John & Paul

A Love Story in Songs

By: Ian Leslie

Narrated by: Chris Addison

*INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER*

"We think we know everything, but author Ian Leslie proves otherwise. His new book, 'John & Paul: A Love Story in Songs,' is, astonishingly, one of the few to offer a detailed narrative of John Lennon and Paul McCartney’s partnership. And it’s a revelation." ―Los Angeles Times

"It is stunning to follow Leslie’s insights into how far and fast John and Paul traveled, how profound their preternatural alliance was, and how epic their heroic journey. I’m sorry John isn’t here to read this book. I hope if Paul does read it he feels the depth of appreciation and gratitude and intelligence it contains." ―The New York Times

John Lennon and Paul McCartney knew each other for twenty-three years, from 1957 to 1980. This book is the myth-shattering biography of a relationship that changed the cultural history of the world.

The Beatles shook the world to its core in the 1960’s and, to this day, new generations continue to fall in love with their songs and their story. At the heart of this phenomenon lies the dynamic between John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Few other musical partnerships have been rooted in such a deep, intense and complicated personal relationship.

John and Paul’s relationship was defined by its complexity: compulsive, tender and tempestuous; full of longing, riven by jealousy. Like the band, their relationship was always in motion, never in equilibrium for long. John & Paul traces its twists and turns and reveals how these shifts manifested themselves in the music. The two of them shared a private language, rooted in the stories, comedy and songs they both loved as teenagers, and later, in the lyrics of Beatles songs.

In John & Paul, acclaimed writer Ian Leslie uses the songs they wrote to trace the shared journey of these two compelling men before, during, and after The Beatles. Drawing on recently released footage and recordings, Leslie offers us an intimate and insightful new look at two of the greatest icons in music history, and rich insights into the nature of creativity, collaboration, and human intimacy.

©2025 Ian Leslie (P)2025 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

We think we know everything, but author Ian Leslie proves otherwise. His new book, 'John & Paul: A Love Story in Songs,' is, astonishingly, one of the few to offer a detailed narrative of John Lennon and Paul McCartney’s partnership. And it’s a revelation."
―Los Angeles Times

"In John & Paul: A Love Story in Songs, author Ian Leslie details their union with perceptive insights bolstered by extensive research."
―People

"John & Paul shows us that the band’s collective closeness grew out of an earlier intimacy between the Beatles’ twinned geniuses. It celebrates the convoluted, beautiful and tragic nature of a songwriting partnership that still reverberates across the universe." ―Wall Street Journal

Redefines the Beatles biography

Clever, insightful and groundbreaking, a telling of the familiar Beatles story from a completely new and perpetually surprising angle. This is the Beatles book everyone should read.

Fresh Perspective

I didn’t think there was anything new to be said about the Beatles, in particular Lennon and McCartney. A friend recommended this and I thought “why not?” not having any expectation beyond a pleasant trip down memory lane. That expectation was blown away in the first few pages. The author did a great job taking a look at two of music’s most iconic figures in a fresh way. And in a way that makes the most sense - through their music. It’s a remarkable achievement and I thoroughly enjoyed the book and rediscovered the music that means so much to me having come of age to its soundscape. The narration is first rate, especially the narrator’s facility in mimicking John and Paul’s voices convincingly. Nice touch. Great read.

The premise, the story, just magic

My favorite audiobook. I wish i could listen over and over and over again. My friend, the walrus, until the end,

More Than A Day In The Life

I’m a huge Beatle fan and since my husband and I were traveling to London as well as Liverpool, I thought it would be interesting to listen while traveling.
I couldn’t have chosen a better book to listen to. Not only was this book well written the narrator did a fantastic job.
While traveling I was able to connect so much with what I was seeing and hearing. Especially while visiting Abby Road, Penny Lane and Strawberry Field.
Whether you are a huge fan or just enjoy some of their music, I highly recommend and will make you appreciate their contributions to our lives even more.
Well done!!!

John and Paul

Intriguing perspective! I enjoyed every word. As a Beatlemaniac from the very beginning, I loved it!

A Fascinating and Heartfelt Look at Lennon and McC

“John and Paul: A Love Story” by Ian Leslie is a deeply insightful and beautifully written exploration of one of the most legendary creative partnerships in music history. As a longtime Beatles fan, I found this book to be both enlightening and moving. Leslie does a masterful job peeling back the layers of John Lennon and Paul McCartney’s complex relationship—capturing the brilliance, tension, affection, and creative rivalry that fueled so much of their iconic music.

The narration by Chris Addison was excellent—engaging, clear, and perfectly paced. He brings warmth and energy to the story without overshadowing the material, making the audiobook a compelling listen from start to finish.

What I loved most were the fresh insights into John and Paul’s emotional and artistic bond. This wasn’t just a biography—it felt like a meditation on friendship, collaboration, and the fragile balance between love and ego in creative relationships.

Highly recommended for Beatles fans, music lovers, and anyone interested in the dynamics of great partnerships.

A true standout Beatles book

Look, I fancy myself to be a very excellent and intuitive Beatles historian, and to be honest I often find myself a filled with rage at the projections all over most Beatles biographies that I don’t even finish them. Most Beatles biographers give a very “good old boys” country club, square vibe—strange, considering who the Beatles were and what they represented, but I guess that’s the way of it. Give something 60 years and what was once offensive and revolutionary becomes mainstream.

I digress. Ian Leslie is the best, most sensitive, and thoughtful biographer of the Beatles that I have ever read. Finally, some common sense and emotional intelligence! His capability to read between the lines of the documented facts and outline the actual relationship between John and Paul is second to none. The difficulty of their connection is incredibly relevant to what the world is going through right now, making this story more relevant than ever.

The Beatles came to encode a new reality into the human race. I don’t think even they themselves ever fully understood what they were doing. But the important thing is that they were felt deeply, were flawed deeply, and from that place—led by the deeply spiritual bond between John and Paul—they generated the music that changed the world forever.

This book is well narrated, beautifully paced, endlessly interesting, contains a few anecdotes that even I had never heard, and had me in tears by the end. That’s something no Beatles book has ever done. Incredibly well done, Mr Leslie. Thank you.

One of Those Rare Books ...

... you absolutely hate to see end. Almost passed on this one since I know a lot about the Beatles and didn't think I'd learn anything new. Wrong. Outstanding on every level.

I’m looking through you

Loved it - the glimpse into their lives - John and Paul - and gaining insight into the music and the relationship and the steps they took on the way to fame and fortune, Also - all the social trends they were at the forefront of - LSD, fame, meditation, peace, activism.. very insightful and enlightening. Love it. Brought me back to 3rd grade and hours spent in my basement singing to their songs. Who wasn’t in love with their music and personas?

Excellent background especially into the music

I've been a Beatles fan since 1963, saw them live twice. This book provides new insights into their story and especially enlightening analysis of the making of their music.