...more
Beatle George was a mere 36 when this was “written”. As autobiography, this being the only attempt at the form by any of the fabs, it’s terribly disappointing. The first section is comprised of ‘anecdotes’, some of them interesting, recalled by George in taped conversations with Derek Taylor, the Beatles’ publicist and apologist. Then there is a lengthy section of pictures, followed by an even lengthier collection of reproductions of scribbled-on sheets of paper, mostly hote...more
I am a huge fan of George Harrison and was so excited to read this book. I was so disappointed. I found the first third of the book difficult to follow. Attimes it was unclear if it was George speaking or Derek Taylor. It was seemed to jump back and forth in time, so it was confusing. There were also printed sketches in this first section, with out any captions. It wasn't until I got to the second and middle section of photos that I was able to figure it out....none of these pictures had any cap...more
I've read this book countless times. It isn't a typical autobiography. Anyone who wants the intimate details of George's personal relations, some scuttlebutt on Paul McCartney, or other types of ankle deep nit picking won't find it here. Instead, "I, Me, Mine" is like a fireside chat with a classy, fascinating, witty, and dignified friend. We read about George's history and interests, brief mentions of his enormous cast of friends, and details on each song.
Derek Taylor...more
Derek Taylor...more
This is a true story. Last month I bought myself a copy of George Harrison's Concert for Bangla Desh, coz I had never bought this on c.d. + it was a Unicef donation, which was cool.
Anyway, the other day I lift this book off the library shelf to read. Only half a dozen chapters of recorded George, talking about his childhood, Liverpool, Beatles, his soul and racing cars.
The book contains a photo section, mainly pics I've not seen before, and a section on his song lyrics, with some exp...more
Anyway, the other day I lift this book off the library shelf to read. Only half a dozen chapters of recorded George, talking about his childhood, Liverpool, Beatles, his soul and racing cars.
The book contains a photo section, mainly pics I've not seen before, and a section on his song lyrics, with some exp...more
Found this between the shelves at the public library, and wondered why it didn't actually have a spot in the book shelf but hey, I got to see and to read it. George Harrison a former beatle, shows his life through his own words, pictures and summaries of what his songs actually mean. I really enjoyed that part of the book, seeing where a lot of the meanings came from. I didn't really like the fact that he wrote songs for other people fairly quickly, as to ponder. Did they mean anything? But they...more
I decided to read this book after I read A Hard Day's Write: The Stories Behind Every Beatles Song by Steve Turner. Most of the quotes Turner used from George in his comments on songs came from Harrison's autobiography, I Me Mine. If I had to describe Harrison's autobiography in one word I would say it's artsy. The reason I think it's artsy is because it doesn't read like a normal autobiography in that there's an ordered sequence of events. Harrison talks about his family and his schooling and h...more
Here's a good example of the contrast between the Beatles' music and their extracurricular activities. The music stands the test of time. The movies, interviews and other nonmusical activities get very boring. "I, Me, Mine" is a really good song.
I bet Shakespeare would have written a pretty boring autobiography. The play was the thing, after all.
With the Beatles, it was the songs.
Give me "Savoy Truffle," "Something," "I'd Have You Anytime"...more
I bet Shakespeare would have written a pretty boring autobiography. The play was the thing, after all.
With the Beatles, it was the songs.
Give me "Savoy Truffle," "Something," "I'd Have You Anytime"...more
What can't you learn from George Harrison? This is his self proclaimed "little ego detour", neat perspective on an amazing life. Awesome to read his background on all of the songs he wrote and the handwritten pieces of paper they were all written on. All in all a really cool read. I have heard there is a limited edition, leather bound edition of this book that is hard to come by; it is officially on my list of expensive gifts I would never ask for.
The first third of this book is spectacular and really incorporates Harrison's love for spirituality, India, songwriting and life. The second third is mainly photos. I guess if you have a crush on George -- these pages can be interesting, but did little for me. I like the photo on the cover of "ATMP", visually, I don't need any more of George. I'd rather hear his voice or listen to his fingers. The last third acts as a reference library for his catalog of songs. It's helpful to flip ...more
A little disappointing, there isn't a whole lot of content in here.
George being my favourite I had been really looking forward to reading this but I'm glad I got it cheap now. There are only about seventy pages of actual biography, during which not much is discussed. Some really random subjects are brought up and usually only touched on briefly. The other three hundred or so pages consist of photos, which ok, I loved, and hand written lyrics to his songs along with his own description...more
George being my favourite I had been really looking forward to reading this but I'm glad I got it cheap now. There are only about seventy pages of actual biography, during which not much is discussed. Some really random subjects are brought up and usually only touched on briefly. The other three hundred or so pages consist of photos, which ok, I loved, and hand written lyrics to his songs along with his own description...more
George wrote this, I think, during a time in his life when he was emotionally recovering from too many difficulty things and his bitterness shows. His band broke up, he got sued, divorced and was still young and confused. I wish he could have written another bio before he died. Gee, then all he'd have to work around was getting stabbed in his home and having cancer!! I would have liked to had a conversation with George more than any of the other Beatles.....mgc
It was an interesting read. Jumped around a bit, but not that I couldn’t keep up. But then I grew up in the 60’s with an older brother and sister and have read a number of books on the Beatles. His notes on the songs were very interesting. Anyone who ever listens to music will always try and interpret what the song writer was thinking. In this book George just tells you. Very cool.
