The McCartney Legacy: Volume 1: 1969 – 73

I have read over 100 music biographies. This is the best biography I have read. The format - discussing life events and recording dates - is outstanding. I’m 3/4 through and dread the day I’m finished. Truly can’t wait for volume 2 1974-1980 expected by the end of 2024. I hope these great researchers/writers bring us through today as McCartney certainly has a great catalog through the 80’s, 90’s right up to today. Thank you guys for a great biography.

I usually steer well clear of books written about one or more of the Beatles by people who have no connection to them, but I bought this having heard how well done it is. Sure, it is not authorised by Paul, but the authors have clearly done their research, with pretty much everything backed up by first hand references by the likes of band members, engineers etc.This book covers 1969-1973, with the promise of more to come. This period was one of much upheaval in Paul’s life that has never been covered in such detail. We have the break up of the Beatles, his depression afterwards, the horrible realisation that he has to sue his best friends, trying to get a post-Beatles career going and facing the criticism from those who were expecting something different and more familiar, his marriage to Linda, the formation of Wings and so much more. I’ve been a fan for decades and I’ve learnt new stuff here, and it is so well written. As a reader, you get so much more of an insight into his life during this period, including his desire to keep a low profile in the aftermath and backlash of the Beatles’ split, while also wanting to keep a career going. It’s a fantastic read which I highly recommend. Can’t wait for volume 2.

I have yet to finish this extensive and detailed book about Paul McCartney, but I have definitely learned new things about him and his creative process. He seems to be experiencing quite a renaissance these days and this particular period in his career is one I have always loved. A very engaging read.

While the book is very entertaining, I was surprised to discover printing errors halfway through the book. See photo. So far I’ve come across this on at least 30 pages. Sadly, I didn’t discover this until way beyond the return window. Live and learn. Going forward, best to thumb through the entire book looking for damage. I’ve reached out to Harper Collins, the publisher, to see if they’ll replace this and will update my review at some point.

The best McCartney book on the market. Meticulously researched, entertaining, and informative—a very engrossing read that’s hard to put down. Love all the insights from Denny Seiwell and the Ram sessions in particular. I can’t wait for Volume 2.

Sinclair and Kosinski did a tremendous job detailing (and there’s lots of detail) McCartney’s early post-Beatle years, doing so in a fluid narrative that incites interest while conveying an unprecedented amount of detail. Did I mention there’s a lot of detail? As a life-long McCartney fan, I am left with impressions both good and bad of the man but the overall treatment of him by the authors seems to be fair. I am impressed that solo Paul’s early drummer Denny Seiwel (sp?) has maintained such a positive viewpoint, despite the near poverty level living conditions and pay he endured while helping to establish Wing. I also never fully appreciated Linda’s predicament, but it is there if you read between the lines. She was relentlessly slagged by the press, by fans, and of course by the ever-present groupies, and placed repeatedly in the spotlight in situations where even she knew her musical skills were not sufficiently developed. A great book, and I look forward with great anticipation to volume 2.

I thought I knew pretty much everything you could know about Paul McCartney's immediate post-Beatles years. Then I read the book and was forced to tip my hat to the real pros -- the authors of this book. Their research is both meticulous and thorough. Their knowledge of music as well as historical information is outstanding. The writing style is engaging. And the reliability of the text is superb. One can only look forward to the remaining installments of this series. If they are as good as this book is, their value unquestionably far exceeds the price tag and makes them all absolutely essential purchases for any McCartney and/or Beatles fan, of any level.

I give this book the highest praise possible: The McCartney Legacy does for Sir Paul what Mark Lewisohn did for the Beatles with Volume One of Tune In.Which is to say that it’s one thing to write the most thoroughly researched book imaginable. It’s quite another thing to write it so well that the authors make readers feel like we’re on the journey with our heroes as the story unfolds.A brilliant achievement, an essential and foundational contribution to Beatles studies, and an extremely entertaining read. What more could you ask for, except for the next volume?PS I forgot to mention what a blast I had revisiting the records as I proceeded through the book. There are SO many revelations, insights, and backstories, that it made each album or single a new listening experience.PPS Peace and Love! Thanks Paul!

This book is nothing short of spectacular. Never have we been let in to every single detail of this extraordinarily important and transformative period of McCartney's life. From the details of the Beatles end to session-by-session, day-to-day information about his "isolation" in Scotland to the creation of McCartney then Ram ... to his recruiting of the members of Wings. Thorough interviews conducted with, it seems, every single person they were in contact with PLUS McCartney himself gave the authors his blessing and advised everybody in his entourage to collaborate. This is THE McCartney biography you want to own and read. I was intimidated at first by the number of pages - but I have read it at record speed (by my own standards) because it is simply impossible to put down. It is an absolute knock-out and I am already dying to read the follow-ups.

EL libro es una joya, el problema es que lo enviaron sin ningun cuidado, el libro llego golpeado, con la cubierta rayada y muy maltratada y sin ningun tipo de funda o platico. Ojalá pongan más atención en ese detalle tan importante.

Probablement le meilleur livre écrit sur Paul McCartney, musicalement et humainement. Détaillé, le livre regorge d'anecdotes souvent inédites qu'il se dévore en quelques jours. Frustrant d'arrêter le récit, en attendant le volume 2... et 3... Une addition essentielle pour tout fan.

Most reviewers, here, have already provided all the excellent elements of this 'tell-all book'. A superb balance between insights into creativity, recording, recruiting and shedding personnel and contract issues, not the least between one of the industry's most unpleasant characters Klein. Highly recommended to those interested into what will be seen as one of the most prolific and outstanding composers of the 20th Century in the domain of popular (and lasting) music, whos career managed to span more than 60 years and still going strong!

Very detailed facts about McCartneys early solo years and the Beatles during their breakup. Good reading for a Beatle nerd.