Philip Norman
'A thorough, objective telling of McCartney's story - in and out of the most famous band ever.' ESQUIRE
The first biography written with McCartney's approval and with access to family members and friends closest to him.
In 2013, Sir Paul McCartney granted Philip Norman 'tacit approval' as his biographer. The result is a masterly and complex portrait of the most successful songwriter in history.
It gives a unique insight into McCartney's childhood, blighted by the loss of his mother when he was fourteen, and into the creative symbiosis and fierce rivalry between John Lennon and himself that powered the Beatles' music. Here, too, for the first time, is the full story of McCartney's triumphant but troubled post-Beatles years: the tragic death of his first wife, Linda, and the chaotic divorce from his second wife, Heather Mills.
Paul McCartney is the definitive life of a long-misunderstood genius that superbly evokes half a century of popular music and culture.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY 11 APR 2016
Norman, following up on his bestselling biography of John Lennon (John Lennon: A Life), interviews hundreds of Paul McCartney's family, friends, and associates to draw the most complete picture of the former Beatle; however, the book's thoroughness renders it a tiresome march through scores of facts and familiar details that will appeal primarily to ardent McCartney fans. Proceeding in a year-by-year fashion, Norman ranges over McCartney's childhood; the death of his mother, which he later used as the basis of "Let It Be"; his early days with his mates John and George as the Quarrymen; and the Beatles' squalid living conditions in Hamburg. No stone is left unturned as Norman proceeds to the infamous last days of the Beatles, the early days of Wings, McCartney's marriage to musician and photographer Linda Eastman and the effect her death had on him, his short-lived and controversial marriage to model Heather Mills, and his relationship with his father. As Norman happily points out, while many stories of musical superstars end tragically, McCartney has enjoyed a prolonged era of happiness, especially since his 2011 marriage to trucking executive Nancy Shevell. Norman succeeds in drawing a familiar picture of a restless musician who's always seeking to make himself over again, and who still gets a thrill when he hears someone whistling one of his songs. Thanks to Norman's access to McCartney and his associates, this will become the musician's definitive and authoritative biography.
Hachette Australia Pty Ltd
DaddyMazz , 18/03/2017
A good read
As a "baby boomer" and forever a fan of The Beatles, I recommend this book and really enjoyed this book. I couldn't put it down. I feel like a real "slacker" when reading of ALL the things Paul has done and achieved over the many years that have flown by so quickly. There's no stopping him for sure and this book somewhat reveals his personality and tries to expose the "real" Paul, although, I'm not too sure how may sides of the man really exist. Phil, my few criticisms of your book would be: (1) the book's not long enough and sometimes lacking in detail (2) it's The Beatles not just "Beatles" (3) when listing a date, it would be good to know what year it is. I know the chapter may start with a mention but pages on you're not sure. Long live Sir Paul and thanks for your book Phil xx
jacfan , 21/06/2016
A very well researched and written biography. I learnt so much that as a teen I never knew about not only Paul McCartney but of course The Beatles. Anyone who loved The Beatles should read this book.
ms chan258 , 21/05/2016
Poor biography of a great Beatle!
Very disappointing book...the research was extremely poor with many mistakes by the man who has been Paul bashing for the past 45 years. If you're not into facts then you'll enjoy it!
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