DM's Beatles forums

Beatles forums => Books, Magazines, Articles => Topic started by: zipp on September 29, 2007, 08:25:14 PM

Title: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: zipp on September 29, 2007, 08:25:14 PM
It seems that Eric Krasker's excellent book about the Beatles before they became famous, only available in French until now, may shortly be coming out in English.
A special Xmas gift for the serious fan?
Who was Raymond Jones?How many sets were played on the Star Club recording?Did Stu Sutcliffe die from a blow to the head from Lennon?Why did they really get rid of Pete Best?
A thorough historic research on all these questions and more.
Believe me it's a real treat.
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: BlueMeanie on September 29, 2007, 08:26:26 PM
Excellent. Where did you find this out?
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: zipp on September 29, 2007, 08:38:16 PM
I've just been talking to Eric on a French site.
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: The End on September 30, 2007, 10:54:08 AM
REALLY looking forward to this!!! Thanks Zipp :)
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: zipp on September 30, 2007, 05:15:42 PM
I was thinking of you when I posted this T.E.!
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: The End on September 30, 2007, 05:27:30 PM
Yeah - we had a really good discussion about the supposed Star Club set-list sometime back didn't we :)

Any idea when this book might be out?
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: zipp on September 30, 2007, 06:42:31 PM
Supposed to be November/December but don't hold your breath!
What's a few months when you've beeen waiting for four years?
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Bobber on October 01, 2007, 10:38:12 AM
Really looking forward to that.
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: BlueMeanie on October 01, 2007, 10:48:43 AM
Me too. It's a period I've only really become interested in recently.
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Bobber on January 18, 2008, 08:11:40 AM
I read that the English version is about to be released? Can anyone confirm that?
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Bobber on April 11, 2008, 07:32:34 AM
bump
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: zipp on April 11, 2008, 07:57:35 AM
Well Bobber (and everyone else interested in early Beatles) I'm afraid the book will now be coming out at the end of 2008.
Eric sent me a message on April 2nd to explain why the date had been put back. Basically he wants to get as much new information into the book as possible.
So there'll be new info concerning Stuart Sutcliffe, the first Hamburg visit in 1960 (thanks to two German Beatles specialists, Thorsten Knublauch and Axel Korinth) and the latest Star Club recordings news.
So just a few more months to wait but for an improved book.
Roll on October!
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Bobber on April 11, 2008, 08:59:18 AM
Thanks for the update, zipp.
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: The End on April 11, 2008, 01:12:11 PM
Great news! :)
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: BlueMeanie on September 21, 2008, 04:19:59 AM
Any more news on this?
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: zipp on September 21, 2008, 08:50:26 PM
Beginning of 2009.
Promise.
Cross my heart and hope to die.
Eric had to incorporate the Purple Chick double CD info and the Fuego vs. Apple saga.
He wants it to be as accurate and up to date as possible.
It's also got a new title : The Beatles 1960-1962, Fact and Fiction.
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: BlueMeanie on September 21, 2008, 08:55:23 PM
Thanks.  :)
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Bill Harry on September 28, 2008, 12:16:20 PM
This is the sort of book I look forward to. I'm fed up of books which are just done to cash in on the name, like the one I bought yesterday 'John Lennon:' The Illustrated Biography.' This is another use of all the Daily Mail photos, which have already been packaged before into several other books of different titles, different sizes, but the same photos. This time, when I bought it, I went to photo credits which stated that all the photos were copyright the Associated Newspapers Archive 'except those listed on page 224.' I noticed Mike McCartney's pic of George, John and Paul in the Forthlin Road back yard by Mike McCartney, Harry Watmough's pic of Pete, George and John, edited from a pic of all four, a Dick Matthews Cavern pic, a pic from a Granada Show wjhch is attributed to them being in Germany and a Les Chadwick shot at the Liverpool docks that I commissioned for Mersey Beat. So I went to page 224 to see if the acknowledgements were correct - but there was no 224. The inside cover was 223 and there was only a photo on the back cover.
There waa also a 'Chronology' which read: 1961: 9 May Brian Epstein secures a contract for the Beatles with Parlophone, a subsidiary of EMI. 4 June. Brian and the Beatles are signed to EMI, recording their first session at Abbey Road Studios, two days later.
Obviously, I didn't bother reading any more.
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Geoff on September 28, 2008, 03:05:35 PM
Quote from: 1062
I'm fed up of books which are just done to cash in on the name, like the one I bought yesterday 'John Lennon:' The Illustrated Biography.' This is another use of all the Daily Mail photos, which have already been packaged before into several other books of different titles, different sizes, but the same photos.

The shops are full of this sort of thing, and have been since I was a kid. My guess is that these books are  commissioned by publishers who know there's a quick profit to be made by bunging together another collection of stock photos with a brief narrative patched together from old newspaper cuttings. They stay on the shelves for a few months before being dumped on the discount tables, where they're usually picked up by people looking for fast and cheap gifts, before being finally sent on to their eternal resting places under the bottom shelves at used book stores by their recipients after the briefest of looks.
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: zipp on September 28, 2008, 03:48:03 PM
Quite true!

Anyway I'll tell Eric Krasker of your interest. I'm sure it'll please him and help him get through this difficult period of revision since he's trying to make sure the English version of his book is as good as, or maybe even better than,  the French version.
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Geoff on September 28, 2008, 05:34:19 PM
It sounds like a very promising read. Looking forward to it.  :)
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Bobber on September 28, 2008, 08:22:32 PM
Ditto. I see you're in contact with Eric, zipp?
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: zipp on September 28, 2008, 09:24:12 PM
Quote from: 63
Ditto. I see you're in contact with Eric, zipp?


Yeah. Once the book comes out maybe I could even help you ask him any questions you have.
He mailed me tonight to say how pleased he was that people were so interested in the book's publication.
He even gave me a publication date but I'll give you that when it's totally definite. But it's programmed for early 2009. Early as in before Spring.
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Bill Harry on September 29, 2008, 12:24:24 PM
If you go to my site www.merseybeat.co.uk and click on 'Editorial' at the top, you will see several editorial sections on the left hand side. Scroll down to 'Rock Books.' This is a section where I give authors a forum to air their views and write about their books in order to give the reader an insight into the work from the author's point of view, rather than a critics. Eric is welcome to promote his book in this section of the site.
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: zipp on September 29, 2008, 05:21:25 PM
Thanks for that Bill. I'll let Eric know.
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Xose on December 22, 2008, 09:57:12 AM
Hi ;)

I'm from Spain and this is my 1st message here. Does anybody know how could I contact Eric Krasker?? I have been researching a Spanish band who played and recorded for Polydor in Hamburg in May 1959 and I thought my findings could be of interest for his new book...

Thank you in advance!!  ;)

Xose
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: BlueMeanie on December 22, 2008, 09:58:58 AM
Welcome to the forum Xose. I think Zipp may be able to help you.
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Xose on December 22, 2008, 10:01:37 AM
Quote from: 483
Welcome to the forum Xose. I think Zipp may be able to help you.

Thank you!! ;)

The fact is yesterday I sent him an email, but I haven't received any replay so far... :-/

Thanx anyway!! ;)

Xose



Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: zipp on December 23, 2008, 09:29:38 AM
I've sent Eric your message Xose.
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Xose on December 23, 2008, 10:16:15 AM
Hi zipp!! ;)

Quote from: 410
I've sent Eric your message Xose.

Ok. Thank you very much!! ;)

I hope he can answer me in the coming time...

Best!! ;)

Xose
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: BlueMeanie on February 07, 2009, 12:44:39 AM
Any news yet?
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Bobber on February 24, 2009, 08:27:59 AM
bump
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: zipp on February 24, 2009, 08:41:01 AM
Soon!
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Xose on April 03, 2009, 02:03:22 PM
Any news about Eric Krasker's new book?

Best!! ;)

Xose
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: zipp on April 03, 2009, 10:51:09 PM
Eric's putting the final touches to it.
It really is only weeks away now but I'm sworn to secrecy concerning the publication date.
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Bobber on August 26, 2009, 09:39:43 AM

Ehm...
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: BlueMeanie on August 26, 2009, 10:19:02 AM
Was going to say the same thing.

