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Lennon: The Definitive Biography
A revised and updated edition of a best-selling, comprehensive record makes use of family papers, letters, and the cooperation of Lennon's wives to portray the singer as a witty, generous artist. Reprint. National ad/promo.
784 pages, Paperback
First published April 15, 1986
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
November 20, 2019
Ray Coleman had advantages that other biographers dream about. He was writing soon enough after Lennon's death that he had access to many of Lennon's family members, in particular Mimi Smith, Lennon's aunt who'd raised him for most of his life. He had at least some of Lennon's correspondence. He was personally committed to the subject; well, all biographers more or less are, but he wasn't just doing it because he was a professional writer. He really wanted to write Lennon's biography.
Unfortunately, he blew it.
Coleman's book is the uncritical, hagiographical twin to Albert Goldman's notorious hatchet job, The Lives of John Lennon. Coleman's Lennon is not just a genius, but a saint: the only truly talented one in the band, a visionary musician who touched the lives of everyone he met and saved the Beatles from the mindless pop fluff of Paul McCartney and the incomprehensible Indian noodling of George Harrison. He was also 'one of the great peacemakers of the twentieth century'.
Coleman boldly contends that without Lennon, the Beatles would have had 'no cutting edge, conscience, or originality'. The Beatles, then, were Freddie and the Dreamers plus John Lennon. He was the cream in their coffee, the yeast in their dough, their only spark of life.
This is all bullshit, of course, and is a direct result of Coleman's slavish worship of Lennon himself, at the expense of his bandmates. Coleman cannot explain why, if Lennon was such a towering genius, his solo music is so much less sparkling and imaginative than the music he made with the Beatles. Coleman has no appreciation whatever for what the other members of the band brought to the party.
The tone of Coleman's book is that of someone more keen to impress the reader with his own importance, than of someone interested in assessing the real stature of a man who was, at the end of the day, a popular musician, not a politician, prophet or philosopher. Coleman likes to remind the reader, over and over again, that he knew Lennon personally; unfortunately, this lack of distance cripples him as a serious biographer. The best that can be said for this book is that at least it's not completely fictional, like Geoffrey Giuliano's Revolver: The Secret History of the Beatles. It is, however, a massive wasted opportunity. Coleman had all the research material, and he threw it away on a book about how his mate John was the only talented one in the band.
A much better biography of Lennon is Tim Riley's Lennon: The Man, the Myth, the Music - The Definitive Life, but if you really want to begin to understand Lennon, you have to read about him in context, and that means reading about the Beatles as a group, not just him personally. I would recommend Jonathan Gould's Can't Buy Me Love: The Beatles, Britain, and America, and of course Mark Lewisohn's ongoing, epic Tune In, which I've reviewed elsewhere on this site.
In the meantime, Coleman's is certainly the worst book I have ever read about the Beatles, and I've read a lot of books about them.
Unfortunately, he blew it.
Coleman's book is the uncritical, hagiographical twin to Albert Goldman's notorious hatchet job, The Lives of John Lennon. Coleman's Lennon is not just a genius, but a saint: the only truly talented one in the band, a visionary musician who touched the lives of everyone he met and saved the Beatles from the mindless pop fluff of Paul McCartney and the incomprehensible Indian noodling of George Harrison. He was also 'one of the great peacemakers of the twentieth century'.
Coleman boldly contends that without Lennon, the Beatles would have had 'no cutting edge, conscience, or originality'. The Beatles, then, were Freddie and the Dreamers plus John Lennon. He was the cream in their coffee, the yeast in their dough, their only spark of life.
This is all bullshit, of course, and is a direct result of Coleman's slavish worship of Lennon himself, at the expense of his bandmates. Coleman cannot explain why, if Lennon was such a towering genius, his solo music is so much less sparkling and imaginative than the music he made with the Beatles. Coleman has no appreciation whatever for what the other members of the band brought to the party.
The tone of Coleman's book is that of someone more keen to impress the reader with his own importance, than of someone interested in assessing the real stature of a man who was, at the end of the day, a popular musician, not a politician, prophet or philosopher. Coleman likes to remind the reader, over and over again, that he knew Lennon personally; unfortunately, this lack of distance cripples him as a serious biographer. The best that can be said for this book is that at least it's not completely fictional, like Geoffrey Giuliano's Revolver: The Secret History of the Beatles. It is, however, a massive wasted opportunity. Coleman had all the research material, and he threw it away on a book about how his mate John was the only talented one in the band.
