Zapple Diaries, The

Barry Miles, renowned cultural historian and writer, brings us the fascinating inside story of Zapple, the Beatles' experimental and spoken word label. Appointed as manager of Zapple in 1968 by Paul McCartney, Miles set up the label and planned its proposed list of radical releases in co-operation with the Fab Four. Featuring many of the author's previously unpublished photos, The Zapple Diaries is written as an engaging journal and illustrated with rare memorabilia from the author's archive (now housed at the British Library). As Barry Miles takes us through this period of his career, he grants the reader unique insights into the lives and working methods of many of the leading literary and countercultural figures of the era. Artists discussed along the way include Charles Bukowski, Richard Brautigan, Allen Ginsberg, Lawrence Ferlinghetti and the City Lights poets, and many others. Barry Miles's leading role within Zapple's recording projects mean that The Zapple Diaries gives us a unique insight into the passions and ambitions of the members of the Beatles as they begin to develop individual careers as solo artists. Barry Miles records his eccentric home-from-home, the famed Chelsea Hotel in New York and its numerous bohemian inhabitants. He writes of the increasing tensions developing within Apple Corps as he shuttled relentlessy between the USA and Apple HQ in London attempting to realise the Zapple projects. He documents the Beatles' disquiet over the appointment of Allen Klein as Business Manager of Apple Corps, the eventual closure of Zapple, and the final breakup of the Beatles. The Zapple Diaries is packed with a winning combination of great stories, rare illustrations and beautiful designwork. A highly readable work of cultural history, the book is sure to please both dedicated collectors and avid fans.

Alternately chilling, moving and comic, this novel grips the reader in a vice as tight as Mr Punch's embrace.