Item 103 is a very rare John Lennon book: Power to the People. The Political Thoughts of John Lennon. It is a compilation of political thoughts the then ex-Beatle expressed during the early 1970s. Lennon and wife Yoko Ono had held their famous “bed-in” for peace in 1969, and John's views could be described as fairly radical. His song, Power to the People, was released in 1971. The dust jacket of the publisher's proof copy is stamped “Publication date 20 Apr 1972,” but in actuality the book was never published. While there is no definitive reason for it not being published, the probable explanation is that the government was attempting to revoke Lennon's residency status in the U.S. on the grounds that he had been convicted in England on a drug charge in 1968. Most likely, the government during the Nixon era did not like John's political views and wished to punish him. To ease the pressure to deport him, it is believed that this book of radical views was withdrawn. Lennon would finally achieve permanent residency status in 1976. £8,500 (US $13,545).
Peter Harrington may be reached at +44 (0)20 7591 0220 or gallery@peterharrington.co.uk. Their website is www.peterharrington.co.uk.
