Being a Beatle fanatic and even more a George Harrison fan, this work pleases the soul. With the introduction and notes from George's close friend, writer Derek Taylor, the book gives the reader a glimpse in to life of a very humble man who gained an inordinate amount of wealth and fame.

An overall look at his life before, with and beyond the Beatles, it doesn't offer many new insights or points of gossip. The Beatles and his relationships with the other three are given the proverbial nod.
What is brought to the surface is of the essence of the man himself, his loves, his loses and what is more important in HIS life. His family, his friends, his music, interests and spirituality are given more attention.

The gold mine that is here for the reader and fan is the summary and background given each, if not all, of Harrison's songs. How and why they were written, and what the inspiration was behind them. The lyrics of each song are supplemented along with reproductions of the original handwritten lyric sheets collected by George over the years. Along with photos documenting the stages of Harrison's life the reader is brought closer to a man whose life and work has affected us all for the better, I believe!

It was refreshing to read an autobiography which was not ghost written by a professional writer. George's personality, wit, and humor shine through on the page and amplify his songs. The all too brief section of the book which was composed of his memoirs alternates sections written by George with passages by Derek Taylor, a long time confidante of George and the Beatles. Derek's passages provide a narrative structure that George's more free form achronological writing hangs onto.

As a life-long Beatle fan, I found the book fascinating. This isn't the first book that you want to read about the Beatles or George, but it is one which indispensable for any serious fan. I particularly liked the back half of the book where he has the lyrics of many of his Beatles songs and solo career songs, brief comments on the songs, and reproductions of the original notes for the songs. This back half is more of resource, something to flip through while listening to one of George's albums. It probably isn't something you would want to read straight through.

I remember when the book was first published in as a limited run leather bound book. It was prohibitively expensive and I was happy when a friend lent me his copy. It only took me 20 years to get one of my own - even if it isn't leather bound.

It has never been acceptable merely to be passionate about The Beatles collectively: You MUST have a personal favorite. John Lennon was always mine, by dint of his court jester persona and his wordsmithing, with George Harrison a close second. Being shy myself, I identified with the so-called Quiet Beatle and liked his scornful "don't bother me" attitude, which was integral to so many of his songs. Harrison's meticulous and versatile guitar work, never show-offish and always tasteful, was my main inspiration for wanting to learn to play, too. The Beatle least comfortable with his immortality, Harrison could be openly contemptuous of Beatlemania and often referred to himself ruefully as Beatle George, a title he felt he could never live down. Off-putting to some, maybe, his cantankerousness only made Harrison more interesting to me.

Predictably, Harrison takes a larkish approach to telling his life story. In his foreword, he facetiously calls "I Me Mine" (named after a forgettable tune from "Let It Be") "a little ego detour," but the book's tone is actually rather self-effacing. It's not an autobiography per se, although there is a six chapter text section that hits the high points of Harrison's life up until that time (late Seventies) and allows the mystical Beatle to rhapsodize on some of his passions: spirituality, gardening and, surprisingly, Formula One motor racing. Written by Harrison in a conversational style, with extensive "notes" by longtime Beatles confidant/press officer Derek Taylor, the text is a rambling sketch of a very private man determined to stay that way. (A clue to Harrison's reticence is found in the book's "backword," where he includes the cryptic quote, "Tell not all that you know because he who tells all that he knows, often tells more than he knows.") Luckily for his admirers, Harrison would more forthcoming, particularly on Beatle matters, in "The Beatles Anthology".

The photo section (48 black and white plates) is extraordinary, with lots of unique snaps that haven't seen print before in countless other Beatle books. Two of my favorites: a box of Good News chocolates, the inspiration for Harrison's "Savoy Truffle" from "The White Album," and a cancelled check for one million pounds paid to Inland Revenue, which the notorious taxman-baiter calls "punishment for being cheeky and making lots of money."

The bulk of the book is devoted to examining Harrison's songs, beginning with "Don't Bother Me" from "Meet the Beatles" (1964) through "Blow Away" from the excellent "George Harrison" LP (1979). For each song, Harrison provides a brief (usually) insight into his inspiration and shares his original, handwritten lyric sheets, replete with notes and illustrations. While words were never really Harrison's forte, it's still fascinating to glimpse a Beatle's creative process in such detail. The book includes the final versions of Harrison's songs as they were recorded, and it's interesting to compare them to the working models. "Taxman," in particular, was very rough indeed until Lennon offered Harrison the use of his acid pen - a fact Harrison curiously fails to mention here.

TRIVIA NOTE: The book's first edition was a signed, limited edition of 2,000 numbered copies, hand-bound in leather, by Genesis Publications, Ltd., Guildford, Surrey, England. My humble copy of "I Me Mine" is a 1980 Simon and Schuster edition, a birthday present from my sister (George was her favorite Beatle) in 1983.