A much better biography of Lennon is Tim Riley's Lennon: The Man, the Myth, the Music - The Definitive Life, but if you really want to begin to understand Lennon, you have to read about him in context, and that means reading about the Beatles as a group, not just him personally. I would recommend Jonathan Gould's Can't Buy Me Love: The Beatles, Britain, and America, and of course Mark Lewisohn's ongoing, epic Tune In, which I've reviewed elsewhere on this site.
In the meantime, Coleman's is certainly the worst book I have ever read about the Beatles, and I've read a lot of books about them.
June 13, 2012
Lennon by Ray Coleman was the most gripping book I have ever read. The story of his life is full of grief, sadness, anger, happiness and death. Ray Coleman demonstrates what John Lennon's life was like besides the fame and glory. I recommend this book to anyone that is a Beatles or a Lennon fan or anyone who is generally interested in this topic.
The book starts off in Liverpool, 8th of October 1940, It is the height of the London Blitz, most of Liverpool has been blown to bits but Julia and Alfred Lennon are about to have a baby. John Lennon was born in the Liverpool Maternity Hospital. During the 1950s John was attending Quarry Bank High School this was about the time that the Skiffle craze hit England, John and his mates formed a group called The Quarry Men. On the 6th of July 1957 The Quarry Men performed at the Woolton village fete, This is where John met Paul. The newly found band then made its way to Hamburg, This is where the newly established Silver Beetles started to get big. During the 60s the band that we all know as The Beatles were get so big it was unbelievable. Unfortunately in 1970 the band broke up. This started Lennon's career with his wife Yoko. Their first debut Album Imagine got to No.1 in the charts. in 1980 three weeks after he finished recording Double Fantasy Lennon was shot 5 times in the back and one in his arm outside his apartment. He was rushed to Roosevelt Hospital, he was pronounced dead at 11:15 on the 8th of December 1980.
There were three parts that really struck me:
1) The Blackpool incident: This part really struck me because it shows the struggle between a divorced couple and how hard choices are. John had to choose who he lived with his mum in Liverpool or his dad in New Zealand.
2) John’s mum dying: This part was probably the saddest part of the book because after John and his aunt Mimi saw Julia she walked out onto the road and was struck by a off duty police officer. This part really struck me because I knew someone who died like this
3) The day John met Paul: This part was one of the most important bits of the story because without John meeting Paul, The Beatles would of never been around. that is why it struck me.
Even though Lennon is dead this book gives a great overlook on the legends life. I recommend this book to anyone that is a Beatles or a Lennon fan or anyone who is generally interested in this topic. I felt that I had a strong connection with the book because this man is my inspiration.
The book starts off in Liverpool, 8th of October 1940, It is the height of the London Blitz, most of Liverpool has been blown to bits but Julia and Alfred Lennon are about to have a baby. John Lennon was born in the Liverpool Maternity Hospital. During the 1950s John was attending Quarry Bank High School this was about the time that the Skiffle craze hit England, John and his mates formed a group called The Quarry Men. On the 6th of July 1957 The Quarry Men performed at the Woolton village fete, This is where John met Paul. The newly found band then made its way to Hamburg, This is where the newly established Silver Beetles started to get big. During the 60s the band that we all know as The Beatles were get so big it was unbelievable. Unfortunately in 1970 the band broke up. This started Lennon's career with his wife Yoko. Their first debut Album Imagine got to No.1 in the charts. in 1980 three weeks after he finished recording Double Fantasy Lennon was shot 5 times in the back and one in his arm outside his apartment. He was rushed to Roosevelt Hospital, he was pronounced dead at 11:15 on the 8th of December 1980.
There were three parts that really struck me:
1) The Blackpool incident: This part really struck me because it shows the struggle between a divorced couple and how hard choices are. John had to choose who he lived with his mum in Liverpool or his dad in New Zealand.
2) John’s mum dying: This part was probably the saddest part of the book because after John and his aunt Mimi saw Julia she walked out onto the road and was struck by a off duty police officer. This part really struck me because I knew someone who died like this
3) The day John met Paul: This part was one of the most important bits of the story because without John meeting Paul, The Beatles would of never been around. that is why it struck me.
Even though Lennon is dead this book gives a great overlook on the legends life. I recommend this book to anyone that is a Beatles or a Lennon fan or anyone who is generally interested in this topic. I felt that I had a strong connection with the book because this man is my inspiration.
