Harry Benson. The Beatles

Taschen's coffee-table book 'The Beatles: On the Road 1964-1966′ presents the best of Harry Benson's era-defining Beatles portfolio. The photographer captures 'the Fab Four' on tour, at gigs, while relaxing, composing and acting in 'A Hard Day's Night.' From their famous pillow fight in Paris to their first tour of the U.S., Benson's radiant black-and-white photographs show intimate glimpses of George, John, Paul and Ringo during the height of Beatlemania.

In early 1964, photographer Harry Benson received a phone call from the photo editor of London's Daily Express, asking him to report on the Beatles' trip to Paris. It was the beginning of a career-defining relationship that would both establish Benson's name and produce some of the most intimate photographs ever taken of the Beatles.

In Paris, Benson captured the Fab Four during a pillow fight at the George V Hotel, a spontaneous moment that perfectly captures the spirit of the band. Benson himself calls it the best photograph of his career. Later that year, he followed the group on their first tour of the United States, capturing their appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, their surprise encounter with Cassius Clay and the hysteria of New York's Beatlemania. Benson also photographed George Harrison's honeymoon in Barbados, captured the Beatles on the set of their debut film A Hard Day's Night and was present during the now infamous 1966 tour, when John Lennon said the Beatles were "more popular than Jesus."

This reissue from Taschen brings back the best of Benson's stunning black-and-white portfolio of The Beatles. Supplemented by quotes and newspaper clippings from the period, an introduction by the photographer himself adds exciting personal testimony to these iconic images of the greatest band in music history.

Specifications
Title: Harry Benson. The Beatles
Author: Harry Benson
Publisher: Taschen
Format: 236 x 333 x 40 mm 
Size: 272 pages
Weight: 2.33 kg
Language: English, French, German
Material: Hardcover
ISBN: 9783836593489
Release: April 4, 2026

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