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John and Paul

A Love Story in Songs

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John and Paul

By: Ian Leslie
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About this listen

EXCLUSIVE BONUS MATERIAL: Stay to the end to hear a conversation between the author and Geoff Lloyd, recorded exclusively for this audiobook.

'I don't think anyone is writing about The Beatles as well as Ian Leslie is right now.' PETE PAPHIDES

John & Paul begins in 1957, when two teenagers in suburban Liverpool meet and decide to play rock n'roll together. It ends twenty-three years later, when one of them is murdered. In between, we see them become global stars, create countless indelible songs, and play a central role in shaping the modern world.

Lennon and McCartney were more than friends, rivals or collaborators. They were intimates who both had the fabric of their world ruptured at a young age, and who longed to make emotional connections; with each other, and with audiences. The pop song was a vessel into which they poured feelings of grief and euphoria and everything in between. When they couldn't speak what they felt, they sang it. After the break-up of their group, they maintained a musical dialogue at a distance, in songs full of recrimination, regret, and affection.

Ian Leslie traces the twists and turns of their relationship through the music it produced and offers rich insights into the nature of creativity, collaboration and human connection. Drawing on recently released footage and recordings, this is a startlingly fresh take on two of the greatest icons in music history.

Leslie's majestic and wildly enjoyable biography makes us see and hear Lennon and McCartney anew.

©2025 Ian Leslie (P)2025 Faber & Faber
Communication & Social Skills Creativity & Genius Entertainment & Celebrities Personal Development Psychology Social Sciences Words, Language & Grammar

Critic Reviews

The first new Beatles story in decades – and the one that will make your heart burst. - Caitlin Moran

The most moving and revelatory book on Lennon and McCartney I have ever read – so joyous, so sad . . . I just wish I could enjoy the experience of reading it for the first time again. - Tom Holland

This thoughtful, fresh look at the creative collaboration of Lennon and McCartney turns the clichés on their heads. Sunday Times

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