September 28, 2015
A great biography fills in the gaps about a life, not every gap but enough of them, to give us a clearer picture of who someone is versus who we think they are from our personal experiences and/or observations. Great biographies are well-written, easy to follow even when that life isn't linear, insightful about relationships, revealing about motivations that contribute to decision-making, fair in balancing the strengths and weaknesses of that life, and rich in insider knowledge about what has made the subject so unique, accomplished, and culture changing.
This biography has all of that and more in its 800 plus pages. Like so many, I was a fan of Beatles music and aware of the impact it and they had on, okay, my generation at the time. But I, like most, "knew" John Lennon through the lens of the media, the feel (more than the message) of his music, and the cultural messages that he and Yoko promoted. But I never really understood the back story, the center story, or the after story. To the extent that what Coleman has captured this in his book, I now have a fuller picture, a richer understanding, a deeper empathy and acceptance (especially of Yoko), and greater appreciation of Lennon's gifts and talents, his demons and his drive, and his roller-coaster relationships with Paul, George, and Ringo.
This book is its own magic carpet ride and one worth taking.
This biography has all of that and more in its 800 plus pages. Like so many, I was a fan of Beatles music and aware of the impact it and they had on, okay, my generation at the time. But I, like most, "knew" John Lennon through the lens of the media, the feel (more than the message) of his music, and the cultural messages that he and Yoko promoted. But I never really understood the back story, the center story, or the after story. To the extent that what Coleman has captured this in his book, I now have a fuller picture, a richer understanding, a deeper empathy and acceptance (especially of Yoko), and greater appreciation of Lennon's gifts and talents, his demons and his drive, and his roller-coaster relationships with Paul, George, and Ringo.
This book is its own magic carpet ride and one worth taking.
July 3, 2007
When it comes to John Lennon, there are pretty much two kinds of biographies: the kind ones, and the nasty ones. This book falls into the former, but regardless of any favoritism it's probably the most comprehensive of the bunch. Part of my feels kind of pathetic for being qualified to make that statement.
January 4, 2026
This dense biography of John Lennon gives dimension to his identity beyond the popular view of his identity as a Beatle. Drawing from many sources -- including John and Yoko, media, and those who knew John and were part of his life -- this biography fleshes Lennon out as a man of and beyond his times, a brilliance seeking expression that leads and calls the world, people to change. Two chapters discuss John's music in this context.
The book contains an Acknowledgements, an Introduction, a Prologue, 25 Chapters with many black and white photos, a Chronology, and an Index.
I highly recommend the book.
The book contains an Acknowledgements, an Introduction, a Prologue, 25 Chapters with many black and white photos, a Chronology, and an Index.
I highly recommend the book.
January 24, 2009
What I appreciate most about this book is that the author has genuine admiration for his subject and demonstrates this through sincere attempts to understand everything Lennon endured and did. This is a welcome respite from the usual biographer who is almost always out to unleash the most sordid, tabloidesque details for the sake of sales, or at least has a vendetta against Yoko Ono.
Coleman does not apologize for Lennon's infamous behavior and he shouldn't. The man beat his girlfriends after his mother died; he was emotionally erratic toward almost all who knew him, especially his first son; and a lot of his revolutionary activities were mere spurts of experimentation. But, as Coleman points out, these repulsive acts and unreliable personality were not born out of some natural malice. Lennon was abandoned by both of his parents and lost quite a few close friends and relatives before he was an adult. Like so many neglected children, John Lennon had no excuses but many explanations for his behavior, enveloped in his countless creative gifts to the world.
Coleman also does not take sides in the Cynthia vs. Yoko construct, and avoids it altogether in most situations. If anything, his biography of John Lennon is comprehensive, but it's also that of a true fan.
Coleman does not apologize for Lennon's infamous behavior and he shouldn't. The man beat his girlfriends after his mother died; he was emotionally erratic toward almost all who knew him, especially his first son; and a lot of his revolutionary activities were mere spurts of experimentation. But, as Coleman points out, these repulsive acts and unreliable personality were not born out of some natural malice. Lennon was abandoned by both of his parents and lost quite a few close friends and relatives before he was an adult. Like so many neglected children, John Lennon had no excuses but many explanations for his behavior, enveloped in his countless creative gifts to the world.
Coleman also does not take sides in the Cynthia vs. Yoko construct, and avoids it altogether in most situations. If anything, his biography of John Lennon is comprehensive, but it's also that of a true fan.
