Skywriting by Word of Mouth : And Other Writings, Including "The Ballad of John and Yoko" [Paperback]

John Lennon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 9, 1987

John Lennon wrote Skywriting by Word of Mouth, an impressive collection of writings and drawings, during Yoko Ono's pregnancy with Sean, and always planned to have it published. The book's publication was a wish that seemed to end with Lennon's assassination in 1980 and the theft of the manuscript from the Lennons' home in 1982. When it was recovered and first published in 1986, Skywriting received immediate critical and popular acclaim. Filled with Lennon's extraordinary creative powers and lavishly illustrated with his own drawings, the collection reveals his fertile creative spirit up close and in full force. Included in Skywriting are "Two Virgins," written when the public learned that John and Yoko were living together as husband and wife, and John's only autobiography, "The Ballad of John and Yoko." In addition there are notes on his falling in love with Yoko, the breakup of the Beatles, his persecution by U.S. authorities, and his withdrawal from public life. This is a book with John Lennon's spirit on every page—a spirit the world needs to remember.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

YA John Lennon was a paradox. Underneath the hard living celebrity persona lurked a totally different individual. His writings in Skywriting by Word of Mouth reflect the transition period during which he met Yoko Ono and realized that he wanted to leave the Beatles. He is honest about personal mistakes and his abuse of drugs. His writings are candid, witty, enlightened, and sarcastic. This book will eradicate previous perceptions since it erases the facade of John Lennon and shows his real soul. While language in certain passages may offend some readers, mature teens should benefit from Lennon's honest evaluation of his self image and his public image. Anne Paget, Episcopal High School, Bellaire
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

“Had he never sung a note, John Lennon still might have made his mark - as a successor to Lewis Carroll, James Joyce, and other brilliantly playful molders and expanders of the English language.” (Los Angeles Times )

“Marvelous, delightful reading and for John Lennon fans a must.” (Publishers Weekly )

“Candid and scathing...A reflection of its author’s creativity and enduring appeal.” (People )

“Skywriting is a thrill… Lennon at his best.” (San Jose Mercury News )

“It is no wonder John Lennon’s fans grow more in love with him as time goes by...His great influence on popular music makes him impossible to forget, so does this book.” (Houston Chronicle )

“John wrote Skywriting at a time when the world was wondering whatever happened to him. Why wasn’t he writing songs anymore? Well, this is what he was busy doing… I’m glad that I can now share these writings with you. I’m sure John would be, too.” (Yoko Ono (from the afterword) )

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: It Books (October 9, 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060914440
• ISBN-13: 978-0060914448
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #663,797 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The ever-original SKYWRITING!, January 10, 2007

By 

N. Norton "Mosaic of tastes" (the River of Dreams, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Skywriting by Word of Mouth : And Other Writings, Including "The Ballad of John and Yoko" (Paperback)

This book really leaves an impression. When I first started reading it, I at once knew that it was completely eclectic. Very different from any other written work. I'd love to review the story, but the plotline literally spirals into totally different ideas every chapter (more frequently than that, actually...). Skywriting is completely lovely, witty, hilarious, and charmingly sarcastic. Puns galore. After you are finished reading it, you'll be completely cheered up, guaranteed! (And I also recommend the drawings. They range from laughter-enducing to beautiful, and the "apple pie bed" one is by far the cutest drawing that I have ever seen of Mr. Lennon's...!)

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "You must remember this...A piss is just a piss...", July 24, 2001

By 

daniel moore (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Skywriting by Word of Mouth : And Other Writings, Including "The Ballad of John and Yoko" (Paperback)

Clever. This book is clever (which is little wonder because John Lennon can be criticized for many things but never for his lack of wit). If you are a fan of the great Mr. Lennon, This is a must read. I would venture to say that there are more puns in this book than in any other piece of literature. It truly helps one understand the man behind all the hype - in very much the same way as the John Lennon Anthology does (which, by the way, is priceless). It's a thing of beauty, and as funny and entertaining as they come.

18 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A book full of "Walrus" and "Lucy"-like Lennon-isms., November 25, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (St Charles, IL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Skywriting by Word of Mouth : And Other Writings, Including "The Ballad of John and Yoko" (Paperback)

Anyone who enjoys Edward Lear will love Lennon's book of nonsense. He masterfully crafts the English language to suit his desires and needs, giving the reader a non-sensical trip into his before-his-time mind. Filled with classic Lennon-isms, Skywriting is a must for any fan of John's. There is something new to be seen every time you pick it up!