Erm...
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: zipp on August 26, 2009, 03:13:37 PM
Me too.

I'll send Eric a message to see what's going on.
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: zipp on August 29, 2009, 12:33:23 PM
Great news. The book is coming around the 20th of September!

Here's a link to see the cover :

http://www.beatlesfannext.com/Mythology_Enquiry.htm (http://www.beatlesfannext.com/Mythology_Enquiry.htm)
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Bobber on August 31, 2009, 11:50:24 AM
Great news indeed. Is it safe to order via that site?
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: zipp on August 31, 2009, 02:31:43 PM
I put the link so you could see the cover.
I've never used the site myself.
Maybe you should wait to see the shipping charge before you make the decision.
In France the price appears to be 20 euros so £25 seems reasonable.
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Bobber on September 01, 2009, 05:03:35 AM
OK thanks zipp. I'll have a look around. It is good to know that it's coming at last.
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Xose on September 23, 2009, 09:00:39 AM
Good news!!  ;)

How could I order a copy??  ???

Best!! ;)

Xose
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: zipp on October 08, 2009, 06:00:28 PM
Hi Jose,

The book is now out as from October 1st. It costs 25 euros.

If you understand a bit of French you can try ordering from the French editor's site (atlantica.fr).

For England any price around 25 pounds seems appropriate.
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: BlueMeanie on October 09, 2009, 03:37:54 AM
Before I completely give up on this book, where can I get it from, considering I don't speak much French? There's no sign of it on that site anyway. Or Amazon for that matter.
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: zipp on October 09, 2009, 03:55:41 PM
Before I completely give up on this book, where can I get it from, considering I don't speak much French? There's no sign of it on that site anyway. Or Amazon for that matter.


I was answering Xose who, being Spanish, may well understand a bit of French.And it would be easy for him to pay in euros!

You can definitely order it from the site I indicated before which was recommended to me by Eric Krasker himself :

http://www.beatlesfannext.com/Mythology_Enquiry.htm (http://www.beatlesfannext.com/Mythology_Enquiry.htm)

It should also appear on Amazon but maybe not immediately.
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Xose on October 10, 2009, 08:58:21 AM
Hi zipp!! ;)

...The book is now out as from October 1st. It costs 25 euros.

If you understand a bit of French you can try ordering from the French editor's site (atlantica.fr).

For England any price around 25 pounds seems appropriate.

Thank you very much!! ;)

Anyway, Eric Krasker sent to me an email two days ago, as he is interested in my findings concerning Los Españoles...

We are in touch now and he is going to send to me a copy of his book...

Best!! ;)

Xosé
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: zipp on October 10, 2009, 11:55:44 AM
That's great news, Xose. I'm sure you'll love the book. :)
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: beatlesfannext on October 12, 2009, 02:58:36 PM
Hi
We are the appointed (by Eric Krasker) site for Eric Krasker English language version of The Beatles Fact And Fiction 1960-1962, there are 2 different links, both will arrive at the book's page with contents, price, how to order and different ways of payment, if you have any further questions, please e-mail Roger at beatlesfannext@hotmail.com
http://www.beatlesfannext.com/Fact_And_Fiction_1960-1962.htm (http://www.beatlesfannext.com/Fact_And_Fiction_1960-1962.htm)
http://www.beatlesfannext.com/Mythology_Enquiry.htm (http://www.beatlesfannext.com/Mythology_Enquiry.htm)
Beatles greetings from Merseyside,
Roger.
www.beatlesfannext.com (http://www.beatlesfannext.com)
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Xose on October 21, 2009, 07:57:35 AM
Hi,

I received yesterday my copy, sent by Eric himself and including his autograph dedicatory...

Best!! ;)

Xosé
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: The Swine on October 21, 2009, 08:28:44 AM
can you tell me how you ordered it?
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Xose on October 21, 2009, 10:30:16 PM
can you tell me how you ordered it?

Eric wrote me an email, as I had tried to contact him months ago regarding a research in progress. So he finally answered me, asked for my address and sent the book (=signed by him)

Best!! ;)

Xosé
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Xose on October 27, 2009, 06:59:53 PM
Hi again,

Eric asks me to post here that anyone interested in ordering a copy of his book should write to Sylvie at editions.seguier@free.fr

Best!! ;)

Xosé
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Fact and Fiction 60-62 on October 27, 2009, 10:09:27 PM
Thanks, Xosé. Hi, this is Eric. Just some details for those who are interested to order the book through the Internet. Roger, who lives in Merseyside (near from Liverpool), is the appointed distributor for my book in Great Britain but he sells all over the world, too. He is a serious longtime dealer, well-known in the British and European Beatles conventions. So, he will do his best to satisfy every request. The correct link leading to his website is this one:
http://www.beatlesfannext.com/Fact_And_Fiction_1960-1962.htm (http://www.beatlesfannext.com/Fact_And_Fiction_1960-1962.htm)

Now, for those of you (I'm especially talking about the dealers and professionals) who would like to order big quantities of books at the wholesale price, I advise you to directly contact Sylvie at editions.seguier@free.fr, as it was just suggested by Xosé.

At last, if you want to read the complete introduction of the book, you just have to click on this link (the publisher's link) and then click on the words "Extraits de l'ouvrage" on top right, then the seven introduction pages appear:

http://www.atlantica.fr/catalogue.ph...um_fiche=10432 (http://www.atlantica.fr/catalogue.ph...um_fiche=10432)

Have a nice reading.

All the best,

Eric
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Bobber on October 28, 2009, 09:13:22 AM
Ah! Thanks a lot Eric! It would be great to have you as a regular here.
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Fact and Fiction 60-62 on October 28, 2009, 10:23:44 AM
Yes Bobber, no problem, that's my pleasure! I could have come earlier you know, but the work on the book was particularly exhausting and absorbing (really!). And in the meantime, both Zipp and Xosé were very good ambassadors!

The book is out since 1st October now, and you can believe me, I was very busy since that date.

But now, I am available to answer any questions you may have in this respect.

I'll try to do my best.

From now on, I have to finish another book I'm working on for years – along with my co-author/friend Jean-Claude Hocquet –, which is the second volume of La France et les Beatles (historical part). The first voume, dedicated to the original french discography was published in July 2005. As La France et les Beatles is a whole concept, we also issued 5 CDs between 2006 and 2008, containing 117 French Beatles covers of the time. In the end, the person interested in the subject will have a complete panorama of the phenomenon at his disposal, with 2 books and 5 CDs.

The second volume will also include previously unpublished documents and photos.

Thanks!

All the best – Eric
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Bobber on October 28, 2009, 11:33:06 AM
It's an honour Eric. A very warm welcome!
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Fact and Fiction 60-62 on October 28, 2009, 11:46:36 AM
Thanks, Bobber! I hope I'll be able to come in Utrecht next spring and meet you there. I would be too pleased to sign your copy if you ask me to do so.

Regards,

Eric
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Fact and Fiction 60-62 on October 30, 2009, 05:08:40 PM
For those who want to know more about the book contents, I suggest you should see the review published on 26 October 2009 on the website of "Beatles Days.com" :

http://www.beatlesdays.com/news_details.php?id=8264 (http://www.beatlesdays.com/news_details.php?id=8264)

Thanks!

Eric
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: BlueMeanie on October 30, 2009, 05:16:56 PM
Thanks Eric, really looking forward to this!
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Fact and Fiction 60-62 on November 21, 2009, 09:58:11 PM
Hi – A new review of the book was published two days ago on the Dutch fan-club website, Beatlesfanclub.nl :

http://www.beatlesfanclub.nl/recensies/14-boeken/4870-the-beatles-fact-and-fiction-1960-1962-eric-krasker-seguier-2009 (http://www.beatlesfanclub.nl/recensies/14-boeken/4870-the-beatles-fact-and-fiction-1960-1962-eric-krasker-seguier-2009)

Hope the non Dutch speaking readers will understand something or they will do like me using the Google translator!

Thanks,

Eric
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Fact and Fiction 60-62 on November 29, 2009, 03:24:41 PM
The book is now out for almost two months, but some internautes sent me messages to tell me that they had some difficulties to get a copy in their own country.

