The Beatles ─ In Pictures

A pictorial look at the world's bestselling band and Britain's most famous pop group

The Beatles have had more number one albums and achieved more sales in the U.S. than any other artist. Formed in Liverpool in 1960, The Beatles had their roots in skiffle and 1950s rock 'n' roll, but as their career progressed they dabbled in many musical forms, including pop ballads and psychedelic rock. In the early days, they honed their skills playing clubs in their hometown and Hamburg, Germany, while manager Brian Epstein polished their act. The Beatles' first single, "Love Me Do," was released in 1962, becoming a modest hit. Toward the end of that year, they recorded "Please Please Me," their first number one. The following year saw the advent of Beatlemania, and they became known as the Fab Four; by early 1964, they had become international stars. Throughout the remainder of the 1960s, their stature grew, even though their last commercial concert took place in 1966. During that time, they released many influential and innovative albums, including Revolver, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, and Abbey Road. This book takes a nostalgic and affectionate look at the group, from their early days in the 1960s to the most recent activities of the surviving members, with the aid of almost 350 photographs.