From Please Please Me to Abbey Road, this collection of essays tells the fascinating story of the Beatles – the creation of the band, their musical influences, and their cultural significance, with emphasis on their genesis and practices as musicians, songwriters, and recording artists. Through detailed biographical and album analyses, the book uncovers the background of each band member and provides expansive readings of the band's music.Traces the group's creative output from their earliest recordings through their careerPays particular attention to the social and historical factors which contributed to the creation of the bandInvestigates the Beatles' unique enduring musical legacy and cultural powerClearly organized into three sections, covering Background, Works, and History and Influence, the Companion is ideal for course usage, and is also a must-read for all Beatles fans

Winner of the Independent 'Music Book of the Year' 2009

'Recently published by Cambridge University Press, The Cambridge Companion to The Beatles is further evidence of their lingering influence on contemporary culture. … if you are interested in the 1960s and The Beatles, you will enjoy this book.'

Shane Creevy Source: Politico

‘Before delving into this companion, one should have one's LPs, CDs, or iPod handy, because the music should be playing as one reads the book. Womack … and his fellow contributors explain the social phenomenon of the Beatles (individually and collectively) and their music from the four musicians' pre-Beatles world, through the heyday of Beatlemania, to the decisions to quit touring and ultimately break up the band, to the individual careers of the four musicians and the tragedy that ended all hope for the longed-for reunion. The essays offer explanations of the Beatles' ‘transformative impact on world culture’ and their continuing success four decades after they last recorded together. Whether readers were there at the beginning or are newcomers to the magical mystery world of Beatlemania, this in-depth compendium is a must read … ‘toppermost of the poppermost’ … Highly recommended.’

T. Emery Source: Choice