Hunter Davies’ biography of The Beatles is published

The only authorised biography of The Beatles was published in the United Kingdom on this day. Written by Hunter Davies, The Beatles was published by William Heinemann Limited.

Davies was a prolific Scottish writer and broadcaster. His 1965 novel Here We Go Round The Mulberry Bush was made into a film, and when he approached Paul McCartney to suggest the Beatle write a theme song, he also raised the possibility of writing a biography of the group.

McCartney liked the idea of a biography, and suggested that Davies contact The Beatles’ then manager Brian Epstein. It was received favourably by Epstein, and Davies was granted access to observe the group at work and play, conducting a series of interviews and spending considerable time with The Beatles and their families.

Although The Beatles was later criticised by John Lennon, it remains an illuminating account, though incomplete as a result of the time it was written and the subjects Davies was unable to document.