If ever it's the case with one of you on this forum, please don't hesitate to contact me (even through a private message), I'll do my best to give you satisfaction.

Thank you very much in advance.

Regards,

Eric
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Bobber on November 30, 2009, 08:10:55 AM
The book is now out for almost two months, but some internautes sent me messages to tell me that they had some difficulties to get a copy in their own country.

If ever it's the case with one of you on this forum, please don't hesitate to contact me (even through a private message), I'll do my best to give you satisfaction.

Thank you very much in advance.

Regards,

Eric

Well, as a matter of fact: I tried to order a copy on the beatlesnext website. Didn't quite get the idea of how to order, send an e-mail but never got a reply.
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Fact and Fiction 60-62 on November 30, 2009, 07:11:20 PM
Well, yes, that's strange, indeed. But not normal, anyway. I'm gonna ask Beatlesfannext if there's any problem with emails orders. I'm sure this problem will be solved within a short delay. So, thank you very much for having informed me about what happened to your order, Bobber.

In the meantime, in order you would get the book as soon as possible, please send me a private message with your whereabouts, and I'll send you a copy as a priority package in Holland with a personal dedication.

Thank you very much in advance.

Warmest Regards,

Eric
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Bobber on December 16, 2009, 01:21:41 PM
Fantastic read so far and very detailed. I'm a slow reader due to a busy life. lol.

Eric, do you think that Paul McCartney got the idea of a Hofner bass from The Jets?
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Fact and Fiction 60-62 on December 16, 2009, 09:31:58 PM
Thanks, Bobber. Don't worry, now you have all your life to read (an re-read) the book. The only problem was to get it! lol.

As far as the Höfner violin bass is concerned, it is quite possible (although we cannot be sure at 100%) that Paul was influenced or got the idea from the Jets, as bass player Colin Crawley (alias Melander) bought this instrument for himself as early as the end of 1960 or early 1961.

Anyway, I would like to be sure, and this is one of the few questions I hope I'll be able to ask Paul the next time I have the opportunity to talk with him (5 minutes would be great!...) in Paris.

One thing is certain, though: The very rare photograph shown on page 41 of the book and which was taken in a bar in Lurup (near Hamburg) around end 1960/early 1961 undoubtedly proves that Melander was one of the very first British musicians to use this type of instrument in Hamburg.
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Bobber on December 17, 2009, 08:26:28 AM
I think Paul tells the story that he saw the Hofner in a shop somewhere in Hamburg and was struck by its shape. But he could have seen Colin with it and thought that he needed a bass like that for himself. Funny that it's Tony Sheridan with the bass pictured. I will continue reading and rereading, thanks. lol

There's a couple of threads I would like to put in your attention.
This one is about the enormous progression the Beatles made musicwise in the summer of 1960. Maybe there's something about it in your book. But it's a subject that has kept me busy for some time. It's in here: http://www.dmbeatles.com/forums/index.php?topic=4697.0 (http://www.dmbeatles.com/forums/index.php?topic=4697.0)
Plus there's a picture of the Beatles with Tony Sheridan in the Top Ten Club. The drummer should be Pete Best, but doesn't look like him in this picture. A mix up of The Beatles and Tony's band? Here: http://www.dmbeatles.com/forums/index.php?topic=4324.msg242783#msg242783 (http://www.dmbeatles.com/forums/index.php?topic=4324.msg242783#msg242783)

I really appreciate you sharing your knowledge with us here. Thanks again!
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Xose on December 17, 2009, 05:59:36 PM
Hi Eric!! ;)

Since a few days ago, we are having at this thread (http://www.euroguitars.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=826&sid=ed272979885b51236dc3a918e83c5a2a&start=70) a very fruitful discussion about the Framus 'Wander' guitar which was supposed to belong to Paul's father at the early days. Maybe he could offer some light about it, as evidence seems to confirm that the guitar could be purchased after the Zenith...

What do you think??

Best wishes from Spain!! ;)

Xosé
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: zipp on December 17, 2009, 11:17:19 PM
Nice to see Eric, Bobber and Xosé having a guitar discussion!

All you need now is a drummer...
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Bobber on December 18, 2009, 09:36:36 AM
Nice to see Eric, Bobber and Xosé having a guitar discussion!

All you need now is a drummer...

Where's Tommy Moore?
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Xose on December 18, 2009, 10:40:52 AM
And..., could really Sir Paul answer to all our questions?? If so, maybe we could prepare a list...

Xosé
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Fact and Fiction 60-62 on December 19, 2009, 12:57:22 PM
I think Paul tells the story that he saw the Hofner in a shop somewhere in Hamburg and was struck by its shape. But he could have seen Colin with it and thought that he needed a bass like that for himself. Funny that it's Tony Sheridan with the bass pictured. I will continue reading and rereading, thanks. lol


Well yes, Bobber, you're absolutely right. Besides, I think Paul tells this story in the Anthology video set. He said he was struck by the Höfner symmetrical shape, especially because as a left-handed musician he could easily play it upside down. So the historical truth is probably a mixture of all these different elements, although we will probably never know in details how it exactly happened. This is why I always preferred not to put forward any theory I wasn't sure of, you know.

There's a couple of threads I would like to put in your attention.
This one is about the enormous progression the Beatles made musicwise in the summer of 1960. Maybe there's something about it in your book. But it's a subject that has kept me busy for some time. It's in here: [url]http://www.dmbeatles.com/forums/index.php?topic=4697.0[/url] ([url]http://www.dmbeatles.com/forums/index.php?topic=4697.0[/url])
Plus there's a picture of the Beatles with Tony Sheridan in the Top Ten Club. The drummer should be Pete Best, but doesn't look like him in this picture. A mix up of The Beatles and Tony's band? Here: [url]http://www.dmbeatles.com/forums/index.php?topic=4324.msg242783#msg242783[/url] ([url]http://www.dmbeatles.com/forums/index.php?topic=4324.msg242783#msg242783[/url])

I really appreciate you sharing your knowledge with us here. Thanks again!


OK Bobber, I'll try to do my best to help you!
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Fact and Fiction 60-62 on December 19, 2009, 04:31:43 PM
Good news for German readers: the book is available at Yeahbooks (Medium books) in Münster since 14 December 2009:

http://www.mediumbooks.de/ybt/produkt.php?sID=a9db4239613f55a3e6657fcdbcbde555&id=2750&ref=ssu&pos=&wg= (http://www.mediumbooks.de/ybt/produkt.php?sID=a9db4239613f55a3e6657fcdbcbde555&id=2750&ref=ssu&pos=&wg=)

Thanks!
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Xose on December 19, 2009, 10:09:07 PM
Good news Eric... Congratulations!! ;)

And as I also gave to you my compliments for your new book privately, I would like to do it here as well, as it's one of the best books I have read about The Beatles (=and you can trust I have read a lot of them...), very good documented, very good researched and very good done. Undoubtedly a 'must-have' for all The Beatles community...

Best regards from Spain!! ;)

Xosé
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Fact and Fiction 60-62 on January 02, 2010, 10:25:36 PM
Good news Eric... Congratulations!! ;)

And as I also gave to you my compliments for your new book privately, I would like to do it here as well, as it's one of the best books I have read about The Beatles (=and you can trust I have read a lot of them...), very good documented, very good researched and very good done. Undoubtedly a 'must-have' for all The Beatles community...

Best regards from Spain!! ;)

Xosé


Thank you so much Xosé! It's always a nice reward for an author to see that readers could appreciate a work which took sometimes years to write...  :)

By the way, I would like to take this opportunity to answer to a question which is often asked to me: Why the book is so expensive (in particular in USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, etc.)?

Member Zipp gave the answer himself on another Beatles forum, and instead of writing something different, I prefer to take up his own paragraph as it is written in perfect English :

"You may feel it's expensive but there are a couple of reasons that haven't been mentioned.

First the book is published in France so it has to be shipped abroad to wherever you are. For Brits this means it's a bit more expensive than 25 euros and for Americans it's quite a lot more. Not much anyone can do about that unless you know someone going to France in the near future who could pick it up for you.