October 18, 2011
I loved this! Picked up at a charity shop for £1 (rrp on the book just £3.95 in the day, I wasn't seeking it so was doubly delighted to enjoy it so much.
I learned so much about the Beatles and John Lennon's life. Fascinating. Ray Coleman was close to the Beatles and John in his capacity of music reporter so the book is not based on library research alone. I am a born again Beatles/Lennon fan, listening to the music and referring to the book for the biographical background to some of the lyrics.
I learned so much about the Beatles and John Lennon's life. Fascinating. Ray Coleman was close to the Beatles and John in his capacity of music reporter so the book is not based on library research alone. I am a born again Beatles/Lennon fan, listening to the music and referring to the book for the biographical background to some of the lyrics.
December 20, 2011
A fab book about a pretty interesting guy. Author does a nice job of taking us on lennons personal journey and his struggle and strength of mind to not be pigeon holed by fans and continue searching and experimenting and expressing within and without to be John Lennon the musician, artist and humanitarian. Listening to Double Fantasy especially this time of year brings on some extremely positive vibes.
November 21, 2012
Received this book in my xmas stocking when I was a kid. It's my all-time favorite biography. I was so obsessed with John Lennon for so many years that I married my first husband partly because his birthday is the day before John Lennon's and my birthday is the day before Yoko Ono's. I thought we might be soul mates on the basis of our birthdays and a few other things. I was wrong about the marriage but I am not wrong about this book. It rocks.
January 16, 2016
This is one of the best biographies I have ever encountered! It reads very easily and feels more like a novel of Lennon's life, yet it provides tons of detail and insight. There is very little bias, it shows both the good and the bad side of John Lennon. Although it's a very long read it was worth the time.
May 15, 2010
If this is the definitive Lennon bio, we're in trouble. Seems like he was too close to the subject, and Yoko who he apologizes for a lot (altho perhaps she merits it?), to be critical at all. Altho he does hate the last album.
Some good stories, but not enough of them.
Some good stories, but not enough of them.
August 2, 2011
the first book about John Lennon I ever read, and probably still one of the best I've seen. It's honest without being cruel and paints a picture not of St John but of a human being who happened to be spectacular.
I've read it so many times that I've totally broken the spine.
I've read it so many times that I've totally broken the spine.
February 18, 2021
I'm actually giving this a 3 star. It wasn't a bad book by any means. I just knew a lot of this information already. Ray Coleman does a great job at informing us of John Lennon's life. I feel like some of it was left out or too much added in. I enjoyed the book either way and I'm glad I read it.
January 6, 2008
The only book you need to read on John Lennon. Authoritative and Ray was one of the few writers who could genuinely claim to be a close friend of the superstar
October 20, 2009
Probably the best Lennon bio out there.
January 5, 2013
Enjoyed
May 3, 2013
The definitive biography about one of the greatest humanists and musicians the modern world has ever seen. Must-read for any Lennon lover.
July 17, 2016
Loved. A descriptive and insider view of the life of one of my personal favorite musicians.
January 2, 2026
(2.5)
For content and clarity, more or less, I did enjoy this book for its thematic chronological grouping. However everything else about this biography just seemed so … half baked? To me it shows a fundamental lack of understanding of journalism as a trade, and I think that not acknowledging one’s position as an instrument of the press and asserting multiple times that you are a reliable source because you knew the man personally for a number of years…. riiiiiight right right.
I think it’s also really obvious that this was written during a neoconservative swing and flattens so many political and social issues that were extremely relevant in the Beatles rise and in Lennons personal life. Sex and sexuality, race, and holy fucking shit the way lennons ableism is written about in this book?????
Coleman makes repeated efforts to “debunk” Lennons queerness so clearly objectivity in voice was not a consideration for him. But to acknowledge this issue with such blatant distaste and homophobia, and write about Lennons frequent and public use of ableist slurs as being “typical lennonesque sick humor” shows me where his priorities as a biographer lie.
Ngl shit it must’ve been really easy to break into the industry back then because his uncritical use of primary sources are absolute doo doo. Misquoting Cynthia, uncritically writing about Mimi’s remarks after John’s death as if they were gospel… when there is clearly incentive to appear a certain way to the public?
