Hey, Jonathan! Great to see you again.
I've been reccing your book all over the internet, on various blogs and Beatles forums, wherever they want to know the "best" Beatles book to start with. In fact, I just did that again this morning-- recced you and Hunter Davies. So if you get one more sale today, I did it. *preens*
One of the things that I really appreciated is that you in fact read almost everything else (within reason) first. I'm a huge reader, and the contradictory stories are really fascinating. I try to rely on the source as much as I can, while knowing that the Beatles (like all other mortals) have amazingly faulty memories. But you make a good run at acknowledging the difficulties of working out an honest history at this late date, which I think is the best way to approach it. Cheers!
Edited to add:
Just saw this posted on the other blog:
"Harihead gave some excellent titles. These are all essential IMO. ... Gould's book, 'Can't Buy Me Love', is one I'm reading now, and I can't recommend it enough. It's so well written and intelligent. If you read any Beatles bio., it's the only one you need to read"