📖 Overview
I, Me, Mine is George Harrison's autobiography, published in 1980 by Genesis Publications as a limited edition of 2,000 hand-bound copies featuring facsimiles of Harrison's handwritten song lyrics alongside the main text.
The book covers Harrison's life from his Liverpool childhood through his years with The Beatles and into his solo career, with commentary by former Beatles press officer Derek Taylor. The text includes Harrison's reflections on songwriting and the origins of many of his compositions.
The work presents Harrison's spiritual journey and his involvement with Indian philosophy and music, while also documenting his experiences in one of the world's most famous bands.
The memoir stands as a personal testament to Harrison's evolution as both musician and spiritual seeker, offering insights into the intersection of fame, creativity, and the quest for inner meaning.
👀 Reviews
Readers note this autobiography feels incomplete and scattered, with many wondering why Harrison devoted so much space to song lyrics rather than personal stories and Beatles memories.
What readers liked:
- Harrison's handwritten lyrics and explanations behind his songs
- Details about his spiritual journey and meditation
- Rare photographs throughout
- Stories from his childhood and early music days
What readers disliked:
- Limited Beatles content and avoidance of major life events
- Defensive tone when discussing Paul McCartney
- Disorganized structure jumping between topics
- Too much focus on song lyrics versus life experiences
Ratings:
Goodreads: 3.8/5 (2,700+ ratings)
Amazon: 4.3/5 (450+ ratings)
Multiple reviewers called it a "missed opportunity" for deeper insights. One reader noted: "If you're looking for Beatles dirt or deep revelations, look elsewhere." Another said: "The lyrics section feels like filler for what could have been a more substantial memoir."
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Chronicles: Volume One by Bob Dylan Details Dylan's journey through the folk scene and rise to prominence with focus on the craft of songwriting and artistic development.
Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela Presents a parallel spiritual journey and quest for meaning, with emphasis on personal transformation and inner growth.
Here, There and Everywhere by Geoff Emerick Provides an inside perspective of The Beatles' recording sessions from their sound engineer, complementing Harrison's narrative with technical details of music creation.
Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda Explores Eastern spirituality and meditation practices that influenced Harrison's own spiritual path and philosophical outlook.
Chronicles: Volume One by Bob Dylan Details Dylan's journey through the folk scene and rise to prominence with focus on the craft of songwriting and artistic development.
Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela Presents a parallel spiritual journey and quest for meaning, with emphasis on personal transformation and inner growth.
Here, There and Everywhere by Geoff Emerick Provides an inside perspective of The Beatles' recording sessions from their sound engineer, complementing Harrison's narrative with technical details of music creation.
Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda Explores Eastern spirituality and meditation practices that influenced Harrison's own spiritual path and philosophical outlook.
🤔 Interesting facts
🎸 The original limited edition (1980) cost £335 per copy, equivalent to over £1,500 today, making it one of the most expensive rock memoirs ever published.
🌟 Derek Taylor, who helped write the book, was not just a Beatles insider but also their press officer and had previously written his own acclaimed book about the band called "As Time Goes By."
☮️ The book's title "I, Me, Mine" references Buddhist concepts about ego and self-centeredness, reflecting Harrison's lifelong interest in Eastern spirituality.
📝 The handwritten lyrics section includes 83 songs, along with Harrison's personal commentary about how and why each song was written.
🎼 John Lennon was notably upset about the book, as he felt he was barely mentioned despite their long friendship and collaboration, reportedly saying so to his wife Yoko Ono just days before his death in 1980.