HarperPop With the Beatles: Mal Evans' Illustrated Journey

A four-color extravaganza from the Mal Evans archives, including sections from his never published memoirs, his detailed (and humorously illustrated) diaries and hundreds of unseen photographs he took during his time with the Beatles. Truly a goldmine of new insight into the most famous band in the world, from a man who knew them better than most. Malcolm Mal Evans was an integral figure in the lives of The Beatles, acting as everything from roadie and assistant to confidante and, above all else, friend. Even after the band's split, Evans remained close to each member as they ventured out into solo careers, though he was closest to Paul McCartney. And through it all, he kept a detailed diary. In the 1970s, Mal made a deal with a publisher for a memoir, and the typed manuscript he submitted remained in that publisher's basement until it was discovered by a temp, tasked with cleaning out a storage unit. Along with the manuscript, the temp discovered an amazing collection of photographs and diaries. Instead of throwing them away as instructed, the temp sent a letter to Yoko Ono, who quickly responded. Yoko retrieved the materials, and returned them to Mal's family in England. Unfortunately, Mal had taken his life years prior in a drug fueled showdown with the police. Now, from the author who wrote our own acclaimed Living the Beatles Legend, comes a visual celebration of the Mal Evans archives. Once thought lost forever, this holy grail for Beatles die-hards is being shared for the first time. With annotated (by Ken) excerpts of Mal's memoir, the first-hand account of life with the world's most important band through the eyes of the man that was there for it all, and bits from his diaries showing the comings, goings, recording schedules, and personal appointments of John, Paul, Ringo, and George, their life as a group, time on the road, and lives after their dissolution. A companion to Womack's thoroughly researched and family blessed biography of Mal, Living the Beatles Legend, now with the words of the man himself, and featuring hundreds of never before seen photos as well, this will be a beautifully designed must-own for Beatles lovers everywhere.