I can't believe I am the first naysayer to weigh in.
For starters, referring to this elfin tome as a "BOOK" is patently misleading. At 95 pages (15 are picture pages-another 5 pages are predominantly maps or photocopies of letters)I think "pamphlet" or perhaps "brochure" would be a better description of what your [money] will get you. Also be advised that NO SINGLE PICTURE INCLUDED IN THIS BOOK WAS TAKEN DURING GEORGE'S VISIT!! NOT ONE!!
Combine this information with the fact that the author was nowhere near Benton Illinois in 1963. Now you're starting to get the picture.
The concept is a good one- I purchased the book in appreciation of that fact. Mr. Kirkpatrick, however, does not come close to delivering the goods. I was disappointed to say the very least.
On the bright side, I only wasted an hour reading it from front to back.
I would describe this book as a pathetic ploy to separate Beatles/Harrison fans from [some money]. Shipping and handling extra.
For the record, I am a 52 year old Beatles fan/musician who actually saw the group on their last tour.

I was fortunate enough to purchase a copy of this book from George Harrison's sister Louise Harrison, at Liverpool Days in Pasadena this year. I must tell you that she fully endorsed the book as being true by offering it up for sale. I had a chance to talk with her at length and louise is a forthright, humorous woman. After reading the book (being a 53 year old woman who is a die-hard Beatles fan) I felt I had a little more understanding of the times and of George's vast curiousity of the US. Ultimately I became a huge admirer of George's for his belief of a higher power and his quest to know more. I would highly recommend this book for a little peek into this most private man's early life. The goodness and kindness of this man should never be forgotten. I think he was always FAB, he just didn't know it at an early age.

Being a Beatles fan from southern Illinois who enjoys quirky Illinois history, I thought this book was a perfect fit for me. Granted, it delves into minutiae that only the most obsessed Beatles or Harrison fans will appreciate, so casual fans be warned. Jim Kirkpatrick did a splendid job on such a specific topic, and had access to Louise Harrison, who was more than willing to share the stories from September 1963. I also enjoyed the firsthand recollections from other people whose paths Harrison crossed when he was still a nobody in the U.S. Out of the 25+ Beatle-related books I own, this is one of my favorites.

Alf claims to be the first rock n' roll bodyguard and it's interesting to read how he fell into the job. A nice guy and a nice read but if you are buying this to read controversial info on celebrities, you will disappointed.

Alf describes his early life, history in the service and boxing followed by his foray into the life of a bodyguard. Alf has great history with the Beatles particularly, but also the Stones, Led Zeppelin, Cher and Frank Sinatra as well as many others. While he talks about the good traits, there is no dirt or secrets about these people.

Probably the most interesting relationship he has is with Mike Nesmith of the Monkees. Mike comes across as an interesting guy stuck in a bubble gum band that wants to evolve on a higher level musically.

While this is an enjoyable read, there is no real meat to the book that would need to be there to sell in large numbers.

Alf Weaver tells it like it is. No bull****, no boring stories, but ballsy writing and a whole bunch of stuff about all your favourite rock 'n' roll stars.

Lots of former friends of the stars write kiss and tells, but forget about the kissing and the telling. Weaver ain't one of them. He's got the juice on everyone from Frank Sinatra to The Beatles and also a lot of interesting stuff about The Monkees, Led Zeppelin and all the great bands from the 60s and 70s.

I've been hunting for a book about common backyard birds which had big, clear pictures, to make it easier for my young kids (5, 3 and 1.5 years) to see the distinguishing characteristics of each bird. The photographs in this book are beautiful! The colors are crisp, details are vivid. Many of the scenes are breathtaking -- birds in flight, feeding their young. The pictures are also large, each occupies an entire page.

Of course, Harrison includes information on the birds -- descriptions, what they eat, their habitats, how to attract them, etc. The info is at par with the other bird books. The photos make the difference. I highly recommend this for both beginner bird watchers (like my family), and for bird lovers.

I AM PRETTY SURE THIS SECOND VOLUME IS STILL AVAILABLE THROUGH THE PUBLISHERS: GENESIS PUBLICATIONS LTD GUILDFORD, SURREY ENGLAND

I had been searching for a transcription of Handel's majestic Royal Fireworks Overture for the pipe organ for quite some time. Finding this book was a godsend. Thanks Amazon!

I planned to send this book to a friend in Australia, as we were exchanging books on the most favorite birds of our area. There were only about 12 species listed and only 12 color photographs. Granted there was a lot of information about their habitat, but there were many birds that I would deem more favorite than those listed. What about the red polls and juncos? And they photographed a female blue jay, rather than the more brilliant male. I'd take a pass on this book.

I've had this book for years, and enjoy it immensely. I love all the details given about some of the most common backyard birds. The pictures are great, although they are not in color. But this book shines in the written word. I highly recommend it. Especially for the beginning birder!
( I give it 4 stars because the pictures are not it color)

For those who are NOT avid bird watchers but fascinated and curious about the feathered residents in one's backyard, this book is enjoyable and easy reading. It has identified every bird commonly found in the backyard, explains theirs habits and reasons for behavior. I didn't want to put this book down. It really gave me insight to my feathered friends in our backyard. What fun to understand what they do and why!!!! I had no idea that one of my frequent birdhouse occupants builds "mock" nests all around the backyard not only to stake his area but to let the female choose the one she prefers. Highly recommend this book for those who enjoy sitting in their backyards, do gardening, listen to the birds sing, and watch them as they dart around and nest in the Spring!!!

