The Beatles

By: Hunter Davies

Narrated by: Edward Lewis

Length: 16 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

In this behind-the-scenes look at the most famous musical group in history, Hunter Davies gives the complete story of the Beatles. First published in 1968, this second revised edition from 1996 has added information including a new introduction and three updated appendices: Beatles Places, Beatles Memorabilia, and Beatles Books. As the only authorized biographer, Davies had full access to the Fab Four, as well as their help and ecouragement. He spent 18 months with them when they were at the peak of their musical genius and at the pinnacle of their popularity, making a mark on history and popular culture that would never fade. Davies stayed on with the Beatles through their breakup and remained friends with the individual members afterward, enabling him to write the continuing story of their solo careers. His is the inside story that "does not shy away from any mean and gritty little facts" ( The New Yorker). This is a book no Beatles junkie - or any fan of rock music - should be without.

©1996 by Hunter Davies (P)1998 by Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"...His hard work and the obvious trust the Beatles have in him allow us to see the young musicians for the first time as interesting, fallible, corporeal creatures, each quite different from the others, each with his own history and hang-ups and hopes." (Newsweek)

well done, Mr. Davies

...very well done. I really appreciated The integrity Mr. Davies. Thank you , Sir. The best i've have read.

Would of been a million times better if

the narrator spoke with an English accent. Seriously, quotes from all The Beatles, the parents, the British fans, whoever lost something, actually lost a lot of authenticity. The British humor did not show through. Things that would have sound funny, sounded mundane, such as when Aunt Mimi chastised George's mother for encouraging their behavior of playing in a band. It really hurt the audible version on this book. Can't believe that it would be done like this. Such a big disappointment.
Only have to listen to other Beatle biographies done with a British accent to appreciate what I am talking about such as Phillip Norman's books. Would of made a good audible book absolutely fantastic.

Interesting

Narrators voice is very annoying. Text is written in many short sentences, sounds disjointed. A very hard listen. Jeff Emericks book much better.

Not bad

I really enjoyed learning more about the Beatles, and this is written very well. Two problems, though. One, the narrator's voice is annoying. Two, the book is not really what it seems. After the two very long introductions to further editions, in which you learn that the original only covers the early years and is full of mistakes because of legal issues, it is really disappointing to learn that it hasn't been revised at all! It seems foolish to republish this without improving it.

The Beatles- from an eyewitness

This book is from Hunter Davies, a peer and columnist who spent two ters with the Beatles and told their authorized bio. Importantly there are two additions to the book written at later times that include conversation "Hunt" had with the Beatles in later years. It is a very good book and I recomment it to one and all.
The only offputting and curious choice is the Narrator. The Beatles hail from Liverpool, Hunter Davies is from London. The narrator has an American accent and at times it sounds almost robotic.
The narrator is a headwind to be endured but the book is good enough and important enough to overlook it.

Strange Brew

The cool thing about this book is that most of it was written in the height of The Beatles’ most famous years. It was interesting to hear John and Cynthia interviewed together. Pre-Yoko Ono. Likewise, Paul and Jane Asher were an item when the majority of the interviewing for the book took place. I have read many books in The Beatles, but not many that included personal interviews given during this period of their lives.
The strange part was hearing the British slang read with an American accent. The reader read well, but it would have been more accurate to the author and the books’ subjects if the reader had had a British accent.
Overall, a highly interesting book for a Beatles fan born too late to have lived through the 60’s.

Bad narration

Edward Lewis sounds like a teenage robot. This book needs a British voice for narration.

Rediscovered Fan

I was in Vietnam when this book was published and was well into the book when I realized that I was listening to a bit of history that had been written when it was all happening. Interesting to relive the excitement that the Beatles brought from over the pond and learned a few things I did not know about the group. Well worth the read for the pure enjoyment of the memories of the time.

100% Beatles

A very detailed book of early lives with parents, the people changed thru 4 sets in Hamburg, people in their lives. Long book, but worth the read if you are a big Beatles fan. Goes from 1950s up to about 1968. Thoroughly researched by Davies.

Fascinating.

Davies Catches a Glimps of Beatles Magic

Was transported back in time to learn things I did not know. But more importantly, I now feel that I know "the boys" that changed the world during a time I did not experience.