Author and film producer Greene focuses on the metaphysical in his examination of George Harrison, choosing to document the Beatle's relationship with Hindu philosophy and Krishna devotees over his more complex-though admittedly well-covered-relationship with his bandmates. The resulting portrait is at times flat, as Harrison gets along with just about everyone on his spiritual path, and Greene is reluctant to cast his subject in a negative light. That's a shame, as the highlights of the book feature a conflicted and embattled Harrison dealing with disappointment, frustration and loss, of which there is plenty in the Beatles' shared history. (Jan.) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Historian and Emmy-nominated writer and filmmaker Greene studied with George Harrison's guru and recorded Hindustani devotional music with the former Beatle at one point in the 1970s. Drawing on those experiences, he attempts an overview of Harrison's life and musical career, but there is an unfortunate focus on his spirituality; readers will not find much on Harrison's music. To his credit, Greene studiously avoids the tabloidlike nature of some earlier Harrison biographies (e.g., Geoffrey Giuliano's Dark Horse: The Life and Art of George Harrison). This, however, is a mixed blessing, as the overall biographical material seems fairly general and at times sketchy, except when it comes to Harrison's spiritual path. The Beatles period in particular could be more detailed. This book, illustrated with 20 pages of black-and-white photographs, will interest Harrison and Beatles fans, but it is neither a definitive guide to Harrison's music nor a truly comprehensive biography. Recommended for larger public libraries with significant popular culture collections.-James E. Perone, Mount Union Coll., Alliance, OH Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

A friend of George Harrison offers informed reflections on the late musician's spiritual quest. Out of the insanity, claustrophobia and estrangement that came with being a member of the Beatles, Harrison emerged an affected man, in search of God and peace. Filmmaker/biographer Greene (Justice at Dachau, 2003, etc.) portrays his friend as introspective and modest, inspired by an experience with LSD (‘ "From that moment on, I wanted to have that depth and clarity of perception," ' Harrison told Rolling Stone.) Harrison reached beyond intoxicants into the bliss of yoga and cosmic chants, a buzz that took him "into the astral plane." He wanted others to share his contact with the mystical and spoke of his spirituality during concerts, where his comments were met with, at best, indifference. Though he spent considerable time exploring the Hindu religion, writes Greene, the musician was a restless quester, always looking for ways to put his spiritual house in order. Greene writes of a newfound "levelheaded dispassion" as Harrison moved into his sixth decade, a sense of liberation from the material world coupled with an affirmation of nature and a personal recognition of his place in the scheme of things. Greene presents a man deeply engaged in the world he longed to transcend.

"A fascinating read." —Associated Press

“Many well-known artists have touched people’s hearts with their music, but few have ever succeeded in touching people’s souls. That was George’s gift, and his story is described here with affection and taste. A wonderful book.” —Mia Farrow

“There is a palpable excitement to this book that made me feel I was there, with George, on his journey. . . . Extraordinary.” —Martin Rutte, coauthor of Chicken Soup for the Soul ™ at Work

“The depth of insight into Harrison’s inner life is great.” —Yoga Journal