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Postcards from the Boys
Whenever John, Paul, or George went on a trip, they would send Ringo a postcard. Now, for the first time, Ringo Starr is opening his private archive to share this delightful and very intimate correspondence. Whether it's John advising Ringo to record a "great & simple" song like Blondie's Heart of Glass, Paul and Jane Asher dropping a note from Rishikesh to report on their meditation lessons with the Maharishi, or George writing from the Great Barrier Reef to confirm plans for Christmas dinner, each postcard is a warm and personal snapshot of life in (and after) The Beatles. The 51 postcards -- many of which are covered in whimsical drawings -- are colorfully reproduced, both front and back. Ringo's droll commentary fills in the blanks, though he does confess that at times he had to consult the Internet for details! Often funny, occasionally bittersweet, and always revealing, Postcards from the Boys is a must for Beatles lovers.
109 pages, Hardcover
First published September 9, 2004
About the author
Ringo Starr
44 books101 followersRichard Starkey, MBE, better known by his stage name Ringo Starr, is an Academy Award-winning English musician, singer, songwriter and actor, best known as the drummer for The Beatles. He was the oldest member of the band, and the last to join the "Fab Four" line up. He now enjoys a successful solo career.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
July 5, 2021
There has always been more to Ringo than being the “last Beatle chosen.” He may have been the least appreciated by Beatles fans, but he was, in many ways the most appreciated by his band-mates. Perhaps because he was the most “normal?”
Don’t be looking for a lot of dirt or deep insights in this collection of postcards from the decades of his relationships. Yet, if you want to devote some time to paging through the cards and reading the messages and Ringo's comments, I believe you will come away feeling just a bit better about the world around us and all the current troubles.
And yes, it’s his birthday July 7, so if you want to share the party http://www.ringostarr.com/
Don’t be looking for a lot of dirt or deep insights in this collection of postcards from the decades of his relationships. Yet, if you want to devote some time to paging through the cards and reading the messages and Ringo's comments, I believe you will come away feeling just a bit better about the world around us and all the current troubles.
And yes, it’s his birthday July 7, so if you want to share the party http://www.ringostarr.com/
August 22, 2021
“A splendid time is guaranteed for all”
Being For the Benefit of Mr. Kite - John Lennon and Paul McCartney
Being For the Benefit of Mr. Kite - John Lennon and Paul McCartney
August 31, 2007
This, literally, is a collection of postcards sent by either John Lennon, Paul McCartney or George Harrison to their bandmate Ringo Starr, before, during after the breakup of the Beatles.
The first printing of this was for charity and priced accordingly: It was very expensive.
In its present form it's priced at about what most hardcovers are priced at.
It's a relatively short book, but as coffee table books go, it's average length.
The real reason to have this is to get a sense of the genuine bond between Ringo and the other Beatles.
I believe Ringo was moving from one house to another when these postcards were found in a shoebox.
These cards are not particularly detailed. Because they are not letters, but postcards, with the texts visible to any postal worker handling them, they do not disclose anything earth-shattering. But this may be why they are perfect souvenirs of the sort a Beatles fan would share with the public. After all, Ringo has always said he is a Beatles fan himself.
The first printing of this was for charity and priced accordingly: It was very expensive.
In its present form it's priced at about what most hardcovers are priced at.
It's a relatively short book, but as coffee table books go, it's average length.
The real reason to have this is to get a sense of the genuine bond between Ringo and the other Beatles.
I believe Ringo was moving from one house to another when these postcards were found in a shoebox.
These cards are not particularly detailed. Because they are not letters, but postcards, with the texts visible to any postal worker handling them, they do not disclose anything earth-shattering. But this may be why they are perfect souvenirs of the sort a Beatles fan would share with the public. After all, Ringo has always said he is a Beatles fan himself.
August 21, 2008
This charming and predictably offbeat memoir from the most approachable and seemingly unaffected of the Fab 4 centers on the pre-internet, pre e-mail era (not THAT long ago!) where people actually wrote things down on what were known as "postcards" and mailed them to each other...quaint, huh?
This is a must-read for any Beatle-phobe. Spanning the entire time-continuum from pre-Beatlemania, to the dizzying heights thereof, as well as the years post-breakup, Ringo proves to be a bit of a pack-rat when it comes to retaining his correspondence, much to the benefit of us all. His remembrances of the circumstances around which many of these little tokens of affection were sent and received is not only entertaining, but also quite remarkable, considering the amount of self-medication that "Richie" fully admits to imbibing in at the time. Illustrated throughout with photos of dozens of cards received over the years "from the boys" from all parts of the globe, this book gives a unique insight as to the level of love and intimacy that these 4 lifelong friends shared well after we'd all thought that they'd gone their separate ways.
This is a must-read for any Beatle-phobe. Spanning the entire time-continuum from pre-Beatlemania, to the dizzying heights thereof, as well as the years post-breakup, Ringo proves to be a bit of a pack-rat when it comes to retaining his correspondence, much to the benefit of us all. His remembrances of the circumstances around which many of these little tokens of affection were sent and received is not only entertaining, but also quite remarkable, considering the amount of self-medication that "Richie" fully admits to imbibing in at the time. Illustrated throughout with photos of dozens of cards received over the years "from the boys" from all parts of the globe, this book gives a unique insight as to the level of love and intimacy that these 4 lifelong friends shared well after we'd all thought that they'd gone their separate ways.
