The White Book: The Beatles, The Bands, The Biz, An Insider’s Look at The Era
by Ken Mansfield

Former Capitol honcho’s tales of looking after The Beatles

Some books by industry insiders can feel over-analytical and opinionated, especially concerning this most sacrosanct of subjects. Ken Mansfield’s effort is more self-indulgent memoir than factual reassessment of The Beatles’ past. His job as Capitol’s West Coast promotions manager, supervising all The Beatles’ Apple releases from the “White Album” onwards, meant fulfilling the usual requests and day-to-day duties when they were in the country, but also saw him travel to London’s Apple offices numerous times.

As he documents time spent with the group and his career at Capitol, there are many enlightening anecdotes; the fallout after telling Brian Wilson that Barbara Ann wasn’t going to be a hit being just one example. The photos of his private memorabilia and pictures of The Beatles also bear witness to his unique position (of all the people plucked to witness the legendary roof-top gig at Saville Row, Ken can be seen huddling next to Yoko in a white mac). What’s most apparent, though, is Ken’s infectious sense of wonderment at his position in The Beatles’ world and in the music industry itself. Although it’s not a warts’n’all account, The White Book still yields many personal recollections about the Fab Four and others, resulting in an insightful, enjoyable read.

ISBN 9781595551016

Reviewed by Ali MacQueen
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