Beatles '66: The Revolutionary Year Hardcover – 3 Nov. 2016

I've not even finished reading this book yet but am certain it is one of the best books I've ever read on the Beatles. It covers their transition from so called 'loveable moptops' to counter-cultural beacons of the coming psychedelic era. It's a month by month account of a year in the lives of them and it makes you feel you are gaining new insights into them as individuals and creative artists. It also takes you into their social lives, their relationships with other peers and people around them and the research that went into this book is superb. The chapters on 'Revolver' are fascinating and makes you realise how hard they worked on their music, often totally re-arranging some songs from their original conception. It makes me want to go back and listen to an album I've heard countless times and also makes me realise that 'Revolver' is an even better and more innovative album that I thought it was.

The Beatles are my favourite band ever. The music that they were creating in this period still astounds today. Tomorrow never knows sounds as if it could be a brand new dance track! This book gives a detailed diary of arguably their most creative year- 1966. Each month is reported in a fresh and inventive way, not the usual "And John's more popular than Jesus comment caused problems in the bible belt" cut and paste style of prose which is in almost every Beatles history book. This captures the group in a staggering evolution of their music, from still "Mop tops" in January, to Pyschadelic pioneers and general studio wizards. This publication gives a superbly deep account of Fab's scholarship and reveals titbits and revelations that I had never heard of before. What other act would stop touring when they are the worlds top act? None- I should think. It's easy to forget how rigid the pop scene was in this era- three singles a year, a pot boiler of an album in time for Christmas, and each act taking about fifteen minutes to record a track. How about making an album that takes about a fortnight for each song? No? How about splicing takes in different chords in making a new 45 over three weeks? No one else comes close! I wholeheartedly recommend that every Beatles fan, long time or new, reads this book! A future classic!

What a brilliant read. Really takes you through the pivotal year of 1966, for Britain, the world, music and the beatles. Unbelievable detail to the life of the beatles during the period of transition from concert performance to masters of studio recording. It really makes you listen more intently to the tracks on revolver, giving a background to how they were written, recorded and reviewed. Highly recommended.

I love this book ... it's forensically researched so the reader feels 'in the room' during such a pivotal year for the Fabs ... highly recommended for anyone curious to discover what the individual members were (probably) up to during their enigmatic hiatus

Great book on my favourite Beatles year 1966. Not just because it's my birth year but the Beatles simply were at the top of the game as a complete group Lots of new stuff which is getting harder to find as the years go on. I really enjoyed this book

I liked it. An easy read offering lots of detail that I haven’t come across before, achieved without becoming bogged down or boring. If the author writes a similar book on 1967, I’ll read it.

Best Beatle account of key year of 66'.As a fan I was astounded to discover new facts and insights conveyed through freshly unearthed interviews. Highly detailed and rigorously researched month by month developments. Leaves one wanting more of this author's passionate revelations

Comprehensive...recommended.Much more detail than most other Beatle biographies.What about other Beatle years, are there any plans for other publications??