Skywriting by Word of Mouth : And Other Writings, Including "The Ballad of John and Yoko" - Softcover

Lennon, John

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0060914440 ISBN 13: 9780060914448

Publisher: It Books, 2010

Synopsis

John Lennon wrote Skywriting by Word of Mouth, an impressive collection of writings and drawings, during Yoko Ono's pregnancy with Sean, and always planned to have it published. The book's publication was a wish that seemed to end with Lennon's assassination in 1980 and the theft of the manuscript from the Lennons' home in 1982. When it was recovered and first published in 1986, Skywriting received immediate critical and popular acclaim. Filled with Lennon's extraordinary creative powers and lavishly illustrated with his own drawings, the collection reveals his fertile creative spirit up close and in full force. Included in Skywriting are "Two Virgins," written when the public learned that John and Yoko were living together as husband and wife, and John's only autobiography, "The Ballad of John and Yoko." In addition there are notes on his falling in love with Yoko, the breakup of the Beatles, his persecution by U.S. authorities, and his withdrawal from public life. This is a book with John Lennon's spirit on every page—a spirit the world needs to remember.

About this title

Review

“John wrote Skywriting at a time when the world was wondering whatever happened to him. Why wasn’t he writing songs anymore? Well, this is what he was busy doing... I’m glad that I can now share these writings with you. I’m sure John would be, too.” (Yoko Ono (from the afterword))

“Had he never sung a note, John Lennon still might have made his mark - as a successor to Lewis Carroll, James Joyce, and other brilliantly playful molders and expanders of the English language.” (Los Angeles Times)

“Candid and scathing...A reflection of its author’s creativity and enduring appeal.” (People)

“Skywriting is a thrill... Lennon at his best.” (San Jose Mercury News)

“It is no wonder John Lennon’s fans grow more in love with him as time goes by...His great influence on popular music makes him impossible to forget, so does this book.” (Houston Chronicle)

“Marvelous, delightful reading and for John Lennon fans a must.” (Publishers Weekly)

From School Library Journal

YA John Lennon was a paradox. Underneath the hard living celebrity persona lurked a totally different individual. His writings in Skywriting by Word of Mouth reflect the transition period during which he met Yoko Ono and realized that he wanted to leave the Beatles. He is honest about personal mistakes and his abuse of drugs. His writings are candid, witty, enlightened, and sarcastic. This book will eradicate previous perceptions since it erases the facade of John Lennon and shows his real soul. While language in certain passages may offend some readers, mature teens should benefit from Lennon's honest evaluation of his self image and his public image. Anne Paget, Episcopal High School, Bellaire
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: It Books
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 0060914440
• ISBN 13: 9780060914448
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 208