Fab: Revised and Updated Edition

I normally get frustrated when I read one star book reviews that only discuss the item and not the content but I was so disgusted by what I received from Amazon, I felt compelled to post a “Buyer Beware” review. This paperback is not a publisher quality edition, it’s a cheaply produced Amazon reprint on bad quality paper. The photos are really blurry and look like something from a 1980s fanzine done on a school photocopier. Even the RRP shown on the back cover is less than I paid (£12.99, not £14.52). Just don’t risk it. I’ll be buying a replacement from a bricks and mortar bookshop once my refund has been processed!

POSITIVES: The book does give equal space to Macca's Wings / solo years, unlike most which tend to dwell on the Beatles years only. And, if you're fairly new to his work, there are a lot of details here you might not have heard about.NEGATIVES: If you've followed Macca throughout his career (as I have), and especially if you've kept all the press and magazine clippings, then you're not likely to find much here you don't know already. The reviews are disappointing in as much as the writer seems simply to agree with whatever the media said "at the time" about each album release. Consequently, old critical opinions which were often flavoured by "thumbs aloft" cliches from the "hip" music press, go unchallenged. (If anyone's superb body of work is in need of public re-assessment it's Paul McCartney's. For example, the masterpiece "Ram"). These reviews more than anything give the book a "cut and paste" feel rather than be a work of fresh insight.RECOMMENDATIONS: Try and get a copy of "The Unknown Paul McCartney" by Ian Peel. It takes an independant look at Macca's more obscure, avant-garde works. Well worth a read.

I am a massive Beatles/Macca fan.This is simply the best book I have read on the subject because it is by FAR the most informative.It details his life from birth up to the end of 2009 - not from '62 to '66.For the people who says it tells us "nothing new" I would love to see the books they have read,because I consider myself pretty knowledgeable,and have learnt a lot from this book.Where else would you read about behind the scenes at the press to play recording sessions due to an interview with the producer?(this is but one tiny example of the detail contained)Details on his family life are here too - something that you don't normally get much of in a Paul biography.I think it is well balanced - neither sycophantic,or a hatchet job.I don't understand the criticism by others re the writing style.I found it to be a total page turner.The complaints about Ringo/Ritchie etc. seem a bit churlish to me.In short - if you are interested in Paul Mccartney,I don't see how you could fail to enjoy this book.

Haven’t finished the book yet, most of the content I already knew but there was still a few facts that opened my eyes about Paul’s career and personal life. There were quite a number of people whose only purpose was to rip him and the rest of The Beatles off. Great book, I also read it on Kindle.

I thought I knew the history of the Beatles and this book is about all of them, not just Paul. After all these years I am seeing the fab four in an entirely different light.Only half way through but intrigued to see what will be revealed next.

Informative, humorous, insightful and meticulously researched. This book is a must read for any Beatles fan and is full of new insights into arguably the worlds greatest rock star.

Good book so far (half way through) and thoroughly enjoying it. Nothing new so far but well written and easy to read. It may be a littleMcCartney biased but probably to be expected

This is a most impressive first novel powerfully relating the story of Andromache. I found myself immersed in the exciting yet cruel world of the Trojan Wars. Famous characters who I had heard of before were given a life and a context in a vivid and compelling way. I learnt much about the domestic intricacies of the time which lent the narrative authenticity and depth. There were some beautiful, lyrical descriptions and the pace was brisk and engaging.I look forward to the next episodes of this addictive saga.