Within You Without You: Listening to George Harrison

How did the most reluctant member of the Fab Four put his mark on all of their music? This book helps listeners hear how George Harrison shaped the sound of The Beatles and how he carried that sound forward into his solo career

Within You Without You is a highly personal exploration of George Harrison’s essential contributions to the Beatles and his solo work, as well as his significant role as a Western proponent of Indian music and beliefs. Through close examination of his guitar playing in the Fab Four and his songwriting both in and out of the Beatles, author Seth Rogovoy demystifies the enigma of this most reluctant of rock stars.

Drawing upon the insights of the author--a rock critic and historian of over forty years standing--as well as those of expert observers including Beatles filmmaker Michael Lindsay-Hogg and English rock singer-songwriters Robyn Hitchcock and John Wesley Harding, among others, this book extensively examines George Harrison’s contributions to the musical world. Within You Without You will forever change the way readers hear the music of the Beatles and view Harrison’s role in the group, as well as enhancing appreciation of Harrison as a cultural figure above and beyond his work as a musician.

Seth Rogovoy is the author of Bob Dylan: Prophet Mystic Poet and The Essential Klezmer: A Music Lover’s Guide to Jewish Roots and Soul Music and contributing editor for The Forward.