Also at the moment the dollar is fairly weak compared to the euro but that doesn't look like changing anytime soon either.

You must also keep in mind that the book is over 400 pages long and the sacking of Pete Best is only one of the shorter chapters. The main stuff discussed is the Polydor Sessions with Tony Sheridan and the Star Club recordings.

I think someone has already said that it's a reference book of sorts which is true. I haven't read the Star Club chapter yet for example because you have to be in a fairly concentrated frame of mind! But the book is still readable, you just have to take it bit by bit."

Thanks, Zipp. In addition, I remind you that you also have the possibility to directly order the book at the publisher's address, in Biarritz:
http://www.atlantica.fr/catalogue.php?go=Go&Affichage=simple&zt_num_fiche=10432 (http://www.atlantica.fr/catalogue.php?go=Go&Affichage=simple&zt_num_fiche=10432)

Eric
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Fact and Fiction 60-62 on January 07, 2010, 11:07:36 AM
Moreover, I don't know if you've seen it, but the book The Beatles Fact and Fiction 1960-1962 (still in its french form) was reviewed by Dutch magazine Beatles Unlimited in 2005, and it gives you an idea of the contents of the book:

We actually waited with the review of this book, while it's written in the French language only! As the author is a long time member of the magazine I suggested him to find a publisher that can release this brilliant book in the English language. Now this has finally happened it will be published soon. The book is as detailed as you can get, it's the best result about this particular subject . For Americans the story usually begins on 7 February 1964. Anytime when I'm talking about the Hamburg period with an American, their lack of knowledge about the band's pre-64 story surprises me! You probably all are familiar with Gottfridsson's fine book about the subject, published a few years back. This was the first professional attempt to solve some of the Beatles' secrets. He frequently is quoted inside this book, just as our own series published in Beatles Unlimited about the Hamburg '62 tapes. To enable you to find and compare information focussed to the 1960-1962 period of the group, this book has one of the biggest indexes and appendixes ever published. It absolutely is vital to find your way in this matter. Even for the die-hard fans the given information is overwhelming and is at the same time the ultimate proof that you've obtained a very special book! The only comment I have is that the contents is sometimes difficult to grasp due to the overwhelming number of facts! The author does not pretend that he is telling the truth. He simply gathered together all found information and sources! (Very wise!) It is up to you to make this conclusion. His close contact with Tony Sheridan and people familiar with the subject, surfaced lots of facts that were not known or not common to beatlefans. If you combine all those details, you will be close to the truth of a story that has so many versions! It was a privilege for me to review this superb book, as even I found an answer to questions I had in mind for so many years. Well done mon ami!

Thanks,

Eric
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Fact and Fiction 60-62 on January 07, 2010, 06:04:53 PM
From now on, the book is also available on e-bay UK at this address:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/The-Beatles-Fact-And-Fiction-1960-1962_W0QQitemZ360223566366QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxq20100106?IMSfp=TL100106196002r18831 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/The-Beatles-Fact-And-Fiction-1960-1962_W0QQitemZ360223566366QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxq20100106?IMSfp=TL100106196002r18831)

PS: The seller (who lives in Merseyside, England) is appointed by me to distribute the book within the UK and the rest of the world. Thanks!
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Bobber on January 08, 2010, 09:59:54 AM
Slowly progressing. lol. Still a great read, tho I sometimes have problems with the big amount of footnotes. I feel they sometimes could have been fit into the story itself, but that's just me.
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Fact and Fiction 60-62 on January 08, 2010, 12:31:22 PM
Slowly progressing. lol.


Well, in a way, that's not surprising, Bobber: Doug Sulpy (from The 910 Newsletter) only received his review copy yesterday! (although I sent a first one in October – well, that's also my fault, as it was his old address!). Doug told me the book will be reviewed in the next 910 issue, though.

Moreover, it seems that the copy which was also sent to Pete Nash in October (at Record Collector's address) never reached him too, which is rather strange (!). All of this shows that the main international magazines will do a review of the book within the first months of 2010.

Anyway, there is already an interesting discussion about the book on the 910 website:
http://dsulpy.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=ltrs&action=display&thread=5085&page=1 (http://dsulpy.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=ltrs&action=display&thread=5085&page=1)

Still a great read, tho I sometimes have problems with the big amount of footnotes. I feel they sometimes could have been fit into the story itself, but that's just me.


Well Bobber, I agree that the system of footnotes may appear sometimes a bit heavy, but that's the only way of working efficiently, you know. The constant question which comes to the mind of the author is: does this passage or extract disrupt the underlying theme of the text? The text must stay as "lighter" and intelligible as possible. Sometimes I had hesitations (especially for interviews), and this is the reason why many of them were eventually rejected in footnotes, still in order not to break the subject continuity. But it is possible that some short precisions (one or two lines only) could have been kept in the main text after all... Well, you know, it is mainly a matter of choice from the author and it is a rather subjective decision.

Thanks Bobber!  ;)

Eric
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Xose on January 08, 2010, 01:19:36 PM
...Well Bobber, I agree that the system of footnotes may appear sometimes a bit heavy, but that's the only way of working efficiently, you know. The constant question which comes to the mind of the author is: does this passage or extract disrupt the underlying theme of the text? The text must stay as "lighter" and intelligible as possible. Sometimes I had hesitations (especially for interviews), and this is the reason why many of them were eventually rejected in footnotes, still in order not to break the subject continuity. But it is possible that some short precisions (one or two lines only) could have been kept in the main text after all... Well, you know, it is mainly a matter of choice from the author and it is a rather subjective decision...

I agree with Eric here. In my musicological research (=I'm not talking now about Beatles research) I also have sometimes to decide if something should be in the main text or as a footnote. Usually, the decision comes from a questiuon like "...Would this paragraph break the subject continuity?? Should I place it in the main text or as a footnote??...". There is always a bit of subjectivity at these kind of decisions. We should remember that there are as many histories as historians writting them (=even on the same subject...)

Eric: I'm enjoying very much your book. It's absolutely useful for my own researchs about Paul McCartney's pre-April 1961 guitars... ;)

BTW: regarding Los Españoles, I found that they made their 1st recording under Bert Kämpfert at Musikhalle (Kleiner Saal) in Hamburg 1959, April the 5th., being Mono number 46315 and Stereo 237 515. But I couldn't never get copies of the relevant sources from Polydor archives (=Aufnahmeprotokoll, Überspielungs-Meldung, etc.)

Any hints??

Best wishes!! ;)

Xosé
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: zipp on January 08, 2010, 03:32:05 PM
Well regarding footnotes Bobber what I do is just read the original chapter and ignore them!

Then afterwards I read through the chapter's footnotes and if I come upon something really interesting I go back and see what it refers to.
It's pretty easy to find the relevant number.

This system avoids having to go back and forth all the time and be disappointed when the footnote just says 'See Joe Bloggs, p 592.'

The footnote is there to make something clearer or give extra justification to something which hopefully you've already understood.

If you take it as a bit of a game it lightens things up. And I love it when Eric gives a footnote to another footnote in another book! And what if that footnote referenced another footnote? Theoretically, if you had all the books, it could go on forever!

Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Fact and Fiction 60-62 on January 08, 2010, 03:53:05 PM
I agree with Eric here. In my musicological research (=I'm not talking now about Beatles research) I also have sometimes to decide if something should be in the main text or as a footnote. Usually, the decision comes from a questiuon like "...Would this paragraph break the subject continuity?? Should I place it in the main text or as a footnote??...". There is always a bit of subjectivity at these kind of decisions. We should remember that there are as many histories as historians writting them (=even on the same subject...)

Eric: I'm enjoying very much your book. It's absolutely useful for my own researchs about Paul McCartney's pre-April 1961 guitars... ;)

Thanks, Xosé!  ;) As yourself a University lecturer and researcher, you perfectly know what I'm talking about. And as you said, a research also depends a bit on the reseacher's own sensibility and background. Writing History is not like mathematics: it's not an exact science.

BTW: regarding Los Españoles, I found that they made their 1st recording under Bert Kämpfert at Musikhalle (Kleiner Saal) in Hamburg 1959, April the 5th., being Mono number 46315 and Stereo 237 515. But I couldn't never get copies of the relevant sources from Polydor archives (=Aufnahmeprotokoll, Überspielungs-Meldung, etc.)