The Quiet Beatle speaks!! In all fairness, I think George was saddled with that moniker because John and Paul made it difficult for him to get a word in edgewise. This book is a must-have for any Beatles fanatic. It was fascinating to read the stories behind George's songs. He was seriously underrated as a songwriter, and he will be sorely missed for generations to come.
John Lennon was reportedly hurt by this book which pays scant attention to his influence on Harrison during the all-important Beatles years. Harrison reproduces the songs he wrote, often on the back of envelopes, providing the resder with some insight into his own, albeit late-blooming, creative genius.
First, I must say that I am quite biased because George Harrison is my favorite Beatle. With that said, it is a very enjoyable book that gives you insight into Harrison's life and relationships. Being a fan or his writing style in the form of his lyrics, I found that this style transitioned well into the book. Not only do you get to read his thoughts but there is also a collection of photos, lyrics and other random notes. It is one type of experience to listen to his music but it is quite anothe...more
While I did enjoy the actual biography part of the book, unfortunately that was only about 80/90 pages of the actual book. The rest contained lyrics, which is interesting to read but I guess I was hoping for more of a biography. I do realize I probably could have found out that this was how the book was constructed; nonetheless, it was still enjoyable.
I would give this 3.5 stars if I could do halves. Why? It's too darn short! George zooms through his whole life in no time- I just want more. Also includes George detailing the writing of all of his songs up to when the book was written.
i absolutely loved this book! minimal biographical information but he does give information about each one of his songs that was very insightful. george harrison is very wise. bonus theres tons of pictures too and he's sexxxy.
This book,published in 1980, is divided into three sections. The first section is Harrison talking to Derek Taylor about different times in his life. It is brief. I was hoping to learn more about Harrison's early and post-Beatles life than I did. I also wanted to hear more about his take on the Beatles mania era. I did get a sense of what he is like, but I just wanted more.
The second section is just photographs. The third is the song section in which Harrison describes how/when he wrote ma...more
The second section is just photographs. The third is the song section in which Harrison describes how/when he wrote ma...more
Most of the book is all of his song lyrics and the story of how he wrote them. It seems like he got bored with writing it and gave up. I still loved it though because I love him.
Lousy biography, but wonderful comments about almost every song he ever wrote or co-wrote. Plus handwritten lyrics. Worth a read for all that. Just don't expect much detail on his life story, Beatles or otherwise.
What a marvelous book, especially for me, who isn't the most educated as far as The Beatles go. George is a poet, which is probably obvious to everyone more familiar with Beatles music. I read the last half of the book, which is song lyrics and blurbs about them, very slowly - trying to take it all in. I may be the only person who has read this book who doesn't have music in the back of the mind when reading the lyrics! But, that makes it all the more exciting, because now, I will be downloa...more
I love this! He says a few short words about himself and then explains all the songs both seriously and cheekily. Great, fun stuff!
Loved this book. Good to read along with Clapton's bio, becaue they were friends and shared a wife... very interesting.
Not bad...could have been much better...and uh, wasn't John Lennon in the Beatles too? Why isn't he even mentioned?
Loved this book!!! George is my favorite Beatle and it was awesome reading this and reading about his songs!!!
Amazing book for those who are fans of George Harrison and want to know more about his life.
very interesting to read about the "real" George who considers himself a gardener aboe all things.
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George Harrison, MBE, was an award-winning English rock guitarist, singer, songwriter, author and sitarist best known as the lead guitarist for The Beatles. Following the band's breakup, Harrison had a successful career as a solo artist and later as part of the Traveling Wilburys super group where he was known as both Nelson Wilbury and Spike Wilbury. He was also a film producer, with his product...more
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“All the world is birthday cake, so take a piece but not too much.”
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26 people liked it
“Most people's reality is an illusion, a great big illusion. You automatically have to succumb to the illusion that 'I am this body'. I am not George. I am not really George. I am this living thing that goes on, always has been, always will be, but at
this time I happen to be in 'this' body. The body has changed; was a baby, was a young man, will
soon be an old man, and I'll be dead. The
physical body will pass but this bit in the middle,
that's the only reality. All the rest is the illusion,
so to say that somebody thinks we are, the ex-
Beatles are removed from reality in their personal concept. It does not have any truth to it just because somebody thinks it. They are the concepts which become layer upon layer of illusion. Why live in the darkness all your life? Why, if you are unhappy, if you are having a miserable time, why not just look at it. Why are you in the darkness? Look for the light. The light is within. That is the big message”
—
12 people liked it
More quotes…
this time I happen to be in 'this' body. The body has changed; was a baby, was a young man, will
soon be an old man, and I'll be dead. The
physical body will pass but this bit in the middle,
that's the only reality. All the rest is the illusion,
so to say that somebody thinks we are, the ex-
Beatles are removed from reality in their personal concept. It does not have any truth to it just because somebody thinks it. They are the concepts which become layer upon layer of illusion. Why live in the darkness all your life? Why, if you are unhappy, if you are having a miserable time, why not just look at it. Why are you in the darkness? Look for the light. The light is within. That is the big message”
