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John & Paul: A Love Story in Songs Audiobook
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Instant New York Times bestseller * A New York Times Notable Book of 2025 * Named a Best Book of 2025 by NPR, Kirkus Reviews, The Economist, and The Financial Times
"We think we know everything, but author Ian Leslie proves otherwise. His new book, 'John & Paul: A Love Story in Songs,' is, astonishingly, one of the few to offer a detailed narrative of John Lennon and Paul McCartney’s partnership. And it’s a revelation." ―Los Angeles Times
"It is stunning to follow Leslie’s insights into how far and fast John and Paul traveled, how profound their preternatural alliance was, and how epic their heroic journey. I’m sorry John isn’t here to read this book. I hope if Paul does read it he feels the depth of appreciation and gratitude and intelligence it contains." ―The New York Times
John Lennon and Paul McCartney knew each other for twenty-three years, from 1957 to 1980. This book is the myth-shattering biography of a relationship that changed the cultural history of the world.
The Beatles shook the world to its core in the 1960’s and, to this day, new generations continue to fall in love with their songs and their story. At the heart of this phenomenon lies the dynamic between John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Few other musical partnerships have been rooted in such a deep, intense and complicated personal relationship.
John and Paul’s relationship was defined by its complexity: compulsive, tender and tempestuous; full of longing, riven by jealousy. Like the band, their relationship was always in motion, never in equilibrium for long. John & Paul traces its twists and turns and reveals how these shifts manifested themselves in the music. The two of them shared a private language, rooted in the stories, comedy and songs they both loved as teenagers, and later, in the lyrics of Beatles songs.
In John & Paul, acclaimed writer Ian Leslie uses the songs they wrote to trace the shared journey of these two compelling men before, during, and after The Beatles. Drawing on recently released footage and recordings, Leslie offers us an intimate and insightful new look at two of the greatest icons in music history, and rich insights into the nature of creativity, collaboration, and human intimacy.
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“Chris Addison provides a BBC-quality narration of this insightful songwriter bro-mance. Addison’s relaxed performance is colorful and sincere, ideal for exploring the collaborative relationship of John Lennon and Paul McCartney.”
— AudioFile
Quotes
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“It’s a revelation.”
— Los Angeles Times -
“This analytically sharp, vaultingly written book will make you see and hear things you’ve missed.”
— Financial Times (London) -
“Gives John & Paul the tender, human element that goes beyond the raw talent of Lennon and McCartney.”
— Rolling Stone -
“An elegantly written and original telling of the Beatles’ story, which is as enthralling and astonishing as their music.”
— The Telegraph (London) -
“For…understanding how cultural masterpieces are born, this book is a must-read."
— Beatles Magazine -
“Leslie’s thoroughly delightful portrait of the Beatles comes by way of the duo’s friendship and their songs…Leslie meticulously works through the canon, with the bio unfolding.”
— Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Awards
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A #1 Amazon Bestseller
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A New York Times Bestseller
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An Amazon Editors' Pick of Best Books of the Year (So Far)
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About Ian Leslie
Ian Leslie is an acclaimed journalist and author whose books on human psychology communication and creativity include Curious, Born Liars, and How to Disagree. He has written for the New York Times, the New Statesman, the Economist, the London Guardian, and the Financial Times. He is also the author of the influential newsletter The Ruffian.
About Chris Addison
Chris Addison is a voice talent and audiobook narrator.