The John Lennon Letters: Edited and with an Introduction by Hunter Davies

If you're a fan of John Lennon - of his music, art and writings - then I highly recommend this book. It's beautifully presented, as a large hardback publication. It presents nearly 400 pages of 'letters' (from correspondence to postcards to jottings and notes) written by Lennon, from his youth through to adulthood. These letters are accompanied by a commentary written by Beatles expert Hunter Davies, who edits and introduces this text.The letters themselves are photocopied and reproduced (although typically in a smaller size than the original documents), and then Davies presents a typed version of Lennon's hand-writing. Everything from love letters to fan mail is included, expressing thoughts, feeling, ideas, opinions, humour, and so much more. Obviously Lennon never intended for this material - or, at least, much of it - to be published. These letters are not great prose - yet occasionally we get glimpses of Lennon the poet and wordsmith. The most important aspect of this publication is that it allows us entry into Lennon's personal life ... although one might question whether this ought to be permitted.It's an enjoyable read, and it offers the chance to feel 'connected' to Lennon in a rather intimate manner. If this possibility interests you, then I recommend the item.

The book is good and very much of interest to Beatles/John Lennon fans. My only disappointment is that the proportion of letters included which directly relate to John and The Beatles isn't as great as I'd imagined, many are brief and relate to everyday more mundane communications, some being little more than notes. That said, as a fan and collector, I'd rather have this book than not.

I am a huge Beatles fan so greatly enjoy reading anything about them. I enjoyed the book as it did give me a bit more insight into how John Lennon was as a person especially when he was being a Dad to Sean in New York towards the end of his life. A very interesting read and very well narrated

Not my cup of tea. I respect the late John Lennon and feel this book is not a true reflection, mainly due to the editing by the author who is not John Lennon.

Interesting but very short. I really thought that this was going to be much more than it is. But it was enjoyable

What a fantastic book. Hunter Davies has produced a labour of love here. This is a wonderful record of John's crazy thinking, sense of humour and compassion (and anger at times). The illustrations are great and the stories behind many of the contributions are fascinating. I saw Hunter at The British Library giving a presentation about this book, although he spent far more time on his authorised biography of The Beatles from 1968. Try and see him talking about this book. Well worth it, as is this wonderful book.

From seeing his first handwritten school magazine to letters to fans, postcards to friends/family and even shopping and to do lists for staff I felt that I got to know John lennon through this book. In chronological order throughout his life with drawings and photographs once I started reading this book I couldn't put it down (and it's a thick book). Fabulous!

Learnt some new things, and saw John in a different light. Copies of the ‘letters’ are fascinating, and bring the book to life. Worthwhile read.