A Tale of Two Beatles Books
A Fab Review
Hello there! As someone who's been following the Beatles since their Cavern Club days (and yes, I was there, sweating along with everyone else), I'm chuffed to bits to compare these two gems from 1964, right when Beatlemania was turning the world topsy-turvy. Let me take you down (strawberry fields reference intended, mates!) through these fascinating time capsules of Beatles literature.
Introduction
The year was 1964, and everyone wanted a piece of the Beatles pie. Two publishing houses - Macfadden and Lancer - jumped onto the Magical Mystery bus with their respective offerings: "All About The Beatles" by Edward De Blasio and "The Beatles Up To Date." Both books captured that magnificent moment when four Liverpool lads were changing the face of popular music forever.
All About The Beatles History: Published by Macfadden-Bartell as a mass-market paperback, this 96-page wonder landed on shelves just after the Beatles' first American invasion. With chapter titles like "B-Day Minus" and "Vass Iss Dese Kids?" (a nod to their Hamburg days, perhaps?), it promised readers the "fantastic inside story of the wildest - and woolliest - quartet in show business."
Contemporary Reviews: The book received a warm reception, with fans particularly appreciating its timing - capturing the raw excitement of the Beatles' initial American success. It was praised for its accessibility and wealth of photographs, though some critics found it somewhat superficial.
Personal Review: Reading this book now, it's like stepping into a time machine, yeah yeah yeah! De Blasio's writing style captures the breathless excitement of the era perfectly. While it might lack the historical depth we'd expect today, it's an authentic slice of Beatlemania, served fresh from the oven. The black and white plates are particularly evocative, though they've got nothing on my memories of seeing the lads live at the Cavern!
The Beatles Up To Date History: Lancer Books delivered this gem as a "Special" edition (72-746), positioning it as the most current Beatles book available. What makes it particularly interesting is its inclusion of other Mersey Sound artists, placing the Beatles within the broader context of the British Invasion.
Contemporary Reviews: The book made waves for its exclusive content, particularly the first photos from the Beatles' movie (A Hard Day's Night, though they don't mention it by name). Fans were especially keen on the coverage of the Official Fan Club and the Beatles' Florida adventures.
Personal Review: This one's a bit different from your average Beatles book, and that's what makes it special - like Ringo's drumming, if you catch my drift! The inclusion of the Dave Clark Five, Gerry and the Pacemakers, and The Searchers provides a fuller picture of the Liverpool scene. The colour photograph on the front cover is worth the price alone - though I've got a few snaps of my own that could give it a run for its money!
The Verdict
If I had to pick one (and believe me, it's harder than choosing between "Please Please Me" and "With The Beatles"), I'd give the edge to "The Beatles Up To Date." While De Blasio's book is a thoroughly enjoyable romp through early Beatlemania, the Lancer publication offers a broader perspective and more exclusive content. Its coverage of the Liverpool scene and the inclusion of contemporary bands provides valuable context that helps explain why the Beatles were so revolutionary.
As Paul might say (though I'm not him, mind you), it's the little things that make it special - like that colour cover photo and those exclusive snaps from their movie. It's got that extra gear, just like when we first heard that opening chord of "A Hard Day's Night."
But hey, any true Beatles fan should try to get their hands on both - they're like strawberries and cream, better together than apart!