December 14, 2008
Postcards between Beatles. What a way to combine two of my favorite subjects!
September 18, 2013
What a wide variety of postcards John Lennon, Paul McCartney and George Harrison sent to Ringo Starr; they range from naked Hawaiian beauties to cats playing with balls and a snapshot of Campbeltown's High Street with plenty of other equally unusual subjects inbetween.
The messages thereon are also varied, mostly amusing and many with drawings. Ringo describes each one and tells of what he was doing at the time of their arrival, much of which is interesting and often makes for amusing reading as well as giving a vivid insight into how Ringo had at times seemingly gone off the rails.
The postcards do, however, show the camaraderie that existed between the Fab Four even after they had split up ... as Ringo states, 'The relationship never went away.'
The messages thereon are also varied, mostly amusing and many with drawings. Ringo describes each one and tells of what he was doing at the time of their arrival, much of which is interesting and often makes for amusing reading as well as giving a vivid insight into how Ringo had at times seemingly gone off the rails.
The postcards do, however, show the camaraderie that existed between the Fab Four even after they had split up ... as Ringo states, 'The relationship never went away.'
July 14, 2018
A simple book of postcards to Ringo with his memories of that time period brings back wonderful memories of my teenage obsession with The Beatles. I was just the right age when they his America and changed the face of music forever. Delightful little book.
March 4, 2022
very cute
November 10, 2023
Other than some hard-to-decipher handwriting, this was a fun read!
October 31, 2023
The fact that all of the Beatles kept in touch with Ringo, post break-up, is really heartening.
May 19, 2016
What a lovely idea to publish a book with an assortment of postcards Ringo Starr received from the other three Beatles! There are innumerable books about this band but nothing is as personal as a written letter - or in this case a postcard. So if you want to get to know them better you must read this "book". Although John, George and Paul wrote only few words on most of them you can read a lot between them. Moreover it's interesting and amusing which motifs and shots they had picked. So are Starr's dry comments and memories about them and the time he received the cards. It only takes an hour to read those 51 cards but it's an hour it's worth to because you get closer to the Fab Fours - especially to RS - than you would have consumed a biography with distorted truths and second opinions. - Imagine you take this book in your hand while you listen to your favourite Beatles-songs and drink a fine cup of tea! Is there anything better?
August 28, 2019
I have a real soft spot for Ringo Starr. He so good-natured and pleasant. This is a great collection of personal notes and postcards sent to Ringo from his fellow Beatles. It was really fun to get an inside look at their friendship. Definitely worth the read.
I discuss my experience seeing Ringo's show at Bethel Woods for the 50th anniversary of Woodstock in this special episode of the All the Books Show: https://soundcloud.com/allthebooks/ep...
I discuss my experience seeing Ringo's show at Bethel Woods for the 50th anniversary of Woodstock in this special episode of the All the Books Show: https://soundcloud.com/allthebooks/ep...
August 15, 2011
The postcards in this book are such a neat look into the Beatles' history and their relationships with one another that extended far beyond the breakup of the band. The only slight complaint that I have is that Ringo's commentary/captions occasionally seem kind of off in left field with regard to the postcard they accompany... Overall, though, a fun book to check out if you're a Beatles fan
December 8, 2017
This is a sweet but dull coffee table book featuring Ringo’s personal collection of postcards sent by his fellow Beatles. I’m surprised so many made it through the mail, and were not snatched up as souvenirs by postal service employees.
February 8, 2012
Sweet and fun. Wish there had been more to it, maybe more explanations or fun stories, but what was offered was awesome and a good insight to under-rated Ringo's thoughts on the band and his friends.
August 7, 2020
This scrapbook type of thing has a very cozy and homemade/handmade feel to it. It's great fun to flip through the different cards. They are so colourful, sometimes funny or bizarre or educational or kitschy or retro or exotic, and each one unique with a friend's short message. I only wish more explanation was given sometimes. I do understand that not even Ringo himself can really remember the context for each one! Anyway, some were illegible. It's crazy how messy their handwriting is. Also, sometimes it is unclear who has actually sent the card. Info like this would be appreciated. I would like more context/info on the card that mentions "McLennons"... just asking for a friend. Through each postcard, a little more light is shed on the personality of each Beatle.
Often Ringo will offer up an anecdote or two to go with a postcard. he talks a lot about drunken nights with various celebrities. How "Pfannkuchen" was the first thing he learned to say in German. How he got 5 feet of intestines taken out.... well, that's a little gross. How Ronnie Lane casually informed him "I'm melting" (from multiple sclerosis), reminding me of the death of the Wicked Witch of the West.
INTERESTING TIDBIT: Recall how Paul recorded with the Beach Boys in 1967. He chomped celery on "Vega-Tables". And hilariously, he doesn't remember it. He says he may have tumbled out of a car into a room at night.... many wild nights, I perceive. Anyway, here, Ringo recalls a time he recorded with the Beach Boys, and, you guessed it-- he also doesn't remember the occasion. He only knows it happened because he has photographic evidence.
