John & Paul: A Love Story in Songs -- Ian Leslie, Hardcover

"A new take on a legendary partnership...Thoroughly delightful...Fans will love this fresh, insightful approach to the band."
--Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review)

John Lennon and Paul McCartney knew each other for twenty-three years, from 1957 to 1980. This book is the myth-shattering biography of a relationship that changed the cultural history of the world.

The Beatles shook the world to its core in the 1960's and, to this day, new generations continue to fall in love with their songs and their story. At the heart of this phenomenon lies the dynamic between John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Few other musical partnerships have been rooted in such a deep, intense and complicated personal relationship.

John and Paul's relationship was defined by its complexity: compulsive, tender and tempestuous; full of longing, riven by jealousy. Like the band, their relationship was always in motion, never in equilibrium for long. John & Paul traces its twists and turns and reveals how these shifts manifested themselves in the music. The two of them shared a private language, rooted in the stories, comedy and songs they both loved as teenagers, and later, in the lyrics of Beatles songs.

In John & Paul, acclaimed writer Ian Leslie uses the songs they wrote to trace the shared journey of these two compelling men before, during, and after The Beatles. Drawing on recently released footage and recordings, Leslie offers us an intimate and insightful new look at two of the greatest icons in music history, and rich insights into the nature of creativity, collaboration, and human intimacy.

Author: Ian Leslie
Publisher: Celadon Books
Published: 04/08/2025
Pages: 448
Binding Type: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781250869548

Review Citation(s):
Library Journal 11/01/2024 pg. 13
Kirkus Reviews 01/15/2025

About the Author
Ian Leslie is an acclaimed journalist and author whose books on human psychology communication and creativity include Curious, Born Liars, and How to Disagree. He has written for the New York Times, the New Statesman, the Economist, Guardian and Financial Times. He is also the author of the influential newsletter, The Ruffian. Leslie lives in London.