Product Description

Published to coincide with the 25th anniversary of John Lennon's death and the 65th anniversary of his birth, this is an intimate album of photographs, most never published before, of Lennon in his last decade.

A musical genius, an innovator, a peace activist-John Lennon was all these and more, and he continues to be revered a quarter century after his shocking murder in New York elevated him to mythic stature. Published to coincide with the 25th anniversary of Lennon's death, this intimate album of 150 photographs-most of which have never been published before-offers a very personal view of the rock legend in his last decade by someone who had astounding access to his private life.

Bob Gruen first photographed Lennon in 1971 and became his personal photographer and close friend shortly thereafter. Over the course of the next nine years, right up until Lennon was killed, Gruen would photograph him extensively. This book assembles the most revealing of those images, taken during Lennon's years in New York, together with Gruen's reflections on the circumstances surrounding the photos, including John's relationship with Yoko, how he dealt with fame, and his experiences with fatherhood. The result is a remarkable behind-the-scenes look at John Lennon as a performer, a legend, and a person.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #398975 in Books
• Published on: 2005-10-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 176 pages

From Publishers Weekly
In his bio on the flap copy, Gruen is described as one of the world's best rock and roll photographers. Modesty aside, Gruen is the world's best rock and roll photographer, and his eye for the prize shot is on full display in this collection of photos and remembrances of Lennon, who was Gruen's friend as well as his favorite subject. From the legendary shot of Lennon on a rooftop clad in the now iconic New York City T-shirt to a heart-wrenching shot of a young Sean Lennon curled up in Yoko's bed not long after John's murder, both Lennon's and Gruen's geniuses are exhibited here. (Oct.)
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About the Author
Bob Gruen is one of the world's most respected photographers of the rock scene, and was John Lennon's personal photographer through the 1970s. He has also worked with major rock and roll figures including Elton John, Led Zeppelin, the Rolling Stones, and Tina Turner. His work has appeared in numerous publications and galleries including the National Portrait Gallery in London. He lives in New York City.

Customer Reviews

Very Nice
This is a nice read. I went through it in 1 night and I'm not a big reader. Theres alot of new pictures of John with personal stories that coincide with the pics. Bob Gruen was close to the Lennons and he tells some great stories about hanging out with John and Yoko. Well worth the $20.

A Fitting Tribute
It's been twenty-five years since John Lennon's death, 65 years since he was born. Their son Sean would now be thirty. I find it hard to believe. I look through this book and the pictures of John Lennon and I see the life being lived to the fullest. The magic of a time long since gone. Perhaps a time of my own youth, now past.

Bob Bruen was John's personal photographer for about ten years. He took thousands of photographs, and here has selected about 150 and arranged them by year. He shares them with his personal stories of being with John. Doing simple things like having dinner, or working on a concert, John being a husband and father.

All I can really say is that it is a fitting tribute.

The Small Moments
This is a beautifully-produced book, written simply and honestly. It's by no means a complete biography, but that's the point-- if you're looking for a blow-by-blow account of Lennon's life and career, you have many other solid options. The charm of this book is in its depictions of the "small moments." Good moods, bad moods, smiling for the camera, wanting to be alone. It feels like a very personal, honest look into what type of friend and husband Lennon was-- and while the overall feel is positive, it's not always flattering. His imperfections are discussed as well as the good things that made him an icon. Both in the pictures and the text, this book succeeds in sharing an interesting new glimpse into a complex human being. A fan's delight, and a super gift.