Customer Reviews

The White Book: The Beatles, the Bands, the Biz: An Insider's Look at an Era

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

"When I picked up "The White Book," I honestly had no idea what to expect. What a pleasant surprise! I had never heard of Ken Mansfield before, and I consider myself a fairly knowledgeable Beatles fan. Mansfield, who was the former U.S. Manager of Apple Records, opts to take the high road in this engaging, funny and touching memoir that lifts up the Beatles rather than tears them down like so many other books. The Idaho-native made his way through the music business ranks in the 1960s and 1970s and knows how to tell a story, often sprinkling his prose with self-effacing humor and Lennon-esqe wit. Mansfield offers insightful and anecdotal information on the Fab Four, the Beach Boys, Waylon Jennings, David Cassidy and Dolly Parton. Not only does Mansfield give readers untold stories and beautiful pictures of the lads from Liverpool but us an insiders peep into the insane world of the recording industry. Required reading for Beatles fans and those looking to earn a living in the music business."

This is one of the most accurate and detailed accounts of what it was like to be in the most exclusive "circle" in the history of contemporary music. While I have read numerous articles and books describing these events from an "outsiders" perspective, this book actually recreates the amazing energy generated by The Beatles from an "insiders" viewpoint. To be able to sit next to The Beatles and watch their legendary rooftop performance speaks for itself. This book will surely become a collectors item, and will be useful to historians who study the Beatles phenomenon for generations to come. This book deserves an A+ in all respects.

How fortunate we are that Ken Mansfield is finally sharing his memories about his old friends; friends who just happen to be John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison & Ringo Starr - The Beatles. What's unique in reading Ken's catbird seat perspective, is that not only was he working for The Beatles, he was their valued friend. He has no other agenda when telling his insider recollections, than to share and reflect on a unique time in history, that he was a very real part of. What I love about this book is that we're hearing stories about the Beatles by a venerable part of their world; intimate memories from a man who's kept quiet for a long time so as not to betray a sacred trust. I am touched by the raw honesty he reveals about how his life was changed by being with exceptional people in exceptional times. Knowing that his book was done with the blessing of Yoko Ono, Olivia Harrision and the surviving Beatles, tells you that this is a rare edition, indeed.

In a unique way this is the most insightful book on the Beatles, Apple Records and the times of this magical happening I have read. Mansfield was there from the early years with the band plus into the later years and he shares private moments with these incredible people without betrayal. Scores of fresh new pics prove the intimacy of his relationship and make this an incredible read.

Ken Mansfield's The White Book is an excellent book full of great stories about The Beatles and the music industry of the sixties and beyond. It has numerous color and B&W photos, many of which I have never seen before.
Ken began his association with the group through Capitol Records in the mid-sixties and was chosen to be Apple's first American manager. He not only covers the Beatles, but also Apple artists such as James Taylor, Mary Hopkin and Badfinger, as well as other artists such as Brian Wilson and Roy Orbison. It is an entertaining read sure to increase your knowledge and insight about not only The Beatles, but also other musicians and music industry personalities such as Allen Klein. Ken's story about Klein's competitive nature and how he secured his freedom from Klein's clutches is a classic. He even tells of his missteps, including his advice to Brian Wilson not to release a particular recording that quickly became one of the Beach Boys biggest hits, causing Ken to fall from Brian's graces. This is no ego-driven narative from someone who only thinks he mattered. It is a heartfelt telling of stories about a very exciting and productive time in music. I highly recommend this Great White Wonder.

I have just finished The White Book, by Ken Mansfield. I found the book to be immensely entertaining and recommend it highly. Mansfield does a great job of taking you on a very special "Magical Mystery Tour" of his own.

Anyone who considers him/or herself a true Beatles afficianado must read this book. In a very self-deprecating fashion, Ken takes you to the very epi-center of the greatest seismic event to shake the Rock Music World - The Beatles. Readers will be treated to anecdotal stories and insights about the Fab Four, (The Lads) and better understand why over 40 years later seems like just "Yesterday"!

Ken hit the nail on the head with the book. Apple records was a unique venture. The guy that said it was crap was just way off base. This was a fun insight into what used to be a great business that no longer exists.
I worked in the business for a number of years and yes we rubbed elbows with lots of people everyday. One thing that was special was the level of passion everyone had. The street people ran the business, and everyone cared about what was happening. Thanks Ken for writing a wonderful book. You can't help but enjoy it.

Being a long time Beatle fan, it was a great ride reading about this inside life in the world of the Beatles and other musicians of the era. I am not a professional book critic, but an avid reader and a equally avid Beatle fan. I loved their music and I love this book. Not only is Ken's writing style creative and interesting but also contains great inside information that only a friend could share. The layout and design of the book is first class. I also appreciate the obvious humility of someone who spend much personal time with the Fab Four themselves. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves music...and that's just about all of us!

Ken Mansfield provides great untold stories and unseen pictures. His humility is refreshing and the storytelling original. Loved it!

This is an incredible book by a man who shares from his heart about a captivating magical musical era. Ken Mansfield's honest and vulnerable approach helps you see inside not only the Beatles but also a number of music's biggest stars at the time. Bravo! While others focus on rumors, Mansfield gives us heart and open dialog. His portrait of the famous Beatles concert on the roof is an amazing act of story telling of not only the event but the emotions behind the last live appearance of the greatest rock and roll band ever.

This is a must read for anyone who loves music.