Nevertheless, it is a fun, lighthearted collection. It makes the reader yearn for a group of friends who will send you funky postcards from all corners of the globe. Great for collecting and scrapbooking and reminiscing! This is a very Ringo-esque project. Thanks for sharing your memories, Ringo!
Often Ringo will offer up an anecdote or two to go with a postcard. he talks a lot about drunken nights with various celebrities. How "Pfannkuchen" was the first thing he learned to say in German. How he got 5 feet of intestines taken out.... well, that's a little gross. How Ronnie Lane casually informed him "I'm melting" (from multiple sclerosis), reminding me of the death of the Wicked Witch of the West.
INTERESTING TIDBIT: Recall how Paul recorded with the Beach Boys in 1967. He chomped celery on "Vega-Tables". And hilariously, he doesn't remember it. He says he may have tumbled out of a car into a room at night.... many wild nights, I perceive. Anyway, here, Ringo recalls a time he recorded with the Beach Boys, and, you guessed it-- he also doesn't remember the occasion. He only knows it happened because he has photographic evidence.
Nevertheless, it is a fun, lighthearted collection. It makes the reader yearn for a group of friends who will send you funky postcards from all corners of the globe. Great for collecting and scrapbooking and reminiscing! This is a very Ringo-esque project. Thanks for sharing your memories, Ringo!
April 15, 2021
Ringo and his mail. How can you go wrong?
I’ve mentioned before that I love the Beatles and I have a soft spot for Ringo Star. Want to know why? He’s a riot. I love his sense of humor and it shines through in the stories to go along with these postcards.
These are all postcards sent to him from George, Paul and John. It’s kind of neat to see how they took on the task of writing to him. It’s definitely chatter among friends, but I enjoyed Paul’s little drawings, John’s sometimes nonsensical writings and George being more than the quiet Beatle. He’s quite funny, too. There is a variety of images and witty little stories to go with the images.
This is a must for Beatle fans and those of Ringo Starr. This is sort of a peek behind the curtain kind of book, so be sure to check it out!
I’ve mentioned before that I love the Beatles and I have a soft spot for Ringo Star. Want to know why? He’s a riot. I love his sense of humor and it shines through in the stories to go along with these postcards.
These are all postcards sent to him from George, Paul and John. It’s kind of neat to see how they took on the task of writing to him. It’s definitely chatter among friends, but I enjoyed Paul’s little drawings, John’s sometimes nonsensical writings and George being more than the quiet Beatle. He’s quite funny, too. There is a variety of images and witty little stories to go with the images.
This is a must for Beatle fans and those of Ringo Starr. This is sort of a peek behind the curtain kind of book, so be sure to check it out!
June 10, 2019
This was a very quick read, featuring odd and unusual postcards sent by various Beatles to Ringo Starr & family, annotated with Ringo's memories of the time it was sent as well as the sender. Apparently Ringo loves getting postcards, so his friends obliged. I didn't realize Paul was such a doodler - many of the postcards he sent include little line drawings - boats, people, everyday objects. One thing I noticed - in this book at least, Ringo warmly relates his memories of George and John, but when it comes to Paul, the memories are there, but not the warmth.
September 28, 2021
This book was a fun read for a few nights before bed. It made me giggle, shake my head and just ponder the Fab Four in a different way. It is postcards that John, Paul and George sent to Ringo from their own travel adventures. Ringo’s comments are sometimes about the postcard or the note written but more often than not his comments are about the address- a memory of the place he was living at the time or the time period - what he was doing in that year- sometimes rather stream of consciousness. But if was just a bit of joy and insight.
December 8, 2018
Definitely not an autobiography or really a memoir. But it is Richard Starkey being very candid about relationships and history in a series of anecdotes revolving around postcards he received from John, Paul and George and others. Very fun and too short.
May 6, 2019
A wonderful insight into this beloved band.
How very touching that they still communicated despite the turmoil.
Ringo's honest commentary is refreshing. Especially when he admits not remembering things.
How very touching that they still communicated despite the turmoil.
Ringo's honest commentary is refreshing. Especially when he admits not remembering things.
March 14, 2023
No big insights into this already well documented group but shows how much they loved to travel and how they kept in contact through all the ups and downs. This makes them seem more like family than band-mates.
September 13, 2017
Not much to read here, mainly postcards written to Ringo from the various Beatles. Beatle fan memoribilia, interesting to beatlemaniacs.
January 30, 2019
Beautiful.
February 20, 2019
Ringo kertoo mielenkiintoisia tarinoita tai yksityiskohtia, jotka eivät lopulta välttämättä edes liity käsiteltävään korttiin. Pieniä väläyksiä, muttei niiden tarvitsekaan olla muuta.
April 11, 2019
I enjoyed reading these postcards. I nice little piece of history.
August 29, 2020
What was there was fun--I just somehow expected a little bit more.
December 21, 2020
A fun read if you like postcards, and I do :-)
December 31, 2020
Can't read John Lennon's handwriting for shit
December 26, 2021
what a star Ringo is
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews