1964: Eyes of the Storm

Great nostalgia trip.Photography is great and Paul adds about 25 pages of his wonderful insights.If you are a Beatles fan, this is a must have.

Wonderful photos of a time I remember well. This book includes some photos I hadn’t seen before, along with some history of happenings.Side note: I bought a copy for my sister as a present. At the same time unbeknownst to either of us, she also bought a copy for me!

All the photos in the book are from a short period at the beginning of the rise of the Beatles. An interesting look at that pivotal time. The commentary is very interesting as well.

Every now and then a book comes along that shares another perspective of what was Beatlemania. But for the book "1964: Eyes of the Storm" who better to retell the experience than the man who experienced it all, Paul McCartney. Sir Paul reminisces and offers up close and personal accounts and the photographs that he took while writer Jill Lepore writes a concise introduction for readers and fans alike that lived and watched as history was being made. The photographs are candid and captured the uncanny mugs that each of the members of the band displayed in the early days and at the height of Beatlemania from 1963-1964 and throughout the cities they toured during the period Liverpool, London, Paris, New York, Washington D.C., and Miami. The front cover of the book speaks for itself and what was to come when the band arrived in the United States and on that fateful month of February 1964 and in New York City.For fans of the Beatles, this book may appear to be yet another collection of photographs that have been seen before. And one question may arise as with readers that have thought all happened been written of one of the most historic musicians in history -- why another book? That is not the case at all, many of the photographs have been kept away for 60 years by McCartney never too see the light of day until now. Indeed, a few of the sessions look familiar due to the numerous official band photographers and friends that were present during the time and that McCartney candidly included in a few of the photos such as Dezo Hoffman and Robert Freeman. McCartney had been an art student and had an avid interest in the area well before the Beatles became such a phenomenon, and his photos show their unique quality deserving distinction. Most of the photographs are in black and white but at the latter pages, McCartney explains that he began to use Kodachrome film and the results show in the color photos taken before the band's appearance on the Ed Sullivan show in Miami.To conclude the display of the collection of photographs, Curator of the exhibit of the photographs of Paul McCartney at London's National Portrait Art Gallery Rosie Broadley writes a fitting piece at the end of the book that summarizes the greater meaning of the collection. There is no doubt whether one remembers that time or is now discovering the period that was 1964 -- it will be a fun romp back in time. One may say, it was a time that may never be repeated.

There was a lot here we haven't seen before. And I take the book for what it is a lovely, sentimental, love filled journey that Paul is showing us through his eyes. And as for anyone who feels disappointed it was probably because it was Paul's eye view of what was happening around him, not our view of what we want to see.Yes , I too would have loved to have seen more of John, George and Ringo ( not to mention Paul himself). And less of the touristy pictures. But he was a tourist, especially in the States. Excited to see and keep the memories he was living in that moment. And trying to convey to us now, almost 60 years later, how happy he was being in that moment with the people he loved. Seeing the pictures of Cynthia Lennon, a young George Martin, Brian Epstein and Paul's first love Jane Asher, as well as other important people in the Beatles lives (people most Beatles fans have heard of) was touching especially in their private moments.This book may not be worth the expense to some people. But like most books it will come down in price in a few years to a cost that will make it worthwile. But to me the the feeling I get of Paul's joy of life in that moment is what this book conveys. The pictures of the smiling teenagers screaming for their idols, the ones of dazed police officers and laughing airport ground crews and the pictures of the photographers happy to be the ones being photographed are the memories Paul is sharing with us. It is a happy snapshot of the Beatles beginnings. But, yes, this book is worth it to me mostly because of those pictures of the the four happy young men starting to see their dreams come true. The picture of John taking a picture of Cynthia was very sweet. And I love the picture of a young George "enjoying life" or Ringo in his quiet contemplative moments. But the the pages that say it all are near the end of the book. John on one page and George on the opposite with the words "I love and miss them dearly." and this makes the book for me. A remembrance when they were young and excited, before they got tired and things became monotenous. Before the break up.So Sir Paul THANK YOU for all the memories you have made in our lives thru your music. And thanks for the look into what made YOUR memories through this book and your last book.

I saw an exhibit of Paul's photos at a local museum and ordered the book before I left the Museum. Pleased to have it.

As a life long Beatles fan I was excited to get this book. It is filled with wonderful photos giving some additional insight into their careers and experiences. But I gave it four stars because it would have been nice to have a little contextual story to go with the photos. There are captions telling you who or what the subjects are but no real story as to why he took the shot; what he thought was dramatic or interesting about them, what was happening at the time the photo was taken. I would still recommend it, however, as it's a great coffee table book and conversation piece.

Perfect!! Thank you!

It was beautifully made and written, I loved every aspect of it. Paul’s an amazing photographer and he’s just so talented, I loved the way he described his photos and all the memories that he shows with John and the others it’s just so nostalgic ❤️‍🩹😭 It’s a beautiful book if you love the beatles or Paul. Truly a masterpiece of a book 💜

Love seeing all these photo and the write up about how these photos came to life. If you are a die hard Beatle fan. This is a must have to your never ending collection of Beatle memorabilia.

It’s by Paul McCartney and it’s fab. I love him. If you love him you’ll love it, and if you don’t, why not!!

and a great story !

Das Buch ist qualitativ sehr hochwertig und bringt sehr schön die unterschiedlichsten Emotionen rüber. Vor allem die ruhigen Momente sind berührend. Sehr schön Paul!