Any hints??

Best wishes!! ;)

Xosé

Well, thanks to the Alphanumeric code used by Polydor (as mentioned in the book) you can at least determine for good when your records were pressed, which is already very important. Now, as far as the Polydor archives are concerned, I personally own documentation only dealing with Sheridan and the Beatles, but nothing concerning other artists. Moreover, for an unknown reason, I recently noticed that Polydor were not too keen any more to open their archives again to researchers, as my friends Thorsten Knublauch and Axel Korinth (although Germans themselves!) were not authorized to make further research in their archives in Hannover. Fortunately, this did not prevent them to make an excellent work which is an absolute "must-have" for any serious collector (Komm, Gib Mir Deine Hand – Die Beatles In Deutschland 1960-1970). So I have no idea if it still possible to get something from Polydor/Universal (at least for the time being...), also because there is a permanent staff turn-over and it's very complicated to deal with different persons every time.

Thanks!

Friendly greetings  :)

Eric
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Xose on January 08, 2010, 05:22:37 PM
Hi Eric!! ;)

...Writing History is not like mathematics: it's not an exact science...

That's absolutely right... ;)

...Well, thanks to the Alphanumeric code used by Polydor (as mentioned in the book) you can at least determine for good when your records were pressed, which is already very important. Now, as far as the Polydor archives are concerned, I personally own documentation only dealing with Sheridan and the Beatles, but nothing concerning other artists. Moreover, for an unknown reason, I recently noticed that Polydor were not too keen any more to open their archives again to researchers, as my friends Thorsten Knublauch and Axel Korinth (although Germans themselves!) were not authorized to make further research in their archives in Hannover. Fortunately, this did not prevent them to make an excellent work which is an absolute "must-have" for any serious collector (Komm, Gib Mir Deine Hand – Die Beatles In Deutschland 1960-1970). So I have no idea if it still possible to get something from Polydor/Universal (at least for the time being...), also because there is a permanent staff turn-over and it's very complicated to deal with different persons every time...

Aha... I see...

I haven't got that book, but I have been told that it's absolutely excellent... A 'must-have' for all of us interested in the pre-Beatlemanía years. I will look for a copy...

Thanks anyway and best wishes from Spain!! ;)

Xosé

P.S.: I will wait for your comments to my last email...
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Fact and Fiction 60-62 on January 09, 2010, 10:34:57 AM
Thanks, Xosé!  ;)

By the way, as for the Polydor mysteries, the "Swanee River legend" is a much discussed thread on the Peruvian Beatles forum:

http://revolution.beatlesperu.com/viewtopic.php?t=10186&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0&sid=f7b0bb4d7d856ceba6dff87918f802ef (http://revolution.beatlesperu.com/viewtopic.php?t=10186&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0&sid=f7b0bb4d7d856ceba6dff87918f802ef)

For Spanish-speaking readers!  ;) (Although many posts are in English language too, especially my replies).

Regards – Eric
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Bobber on January 09, 2010, 10:48:27 PM
Well, the footnotes aren't too much of a problem and as a writer I know that you have choices to make. But there's some footnotes that I find interesting to read.
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Fact and Fiction 60-62 on January 10, 2010, 12:51:03 PM
Well, the footnotes aren't too much of a problem and as a writer I know that you have choices to make. But there's some footnotes that I find interesting to read.

Well, as you know, footnotes are not second-importance information (far from it!), and sometimes the truth of the matter is to be found in their content!  ;)
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Fact and Fiction 60-62 on January 11, 2010, 12:24:19 PM
Hi,

The book has just been reviewed by the "Beatles International" website (Holland) in English language:

http://www.beatlesinternational.com/index.php?page=books (http://www.beatlesinternational.com/index.php?page=books)

Have a nice reading.

Thanks!  ;)
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Fact and Fiction 60-62 on January 12, 2010, 04:11:27 PM
Hi,

Good news! In agreement with my publisher (Atlantica/Séguier), the first 48 pages of the book The Beatles: Fact and Fiction 1960-1962 are now available for free consultation on the first page of the publisher's website. You just have to click with your mouse on the corners to turn the pages.

http://www.atlantica.fr/ (http://www.atlantica.fr/)

Have a nice reading.

Thanks!  ;)
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Tamara on January 15, 2010, 12:03:52 PM
This looks like a book I might buy.
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: basujanha2610 on January 28, 2010, 06:00:30 PM
Is it true! ???

thanks 4 the link!

Long Live Beatles !

(http://991.com/NewGallery/The-Beatles-Official-Beatles-426288.jpg)

 ;yes

Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Fact and Fiction 60-62 on February 15, 2010, 08:29:27 PM
Hi,

The book The Beatles : Fact and Fiction 1960-1962 has just been reviewed by Brad Howard (chief-editor of Beatlology Magazine, Canada) on the Maccaspan Forum website. If you are interested to have a look at it, please click on that link:

http://www.forumforfree.com/viewtopic.php?t=6048&sid=f918545a0f1d706b9520e7426f2d1ee0&mforum=maccaspan (http://www.forumforfree.com/viewtopic.php?t=6048&sid=f918545a0f1d706b9520e7426f2d1ee0&mforum=maccaspan)

Thank you very much for your interest.

Regards,

Eric  ;)
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Bobber on February 16, 2010, 11:52:07 AM
A short review to be honest. Nevertheless another positive one!
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Fact and Fiction 60-62 on February 28, 2010, 01:09:18 PM
Yes Bobber, but after all, that's the most important!  ;)

Apart from that, I'm putting a new link for the book extracts, because it seems that the former one doesn't work any more:

http://www.atlantica.fr/download/Promo_ (http://www.atlantica.fr/download/Promo_) ... BEAANG.php

Thank you very much!

Regards,

Eric  :)
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: kbhoward on March 11, 2010, 08:21:49 PM
THE BEATLES - FACT AND FICTION 1960-1962 by Eric Krasker
English edition (revised and expanded)
Review by Brad Howard (former publisher/editor - The World Beatles Forum fanzine) - February 2010

(http://www.beatlesfannext.com/Fact_And_Fiction_60-62.jpg)

To read pages from the book, click below and then click on the bottom right of the book to turn the pages:
http://www.atlantica.fr/download/Promo_BEAANG/BEAANG.php (http://www.atlantica.fr/download/Promo_BEAANG/BEAANG.php)

To order:
http://www.beatlesfannext.com/Fact_And_Fiction_1960-1962.htm (http://www.beatlesfannext.com/Fact_And_Fiction_1960-1962.htm)
http://www.beatlesdays.com/forsale_display.php?prodtype=1&start=10. (http://www.beatlesdays.com/forsale_display.php?prodtype=1&start=10.)
http://www.atlantica.fr/AccesIsbn.php?isbn=9782840495239 (http://www.atlantica.fr/AccesIsbn.php?isbn=9782840495239)
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Beatles-Fact-Fiction-Eric-Krasker/dp/2840495236 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Beatles-Fact-Fiction-Eric-Krasker/dp/2840495236)

The Beatles
Fact And Fiction 1960-1962

by Eric Krasker
438 pages, illustrated
Published by Séguier, Paris 2009
ISBN 978-2-7588-0212-9

Have you ever wondered about the real stories behind the mythology of The Beatles formative years? What is the truth about the Polydor sessions and the Star Club recordings? Was there really a Raymond Jones? How did Stuart Sutcliffe really die? Why was Pete Best fired?

The Beatles may be the most documented band in the world. And yet, facts are blurred with conjecture, exaggerations, fiction, myths, rumours, and lies when it comes to those early days, when the group was on the brink of fame. "The Beatles Fact And Fiction 1960-1962" by Eric Krasker cuts through the embelishments and leaves the readers with only the truth about these five famous Beatles tales.

Author Eric Krasker, a French police inspector, uses his professional skills to investigate each of these stories. He digs and digs until only the facts are visible. Packed with 100 illustrated pages (b&w and colour), The Beatles Fact And Fiction 1960-1962 backs up his exhaustive research with document after document.

"The Beatles Fact And Fiction 1960-1962" is an impressive reference guide with its 438 pages. Statements are corroborated and expanded with meticulously detailed footnotes. An impassioned Mr. Krasker leaves no stone unturned. At the end of each chapter, the reader is left with little doubt about what really happened.

The author refutes previous statements and conclusions made by other authors about the Polydor and Star Club sessions. However, his assertions, sometimes controversial, are backed with documents, photographs, and other evidence that he has uncovered. [I must state here for the record that some of my research was used in a portion of the Star Club Tapes chapter.]

"The Beatles Fact And Fiction 1960-1962" is one of the best reference books ever written. If you are a serious Beatles scholar or a casual fan, this book is a "must-have."

About Eric Krasker: Eric is an honoured police inspector in France and a dedicated Beatles fan. He utilizes his investigative skills to dig out the facts about the early Beatles in this wonderful book. In 2005, he co-authored (with Jean-Claude Hocquet) La France et les Beatles Volume 1 - La discographie originale (1962-1970).

Eric Krasker and I worked together on an article for Beatlology Magazine about The Star Club Tapes. As a Beatles fan and writer and a retired, 34-year member of the police and intelligence communities, I highly recommend Eric's books in french and/or english.

Brad Howard
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Fact and Fiction 60-62 on March 25, 2010, 07:20:18 PM
Hi,

On Monday 22 March the book was reviewed on Wog Blog:

http://wogew.blogspot.com/2010/03/book-review-fact-and-fiction-1960-1962.html (http://wogew.blogspot.com/2010/03/book-review-fact-and-fiction-1960-1962.html)

Have a nice reading.

Warmest Regards,

Eric  ;)
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Fact and Fiction 60-62 on April 08, 2010, 08:17:04 PM
Hi,

A new interview was just published on the weblog Salut! by British journalist Colin Randall:

http://www.francesalut.com/2010/04/avec-les-beatles-1.html (http://www.francesalut.com/2010/04/avec-les-beatles-1.html)

Have a nice reading. Thanks!

Warmest Regards,

Eric  ;)
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Bobber on May 20, 2010, 06:45:18 PM
A true mythbuster and a must read for anybody who is interested in the early years! Although I felt that the chapter on Stuart Sutcliffe's death may have had some more indepth medical research. Maybe something like this?

Quote
A medically informed post-mortem on Stuart Sutcliffe.
The following is a posting to the rec.music.beatles newsgroup which goes some way to clarifying what may have caused Stuart Sutcliffe's death. It can in no way be regarded as THE authorative version of what happened as it is not based on a first hand account of the actual autopsy. However, it does much to explain in layman's terms the possible causes of death and the likelihood of those being affected by John Lennon's alleged kick.
From liveletdie@usa.pipeline.com Mon Dec 11 10:55:01 CST 1995
Article: 105015 of rec.music.beatles
Path: news.uh.edu!swrinde!howland.reston.ans.net.....................
From: liveletdie@usa.pipeline.com(M Kintyre)
Newsgroups: rec.music.beatles
Subject: Re: Stu's injury caused by John?
Date: 11 Dec 1995 12:51:15 GMT
Organization: Pipeline USA
Lines: 156
Message-ID: <4ah9g3$1h8@news1.usa.pipeline.com>
NNTP-Posting-Host: pipe4.h1.usa.pipeline.com

The Goldman inspired innuendo that John was responsible for Stu's death has surfaced here before. As a Neuro Nurse, I was always curious about how Stu died and compiled the following "faq" of the medical probabilities and am reposting it for those who are interested. It is a little heavy, but there will not be a quiz at the end!

THE FACTS.
The information we have is pretty thin when it comes to facts. In this category would be things that were documented at the time by medical personel and therefore retrievable from Stu's medical records:
1. Stu visited a doctor in Hamburg in Feb, 1962 complaining of episodes of severe headaches. X-rays did not reveal any problem.
2. Stu died in an ambulance enroute to the hospital on April 10, 1962.
3. His autopsy showed cerebral hemorrhage (bleeding in the brain) with bleeding into the right ventricle.


THE TESTIMONY OF WITNESSES.
According to statements from Astrid and her mother, Stu had his studio in the attic of Astrid's mothers home, and was living in the house at the time of his death. Astrid reports that Stu had terrible headaches. Bill Harry in"The Complete Beatles Encyclopedia" quotes her as saying that "the headaches became violent, they seemed like fits." Information on how long he had the headaches is sketchy, but according to some sources, his mother believes they began about a year before his death. Astrid's mother reports that he fell down the attic stairs but it is difficult to ascertain whether this was weeks, or days before his death. Astrid states she found him unconscious in his bed on April 10 and called the ambulance.

THE FIGHT.
There are stories of John and Stu being involved in a fight in a Liverpool or Hamburg alley, in which Stu was kicked in the head. Some Beatles historians believe this is Beatle Mythology, not fact. The date of the fight is unknown, but unless it occurred during Stu's visit home at Christmas 1961, (four months before his death) it would have had to have been before they went to Hamburg in March of 1961 (a year before his death) since Stu stayed in Hamburg when the others returned to Liverpool. Even if the fight occurred in Hamburg it would have had to have been about nine months before his death as the Beatles left Hamburg in mid-summer of 1961 and returned in April of 1962, the day after Stu's death.

THE MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS.
The possible causes of cerebral hemorrhage are: Stroke , Brain tumor , Trauma (a blow to the head) , Aneurysm , AVM


STROKE is virtually unheard of in people Stu's age as it is the result of atherosclerosis and/or high blood pressure.

A BRAIN TUMOR may cause bleeding, however the presence of a tumor large enough to cause bleeding would have been obvious on autopsy.

TRAUMA. A blow to the head can cause three possible types of bleeds.:

1. An EPIDURAL BLEED.
A ruptured artery rapidly pumps blood into the skull and the brain is compressed by the growing blood clot. The patient becomes unconscious within hours after the injury and dies within about 24 hours if it is not treated. This could be the result of the fall down the stairs. In this scenario, however, there would be no history of headaches (though the headaches may have been coincidental) and the blood clot would not be in the ventricle. Since John was not in Hamburg immediately preceding Stu's death, he could not have caused an epidural bleed.
2. A SUBDURAL BLEED.
A ruptured vein oozes blood into the skull. The patient deteriorates slowly over a period of about two weeks, (occaisionally several weeks) with unsteady gait progressing to confusion, then lethargy and coma. Several things rule out a subdural bleed as the cause of Stu's death.
a. A subdural is easily identifiable on autopsy and the blood clot is found on the surface of the brain, not in the ventricle.
b. There is no evidence that Stu experienced progressive deterioration. Death from a subdural would have resulted in Stu being confused and unable to walk several days before his death, then difficult to wake up, and finally comatose for several hours to a day or more before his death. It is inconcievable that Astrid watched him slowly deteriorate to a coma before deciding to take him to the hospital which is what she would have had to do in order for him to die enroute.
c. All reports are of episodes of headache. Any headache caused by a subdural would be nearly continuous and they are not generally reported as severe.
If John had kicked Stu in the head it would have had to have been almost four months before his death (at Christmas time). This is again outside of the necessary time frame for John to be implicated in Stu's death if it were due to a subdural bleed.
3. AN INTRACRANIAL BLEED.
A severe blow to the head can cause bleeding deep into the brain, fequently with rupture into the ventricles. Death can be rapid, but the patient may last up to about 3 days and during that three days the patient is near comatose or comatose. This fits the situation only if the fall down the stairs occurred just before he died. Neither Astrid or her mother reported that. Again, John was not present in the necessary time frame to have cause the injury.

ANEURYSMS are weak spots in arteries. They are present from birth and gradually enlarge. They most frequently rupture in patients over 30. Although there may be some warning headaches, most often there is simply a single, explosive headache. Half of aneurysm patients die immediately. The location of most aneurysms makes bleeding into the ventricle very possible. An aneurysm is certainly a strong possibility in Stu's case.