Honestly the way john is portrayed here felt… strange to me, it was filtered so heavily through this absolutely flattening man’s man lens that evidently has NO knowledge about the art world whatsoever. Anyway I will be reading volume 2 but I just had to get my thoughts out dear lord
For content and clarity, more or less, I did enjoy this book for its thematic chronological grouping. However everything else about this biography just seemed so … half baked? To me it shows a fundamental lack of understanding of journalism as a trade, and I think that not acknowledging one’s position as an instrument of the press and asserting multiple times that you are a reliable source because you knew the man personally for a number of years…. riiiiiight right right.
I think it’s also really obvious that this was written during a neoconservative swing and flattens so many political and social issues that were extremely relevant in the Beatles rise and in Lennons personal life. Sex and sexuality, race, and holy fucking shit the way lennons ableism is written about in this book?????
Coleman makes repeated efforts to “debunk” Lennons queerness so clearly objectivity in voice was not a consideration for him. But to acknowledge this issue with such blatant distaste and homophobia, and write about Lennons frequent and public use of ableist slurs as being “typical lennonesque sick humor” shows me where his priorities as a biographer lie.
Ngl shit it must’ve been really easy to break into the industry back then because his uncritical use of primary sources are absolute doo doo. Misquoting Cynthia, uncritically writing about Mimi’s remarks after John’s death as if they were gospel… when there is clearly incentive to appear a certain way to the public?
Honestly the way john is portrayed here felt… strange to me, it was filtered so heavily through this absolutely flattening man’s man lens that evidently has NO knowledge about the art world whatsoever. Anyway I will be reading volume 2 but I just had to get my thoughts out dear lord
August 22, 2023
This was the first major, important biography of John Lennon, built from more primary source material than its subsequent siblings — Coleman knew Lennon and interviewed him numerous times, and he received participation from a great number of his intimates for this book. The important thing to remember about it as a biography is that it’s suffused with nearly incalculable grief as a result of this, composed in the immediate aftermath of John’s death and full of a palpable feeling of loss and of reeling from the preceding two (or four) decades. It’s a readable and passionate book that presents the various facets of his personality without too much hagiography and certainly without the sniping that would characterize something like the Goldman book. It’s also important as a major Beatles book, being probably the first book to tackle the Hamburg period and earlier with any kind of real commitment to accuracy. (Philip Norman took a much more novelistic — if highly engrossing — approach.) Only problem is, the book is not a great piece of writing and is in fact surprisingly disorganized; Coleman constantly slips out of coherent narrative for asides or for tangents that might well have found a better home elsewhere. And the chronological propulsion is scattered at best; you frequently find yourself jumping back several years to pick up another thread. It’s an essential one-time read for Lennon fans, I would say, but it’s missing either the lyricism or the narrative thrust that would’ve made it as valuable now as it once was.
March 10, 2025
Very well-written. Would be five stars without the new introduction. Skip it!! Otherwise, a brilliant book about a fascinating person. I thought I knew a lot about Lennon, but learned so much. Very moving.
May 21, 2020
Good bio of John Lennon. May not be objective enough but a reader will be able to discern the facts and come to their own conclusions. I enjoyed it.
October 17, 2020
Can't tell you how many times I've read this!! Excellent book beginning to end!!
May 25, 2021
I enjoyed reading this and had an impulse to write to Yokohama about my experience. I never expected a reply and was astonished when I received one.
January 22, 2024
Enjoyable biography of the musical genius turned poster boy for virtual signalling...but sadly missed..
December 6, 2018
very good book, I like it
August 23, 2019
The book is really awesome.
October 16, 2012
By: Ray Coleman
Biography
106 pages
John Lennon was born on October 9, 1940 in Liverpool, England. When he was four years old, his parents separated and he ended up living with his Aunt Mimi. As a boy and young adult, John enjoyed drawing grotesque figures and cripples. He made it to art school, and was not allow to play Rock and Roll. In college, he met a woman named Cynthia Powell, who became his first wife. His mother died before his 18th birthday. John did not like to talk about the death of his mother, because it was too great a sorrow to be publicized. After the death of his mother, John went to live with his Aunt Mimi. John considers his Aunt Mimi the greatest person.
