Caitlin Johnstone

Edward Hunter Davies, born in 1936, is a British author, journalist, and broadcaster whose prolific career spans novels, biographies, and commentary on various subjects. He gained significant recognition for writing the only authorized biography of The Beatles, a project that originated from a conversation with Paul McCartney. Despite initial approval from Brian Epstein, John Lennon later dismissed the book. Davies's work also includes "Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush," which was adapted into a film, and "The Glory Game," a look at Tottenham Hotspur. He has contributed columns to publications like Punch and The New Statesman, and written extensively about the Lake District and children's literature. His ghostwriting credits include autobiographies of prominent footballers and politician John Prescott. Davies was appointed an OBE in 2014 for his contributions to literature. He was married to writer Margaret Forster until her death in 2016, and their daughter Caitlin Davies is also an author.

After completing his studies at Durham University, where he contributed to the student newspaper 'Palatinate,' Edward Hunter Davies embarked on a career in journalism. His first novel, "Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush," published in 1965, was later adapted into a successful film. Davies's most notable work, "The Beatles: The Authorised Biography," emerged from a meeting with Paul McCartney. McCartney's interest in correcting inaccuracies surrounding the band paved the way for the book, which received approval from Brian Epstein. Published in 1968, the biography became a landmark work, although John Lennon famously described it as "bullshit" in a later interview, during a period when he was actively challenging the established Beatles mythos.

Beyond his seminal work on The Beatles, Davies has explored a wide range of subjects. He authored "The Glory Game," offering an inside perspective on Tottenham Hotspur, and wrote the "Creighton Report," a year-long study of a comprehensive school. His literary output includes biographies, such as that of fell walker Alfred Wainwright, and numerous books detailing the history and topography of the Lake District. Davies has also contributed to children's literature with series like "Ossie, Flossie Teacake." In journalism, he penned the "Father's Day" column for Punch, chronicling his domestic life, and currently writes a football column for the New Statesman. He also contributes "Confessions of a Collector" to The Guardian's Weekend magazine.

Davies has also worked extensively as a ghostwriter, contributing to the autobiographies of notable figures, including footballers Wayne Rooney, Paul Gascoigne, and Dwight Yorke, and politician John Prescott. The ghostwritten autobiography of Wayne Rooney led to a libel case in 2008. His own life and experiences are documented in his autobiography, "The Beatles, Football and Me," published in 2007. A lifelong fan of association football, Davies has supported Queen of the South, Carlisle United, and Tottenham Hotspur, and follows Scotland in international matches. His dedication to literature was recognized with an OBE in the 2014 Birthday Honours.

“bullshit”