John Lennon

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For over 25 years, Philip Norman's bestselling Shout! has stood as the definitive Beatles biography. Now, he focuses on the Beatle who sought more than just fame. Utilizing previously untapped sources and gaining unprecedented access to key figures, this biography offers a comprehensive and revealing portrait of John Lennon. It explores every facet of his well-documented life, including the songs that have elevated him to a near-secular saint status posthumously. Through three years of research, Norman uncovers a wealth of new information about familiar episodes in Lennon's life, such as his upbringing by his strict Aunt Mimi, his supposedly wasted school years, and his creative partnership with Paul McCartney. The narrative delves into his love affair with a Japanese performance artist, his ventures into painting and literature, and his experiences with Transcendental Meditation, primal scream therapy, and drugs. Key informants include Sir Paul McCartney, Sir George Martin, Sean Lennon, who shares poignant memories of his father, and Yoko Ono, who candidly discusses their marriage. Honest and unflinching, this biography reveals the complexities of Lennon—tough yet cynical, funny yet vulnerable—while highlighting how the mother who gave him away haunted his mind and music throughout his life.