John married Cynthia Powell in August 1962 and they had a son who they called Julian. Since the Beatles were becoming very popular at the time, Cynthia had to keep a very low profile. John Lennon divorced Cynthia and re-married with Yoko Ono who he met at the Indica Gallery in November 1966. In 1970, the Beatles broke up also, after Paul McCartney has announced that he is leaving the Beatles. After the Beatles broke up, John Lennon went his way and he tried to send out his message out clearer. He started doing this by releasing his first solo album, Imagine. On October 9, 1975, Yoko gave birth to John's other son Sean. John left his whole music career for 5 years to raise his son. John did not miss music at all during this period. Unfortunately, John was shot in front of his apartment complex in New York while he was in the process of releasing another album "Milk and Honey". John died of the age of 40 in the Roosevelt Hospital on December 8, 1980, after receiving multiple gunshots in the back.
There is several reasons why I really like this book. First of all, I have heard John Lennon on the radio before and I thought that the Beatles were really amazing, so I decided to read this book. Second, this book is descriptive, so you are able to see what all the screaming girls were like and the suspense of the gun shot was like. Also, when I first started reading this book I was like, this is going to be a funny book because when ever someone says something about John it seems to be strange. Next, my parents sometimes talk about the Beatles and how they were the best thing when they were young. I found it interesting how they really were the people who actually made Rock and Roll popular. There was only one thing that that was really sad and that was when John Lennon got shot. He was not expecting for his life to end when he was only 40-years-old. Overall, there is many reasons why I find John Lennon's life interesting.
Biography
106 pages
John Lennon was born on October 9, 1940 in Liverpool, England. When he was four years old, his parents separated and he ended up living with his Aunt Mimi. As a boy and young adult, John enjoyed drawing grotesque figures and cripples. He made it to art school, and was not allow to play Rock and Roll. In college, he met a woman named Cynthia Powell, who became his first wife. His mother died before his 18th birthday. John did not like to talk about the death of his mother, because it was too great a sorrow to be publicized. After the death of his mother, John went to live with his Aunt Mimi. John considers his Aunt Mimi the greatest person.
John married Cynthia Powell in August 1962 and they had a son who they called Julian. Since the Beatles were becoming very popular at the time, Cynthia had to keep a very low profile. John Lennon divorced Cynthia and re-married with Yoko Ono who he met at the Indica Gallery in November 1966. In 1970, the Beatles broke up also, after Paul McCartney has announced that he is leaving the Beatles. After the Beatles broke up, John Lennon went his way and he tried to send out his message out clearer. He started doing this by releasing his first solo album, Imagine. On October 9, 1975, Yoko gave birth to John's other son Sean. John left his whole music career for 5 years to raise his son. John did not miss music at all during this period. Unfortunately, John was shot in front of his apartment complex in New York while he was in the process of releasing another album "Milk and Honey". John died of the age of 40 in the Roosevelt Hospital on December 8, 1980, after receiving multiple gunshots in the back.
There is several reasons why I really like this book. First of all, I have heard John Lennon on the radio before and I thought that the Beatles were really amazing, so I decided to read this book. Second, this book is descriptive, so you are able to see what all the screaming girls were like and the suspense of the gun shot was like. Also, when I first started reading this book I was like, this is going to be a funny book because when ever someone says something about John it seems to be strange. Next, my parents sometimes talk about the Beatles and how they were the best thing when they were young. I found it interesting how they really were the people who actually made Rock and Roll popular. There was only one thing that that was really sad and that was when John Lennon got shot. He was not expecting for his life to end when he was only 40-years-old. Overall, there is many reasons why I find John Lennon's life interesting.
August 20, 2016
Thais book is so full of lies and unsubstanciated crap! I read and purchased this book before I knew better, before I knew about anything Beatles related. First and foremost, the people he interviewed were either minor hangers on that knew nothing or completly misquoted. As usual Cynthia and Julian and most of JOhn's family were relegated to minor irritations. The loving relationships that he had with them completly erased. Even his relationship with Yoko seemed sterile and immoral (which in some way sit was at the beginning but not after the divorces) Any John Lennon fan would do better than to own this book. Knowing what I know now and the way Ray Coleman has crucified and lied about almost every person he has ever had the opportunity to write about, I will never buy another one of his books!
March 5, 2016
I've read many Beatles and Lennon biographies over the years; I cant honestly say which is the most accurate. I would say the this one would make a pretty good claim, having been written by someone genuinely close to Lennon, but I really dont know. There have been so many conflicting claims made over the years, all by people claiming equal authority. I can say that this book would have benefited from better editing as chronology is not followed, and this can make for considerable confusion. There are quite a few photos that be interesting if the were a little larger and a little clearer, especially the ones of writing and drawings. I dont know; I think I was just expecting more. I'd probably feel differently if I had read this 10 or 20 years ago.
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