Edited by Scott Freiman

Preface by Patti Smith

Also available from:

On Sale: Oct 22, 2013
Page Count: 672 pages
Publisher: Black Dog & Leventhal
ISBN-13: 9781579129521

In this lively and fully-illustrated work, two music historians break down every album and every song ever released by the Beatles, from “Please Please Me” (U.S. 1963) to “The Long and Winding Road” (U.S. 1970).

All the Songs delves deep into the history and origins of the Beatles and their music. This first-of-its-kind book draws upon decades of research, as music historians Margotin and Guesdon recount the circumstances that led to the composition of every song, the recording process, and the instruments used.

Here, we learn that one of John Lennon’s favorite guitars was a 1958 Rickenbacker 325 Capri, which he bought for £100 in 1960 in Hamburg, Germany. We also learn that “Love Me Do,” recorded in Abbey Road Studios in September 1962, took 18 takes to get right, even though it was one of the first songs John and Paul ever wrote together. The authors also reveal that when the Beatles performed “I Want to Hold Your Hand” on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964, John’s microphone wasn’t turned on, so viewers only heard Paul singing.

There are hundreds of photographs throughout the book, including rare black-and-white publicity stills, images of the Beatles’ instruments, and engaging shots of the musicians at work in the recording studio.

All the Songs is the must-have book for the any true Beatles fan.

Genre:

Series:

All The Songs

"Fun facts about every one of the Fab Four's creations, with photos. Yeah yeah yeah."
People
"Fifty years ago, the Beatles released their debut album. ... if you're a fan and All the Songs: The Story Behind Every Beatles Release makes it onto your coffee table, chances are that it'll be the one least likely to leave. Music historians Jean-Michel Guesdon and Philippe Margotin dissect, discuss and analyze every song, from 'Please Please Me' (1963) to 'The Long and Winding Road' (1970). There's a well- written 'Genesis' and 'Production' section for each song, as well as enough technical tables to please everyone's inner nerd, not to mention 600 photographs.
Wall Street Journal
"Everybody has a Beatles fan in their life, and you'll make them very happy if you give them a copy of All the Songs: The Story Behind Every Beatles Release."
Newsday
"A perfect giftt for the Fab-Four fanatic."
New York Post
"This is rock-solid stuff .... Yields all sorts of surprises, even for the initiated.... Essential for Beatles fans and a pleasure to read."

Kirkus Reviews
"Beautiful layout and plenty of photos throughout.... And if that isn't enough, Patti Smith wrote the book's preface."
A.V. Club, 'Our Favorite Books of the Year
"Impossible not to like for Beatle-types."
The Nation

$55.00

$70.00 CAD

Format

Format:

Hardcover $55.00 $70.00 CAD
ebook $19.99 $24.99 CAD

By clicking ‘Sign Up,’ I acknowledge that I have read and agree to Hachette Book Group’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Use

Jean-Michel Guesdon

About the Author

Jean-Michel Guesdon, a musician, composer, and sound engineer, who wrote with Philippe Margotin All the Songs: The Story Behind Every Beatles Release, Bob Dylan All the Songs: The Story Behind Every Track, The Rolling Stones All the Songs: The Story Behind Every Track, and Pink Floyd All the Songs: The Story Behind Every Track. He lives in Paris.

Learn more about this author

Philippe Margotin

About the Author

Philippe Margotin has written numerous books on music, including biographies of U2 and Radiohead, as well as All the Songs: The Story Behind Every Beatles Release, Bob Dylan All the Songs: The Story Behind Every Track, and Pink Floyd All the Songs: The Story Behind Every Track. He lives in Paris.

Learn more about this author