An AVM, also present from birth, is a malformation in the connection between an artery and a vein. The veins in the area have arterial blood pumped into them. Because veins are not made to handle the high pressure of arterial blood, the become enlarged and eventually bleed. They frequently have repeated small bleeds causing severe episodic headaches before a large bleed occurs and seizures ("fits") are common. The large bleed can be fatal. AVM ruptures are most common in teens and young adults. Bleeding into just one ventricle is less likely with an AVM than an aneurysm, but the history of headaches, age, and rapid death make AVM a very strong possibility.

In summary, the two causes of death that best fit the scenario are Aneurysm and AVM, both congenital and unrelated to any blow to the head. None of the causes of death from a blow to the head fit the time frames or history we have on Stu. More importantly to this discussion, John was not with Stu in the four months prior to his death. No head trauma causes cerebral bleeding and death that long after injury. Therefore, John could not have been responsible for Stu's death.

M.K.

Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Fact and Fiction 60-62 on June 26, 2010, 05:17:56 PM
Yes Bobber, you're absolutely right. This medical study is a great addition to the book, and I urge everybody interested in the death of Stuart Sutcliffe to read it carefully. However, this doesn't change anything to the book's conclusions which are quite similar: John could not have been responsible for Stu's death which was probably caused by an aneurysm (due to Preludin abuse?..) or an AVM, as put forward by M.K.

By the way, if DM's readers want to know more about the book and the story of its writing, they can read this interview of mine which was published a few days ago in the June 2010 issue of Ear Candy Mag :

http://www.earcandymag.com/ecmain.htm (http://www.earcandymag.com/ecmain.htm)

Thank you very much. Have a nice reading.

Warmest Regards,

Eric ;-))
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Bobber on June 28, 2010, 08:15:03 AM
We're very happy to find that the conclusions are similar. ha2ha

Nice interview and I'm looking forward to your skipped five or six chapters on the early history of the Beatles. There's some more myths to be busted!

Regarding Backbeat being a source... Here's Paul McCartney's comment made the other day about Nowhere Boy:

Paul Mccartney Laughs At Beatles Facts

Sir Paul McCartney has claimed that several films about The Beatles contain events that didn't happen and things that are ''not true''.

Sir Paul McCartney says many films about The Beatles are "not true".

The legendary musician - who was joined in the band by Ringo Starr, and the late John Lennon and George Harrison - insists many pieces about the Fab Four are inaccurate and misleading to fans.

Speaking about two dramas - 'Nowhere Boy' and 'Lennon Naked' - Paul said: "It's a great tribute that whatever we did is so lasting and people can still make films aboutThe Beatles which can still be successful. For me, though, they're not true and that's the unfortunate thing about them. John never punched me out like he does in 'Nowhere Boy', but my character is kind of cool in the film so I don't mind being punched out. I told the film director Sam (Taylor-Wood) all of that but she said, 'Yeah. But Paul, it's just a film.' "

Another rumour Paul has quashed is that he told John not to pose naked on the cover of his and Yoko Ono's 1968 album 'Unfinished Music No.1: Two Virgins'.

He said: "It's like the rumour I told John off for posing nude for the 'Two Virgins' cover as in 'Lennon Naked'. I never told him that - that's another legend. What John and Yoko did was always up to them."
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: jhonnymarsh on July 10, 2010, 07:45:34 AM
Essentially, he wants to get the newest information about the book as possible. So there will be new information about Stuart Sutcliffe, the first visit to Hamburg in 1960 (thanks to the two German experts, The Beatles, Thorsten Knublauch Axel and Corinth), and the latest news from Star Club recordings.
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Fact and Fiction 60-62 on January 25, 2011, 10:41:59 PM
By the way, here's an excellent article dealing with the sacking of Pete Best (an interesting addition to one of the five chapters of the book Fact and Fiction 1960-1962) which was recently published on the Comprehensive Beatles website:

http://comprehensivebeatles.blogspot.com/2010/12/1962-august-22-september-5-back-story.html (http://comprehensivebeatles.blogspot.com/2010/12/1962-august-22-september-5-back-story.html)

Have a nice reading,

Eric
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Fact and Fiction 60-62 on February 04, 2011, 11:28:47 PM
Good news!!! In order to cut down on as much as possible the shipping costs, which do represent a significant percentage of the cost price of the book, especially for the customers living in Japan, Canada, U.S.A., South America as well as Australia, my publisher (Séguier/Atlantica) especially made a deal with Canadian distributor “La Canopée diffusion distribution” for its distribution in the aforementioned countries. Those who are interested to order the book Fact and Fiction, please don’t hesitate to contact John Davies at lacanopee_3@sympatico.ca and ask for shipping details in your country. (Just in case, here’s the postal address of La Canopée : 109, chemin du Sphinx, Saint Armand, Québec J0J 1T0).

Thank you very much.

All the best,

Eric  ;)
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Fact and Fiction 60-62 on February 04, 2011, 11:33:56 PM
Sorry! The complete distributor address is of course : La Canopée : 109, chemin du Sphinx, Saint Armand, Québec Canada J0J 1T0.

Thanks again!

Eric  ;)
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Bobber on February 07, 2011, 09:03:29 AM
Wow, am I glad I didn't have to deal with shipping in this case! ;D 
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Fact and Fiction 60-62 on February 08, 2011, 10:51:08 PM
Wow, am I glad I didn't have to deal with shipping in this case! ;D 

Yes Bobber, like all the European fans you were lucky enough to order the book with normal shipping costs, but I can tell you that those same shipping costs as far as America is concerned are rather significant, and they weigh heavily the final price of the book. Just to give you an example, I got some messages from American readers who told me that if they wanted to order the book, they would have to pay $ 70, which is rather disproportionate for a book which is only sold 25 Euros in Europe.

So, I am particularly glad to have found this agreement with La Canopée in Canada so that the people concerned in the aforementioned countries could buy the book at a reasonable price.

Thanks!

Eric
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Fact and Fiction 60-62 on April 30, 2011, 11:50:51 AM
The shot that you can see on the following topic from www.yellow-sub.net was taken on Sunday 13 March 2011 at the London Beatles Day, near Russell Square. On the left is my co-author/friend Jean-Claude "Taxman" Hocquet (with whom I published in 2005 La France et les Beatles, volume one), and in the middle is the new reader of the book The Beatles: Fact and Fiction 1960-1962 who is no one else but Hunter Davies, 75, first official Beatles’ biographer.

http://forum.yellow-sub.net/octobre-1961-jour-qui-avoir-lieu-t4587-50.html (http://forum.yellow-sub.net/octobre-1961-jour-qui-avoir-lieu-t4587-50.html)

Thanks !

Eric  ;)
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Xose on April 30, 2011, 02:29:29 PM
Great!! ;)

Thank you very much, Eric!! ;)

Xosé
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Fact and Fiction 60-62 on November 20, 2011, 06:31:00 PM
Good news !
In order to get a better idea of the contents of the Fact and Fiction book (which was voted “book of the year 2010” in Germany), the publisher Atlantica/Séguier decided to maintain the “interactive reading” link so that you’ll get the possibility to read at least the first 48 pages of the book.
So, after having clicked on the main link, go and click on the “Union Jack” picture, then the book will appear. The only thing left for you is to click on the corners to turn pages.

http://www.atlantica.fr/catalogue.php?go=Go&Affichage=simple&zt_num_fiche=10432 (http://www.atlantica.fr/catalogue.php?go=Go&Affichage=simple&zt_num_fiche=10432)

Thanks !

Have a nice reading,

Eric  ;)
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Fact and Fiction 60-62 on February 28, 2012, 08:02:11 PM
Hi Friends,

I have the pleasure telling you that I’ll be present at the next ‘London Beatles Day’ (address : Doubletree By Hilton London West End. Southampton Row, WC1B 4BH London. Underground : Russell Square or Holborn) on Sunday 4 March 2012. I will come along with my long time friend Joachim Noske, author of the critically acclaimed book The Beatles Covered – A Pictorial Journey Through Beatles Record Sleeves From Around The World (2009). We’ll be very pleased to welcome you on this occasion and sign some books while having a friendly drink together !

Thank you very much, and see you maybe on Sunday in London!  ;)

Eric Krasker
Author of the book The Beatles : Fact & Fiction 1960-1962 (Séguier/Atlantica – 2009).

Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Fact and Fiction 60-62 on March 10, 2012, 06:37:13 PM
Hi all,

It was wonderful to see all these Beatle fans there last sunday. Thank you very much all for coming. Just to remind you that the next ‘London Beatles Day’ will be held on Sunday July 29th 2012 (the very start of the Olympic Games) at the same venue (Doubletree By Hilton London West End Hotel, Southampton Row, WC1B 4BH London. Underground : Russell Square or Holborn) and I’ll be pleased to welcome you again if you happen to pass by London on that Summer day.

Moreover, in order to satisfy your many internet requests and to make things easier for those of you who might like to find the book somewhere in London during the rest of the year, I would like to inform you that I intentionally left some copies of Fact & Fiction 1960-1962 at the ‘London Beatles Store’ (231/233 Baker Street) and at ‘St John’s Wood Collectables’, 2 Violet Hill (4 minutes only from Abbey Road studios at St John’s Wood).

If you happen to have any difficulties in getting the book though, please send me a personal message.

Thank you very much and have a nice week-end.

Eric Krasker
Author of the book The Beatles : Fact & Fiction 1960-1962 (Séguier/Atlantica – 2009).
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Fact and Fiction 60-62 on November 06, 2013, 08:55:35 PM
Hi all,

As expected, the new Mark Lewisohn’s book, All These Years – Tune In, is really refreshing and fully informative. An excellent read indeed. Amongst other things, I was pleasantly surprised to notice that not only Mark confirms the main conclusions previously developed in Fact and Fiction 1960-1962, but he also relies on them (the book is fully credited in the end notes). This is especially true for Polydor recordings of 1961-62 (and of course the persistent Swanee River myth) as well as the sacking of Pete Best : as exactly shown and proved before, his drumming abilities, which were limited, were not strong enough for the Beatles. Moreover, it is clear that the 3 other Beatles would never become close friends with him due to his shy personality and need for independence. The other theories, true or speculative, are dismissed as peripheral smokescreen.

Thanks!

Eric  ;)
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Bobber on November 07, 2013, 03:29:57 PM
Good on you, Eric!
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Fact and Fiction 60-62 on November 07, 2013, 07:33:25 PM
Thanks, Bobber !  ;)

Yes, it is also a nice reward for the book Fact and Fiction which was rated as a "must-read" on Wog Blog by Roger Stormo in early 2010 :

http://wogew.blogspot.com/2010/03/book-review-fact-and-fiction-1960-1962.html (http://wogew.blogspot.com/2010/03/book-review-fact-and-fiction-1960-1962.html) 

Now, I'm looking forward to reading the extended version of Mark's book which will be out within 10 days !

Thanks again.

All the best !

Eric
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Bobber on November 11, 2013, 09:12:15 AM
I'm rating your book as a must-read as well. :)
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Fact and Fiction 60-62 on November 11, 2013, 03:47:16 PM
Oh, that's nice from you, Bobber, thanks. :)

By the way, I still have some brand new copies of Fact & Fiction left at home. So, if anybody wants a signed copy of the book, just send me a PM and I would be too pleased to do my best so that I can send them within a short time (and of course at the best price, including shipping to your country).

Thanks again.

Warmest Regards,

Eric  ;)
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Bobber on November 11, 2013, 09:01:33 PM
Oh, that's nice from you, Bobber, thanks. :)

By the way, I still have some brand new copies of Fact & Fiction left at home. So, if anybody wants a signed copy of the book, just send me a PM and I would be too pleased to do my best so that I can send them within a short time (and of course at the best price, including shipping to your country).

Thanks again.

Warmest Regards,

Eric  ;)

I already have a copy... But anyone who hasn't.... I'd say go for it! And remember it's recommended by your local admin! :)
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Bobber on December 09, 2013, 01:55:48 PM
Eric, what are your thought on this picture from June 22nd, 1957? Could that possible be Paul McCartney (wearing glasses) at the right, watching The Quarrymen?

(http://www.beatleswiki.com/wiki/images/5/55/Quarrymen-mccartney_1957_full.jpg)
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Fact and Fiction 60-62 on December 12, 2013, 11:04:50 PM
Hi, Bobber!

Sorry for my late reply.

Well, this interesting document has been the subject of a long debate among Beatles fans on the Internet (and everywhere else) for several years now, and although there are good and solid arguments to support that theory, I’m personally still not convinced it is Paul McCartney indeed on that photograph.

In fact, the answer to that small enigma was one of the things I was expecting to find in the new Mark Lewisohn’s book, Tune In. Actually, Mark told me last year that he has interviewed Paul at least 30 times throughout the years, and so there is every chance that the question was asked to him at least once during one of these interviews (knowing that Mark could absolutely not ignore the growing debate around this picture). I still have to get the extended version of his book and I hope that I’ll find some answers there. Otherwise, next time I see him in London, I’ll ask him directly the question.

Thanks !

Warmest Regards,

Eric  ;)
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Bobber on December 13, 2013, 02:02:20 PM
Thanks for the reply Eric. Really appreciate that. I will have a look in Marks book as well. Let's see if there's any more unsolved mysteries being solved.
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Fact and Fiction 60-62 on December 25, 2014, 07:46:41 PM
Good news ! The book is fortunately availbale once again on Amazon.fr at only 25 euros each, which despite the shipping costs in foreign countries, is much less expensive than on Amazon.com :

http://www.amazon.fr/The-Beatles-Fact-Fiction-1960-1962/dp/2840495236 (http://www.amazon.fr/The-Beatles-Fact-Fiction-1960-1962/dp/2840495236)

Have a nice Christmas !

Cheers,  ;)

Eric
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Fact and Fiction 60-62 on June 19, 2016, 09:41:36 PM
Hello Beatle fans,
My friend and co-author Jean-Claude Hocquet and I are happy to let you know that we recently opened a new blog/website especially dedicated to France and the Beatles. Here is the link :
http://lafranceetlesbeatles.blogspot.fr (http://lafranceetlesbeatles.blogspot.fr)
Inside, of course you will find first several sections dedicated to the books we have already published as well as the various projects in which we were involved over the years since 1988 (exhibitions, conventions, conferences, CD releases, radio & TV programs, etc.), plus some new articles.
But we’ll also keep you informed about our most recent news, particularly concerning the state of progress of our current big project La France et les Beatles, including the complete updating of volume one (30% of supplementary information) dealing with the original french discography (1962-1970), and the final stages of volume two entitled The Historical Investigation — 1961/1970. This volume two will feature many previously unpublished documents (such as paperwork, rares press articles and photos…). Moreover, it should be pointed out that the two volumes are planned to be released both in French and English languages, so that there shouldn’t be any loss of time neither frustration for foreign readers.
Thank you very much.
Warmest Regards,
Eric  ;)
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Bobber on June 28, 2016, 08:34:43 AM
Thanks for the information Eric. What is the shortcut to order the book in English?
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Fact and Fiction 60-62 on June 30, 2016, 09:54:00 AM
You're welcome, Bobber.

Thanks for your message. As usual, the shortcut to order the book is still to directly get in touch with publisher Séguier who has developped a special service for that purpose : http://www.editions-seguier.fr/theme/Musique (http://www.editions-seguier.fr/theme/Musique)

Otherwise, the book will of course also be available through the classical ways such as Amazon and specialized booksellers and bookshops, in France and abroad. Anyway, we will let you know all the necessary details several months before its publication.

It's just a matter of patience...

Thank you very much for your continuing interest.

Warmest Regards,

Eric  ;)
Title: Re: Eric Krasker in English
Post by: Ken Wood on June 01, 2018, 09:51:02 AM
Hi Eric!! ;)

Since a few days ago, we are having at this thread ([url]http://www.euroguitars.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=826&sid=ed272979885b51236dc3a918e83c5a2a&start=70[/url]) a very fruitful discussion about the Framus 'Wander' guitar which was supposed to belong to Paul's father at the early days. Maybe he could offer some light about it, as evidence seems to confirm that the guitar could be purchased after the Zenith...

What do you think??

Best wishes from Spain!! ;)

Xosé

I am looking for info on that guitar too but unfortunatly the thread in that forum (or even the forum) does not exist anymore. Can you recapture what has been said here?