I am under the belief that the people that wrote favorable reviews for this book were related to Harrison Clark (the author).

Although the book contains a lot of great information, the format, the grammar, and the lack of good maps limits the readers understanding.

format - there were times when the text was so disjointed that I had to reread sections several times and sit down with pen an paper to map out his ideas.

grammar - the author, for example, will tell a story about several men. When continuing the story about one man specifically Harrison will refer to the person as "him" without letting the reader know which of the men to whom he is making the reference.

maps - The author refers to a lot of places, but doesn't map them out so it is hard to gain an understanding of what is happening in the book.

If you haven't purchased this book - don't. Given Harrison's creditials this book is a disappointment.

I found this author to be a very cumbersome writer. He delivers a lot of great information, but often in a scattered, non grammatically correct format. This has caused me to reread sections of the book and make assessments about what the author is attempting to convey. For example, the author could be telling a story about 3 men and then continue talking only about one of them - but never tells the reader about which man he is speaking....he only refers to the man as "him". For a man of his credentials, I am really disappointed.

The first of Harrison Clark's two-parter on George Washington focuses on Washington's life and career up through 1781, and this volume closes with the victory at Yorktown that effectively ended the American Revolution.

I would take issue with the Book Description (above) which describes the main character in this book as the "youthful Washingon, one not transformed into the dignified figure we associate with our first president." While Washington does not become president at any point in these pages, all the traits that we look for in Washington -- the dignified figure, master politician and diplomat, and inspirational leader -- are already in well in place by the final third of this book. One factor that practically leaps off the pages is the all-out adoration that men and women alike, regardless of their place in society, felt for the man. Clark lets those who saw and interacted with Washington do the talking through their letters or diaries, and Washington's charisma shines brightly from these pages.

Clark has chosen to let Washington and his contemporaries tell the story of Washington's life and career through their own writings, and it would be a welcome choice but for one thing -- the book is organized so clumsily as to become disjointed. Rather than edit and organize the various writings into a narrative, Clark instead divides each chapter up into what I can only think to describe as a series of short vignettes.

For example, chapter 19, "Cambridge and Boston," is broken up into 11 smaller parts, some of them only half a page long. It makes progress rather like reading a college textbook, with each section broken into smaller subsections, separated by its own little bold-faced headline ("The Vanishing Army"). Clark does tend to group events into short pieces that make sense on their own, but lack the context of the larger story.

Clark wisely spends most of his time in this book outlining Washington's career in the Continental Army, but it is sometimes difficult to get an appreciation for the battles and skirmishes Washington fought because the maps of the battle sites are almost completely useless. The map of the 1776 New York Campaign, for example, is difficult to align with almost anything in the text.

It's a shame that Clark has chosen such a floppy format in which to present his information, because there's some really first-rate stuff in here (the chapter on Benedict Arnold's treason is a highlight of the book, although it, too, gets bogged down in some disjointed narration). If you've not had the opportunity to read Washington's own letters from this period, Clark provides you with lots of samples of Washington's writings which, by themselves, make this volume worth owning. But if you're looking for an easily accessible, readable biography, this one probably isn't for you.

Five stars for wealth of information presented, but only one star for the format, bringing this one down to a three.

He certainly is the "quiet beatle". Giuliano couldn't even find enough on George to fill a cassette. Instead we get an endlessly long press conference featuring John & Paul. George might have been there. Then another endless prattle from his discredited Yogi. This is not a tribute to anyone. It's a travesty. Giuliano is a parasite & should quit feeding off of dead Beatles who cannot defend themselves from his ilk.

Dear Geoffrey,

I would like to contact you by e-mail, but it sems to be impossible to find your address. So maybe this will get your attention.

This is the best audio have heard in a long time. I mean the only thing better than this is actually talking to George himself.

I just want to thank you for making me, a very hardcore Beatles fan, you make me appreciate what I grew up with. I mean, what our children is listening to now they won't remember when they are our age. Thank you again.

Ever an engima, George Harrison was the heart and soul of the Beatles and Geoffrey Giuliano, in his usual frank, forthcoming and insightful way given us the George harrison we always felt was there but we could never quite grab hold of. The script and naration are first rate as is the rare montage of interviews with and about the legendary, mystical musician. A must for any even casually interested sixties pop music fan! A brilliant work!

Not The best George Harrison book out there. Very tough read due to a lot of meaningless detail.

All i can say is that this author is some bitter hack, who tries to reduce George Harrison to the level of mediocrity. Very boring with no real insight or focus. Also it just left me with a bad taste in my mouth, brain, & heart.

I'm surprised at the negativity and hatred this book spawns. ... I enjoyed this book. So much of Beatles literature is paved with the same regurgitated facts. This book in no way adds a tremendous amount of knowledge, but at least it paints a fairly unique portrait of George, unlike the Guiliano book. The book is often cumbersome in its Britishness, but I appreciate the author's take on a guy who might as well be St. George ... This book isn't the bible, but a perspective.