Real Love: The Drawings for Sean

by John Lennon

Buy new: $12.99 $85.00 Buy used: $9.88

Editorial Reviews

John Lennon had two opportunities to be a father. His first son, Julian, was born in 1963 at the dawning of Beatlemania. The impact of the Beatles' success on John and Julian's relationship? Suffice to say Paul McCartney wrote "Hey Jude" as a gesture of sympathy to a forlorn young Julian. Fatherhood fit John Lennon far better the next time around when the indulgent daddy, then in his late 30s, put his musical career on hold to indulge his second son, Sean. Evidence of Lennon the doting dad can be found in this 48-page collection of sun-drenched illustrations sketched out to entertain a toddling offspring. The once-caustic ex-Beatle betrays not a hint of his scathing side in these vivid drawings. Rather, the witty punster who was dubbed the "smart Beatle" after he published the prose collection In His Own Write in 1964 is in full flower here. An illustration christened "Collieflower" shows a budding plant with the face of a canine; "A Frog Pondering" displays a reflective amphibian overlooking a puddle. Real Love is the kind of book that will capture the attention of Beatles collectors, but it should also spark the imaginations of its intended audience--little Lennonists in the making. --Steven Stolder

Customer Reviews

Wonderful Book and Collector's Item, 2008-04-19
by Jeanneski (McKinney, TX USA)

I received this out of print first edition in mint condition. I was going to give it as a gift, but when I opened the box and saw what a wonderful book it is, I couldn't give it up!

Cute Book, 2008-01-20
by Grandma to Be (Florida)

I was very excited to find this book, but unfortunitely it was damaged in the mail. This seller was very helpful in resolving this problem. I was satisfied with the outcome and would buy from her again. Thank you.

Great book, 2008-01-07
by K. Kelly (Missouri)

Cover was a little scuffed but in overall good condition. Such a cute book!

Beautiful Boy - With Love From John to Sean, 2007-07-28
by BeatleBangs1964 (United States)

This book makes me think of the Frank Sinatra classic, "You Make Me Feel So Young." The lyrics to that 1951 classic are startlingly a propos in re this book.

This is an ideal book for all ages. Many people have been inspired to do a "John Lennon's Musical Parade" for a nursery theme have done their children a service by exposing them to high culture early. This book is the loving collaboration of a father and son. John's love for playing with words and stacking them in odd configurations much as young children enjoy stacking blocks is evident in this book as was the case in his 1964 book, "In His Own Write" and his 1965 follow up with "A Spaniard in the Works."

The drawings that accompany the writing are gentle and direct; people of all ages will certainly appreciate the collaborative creativity that went into this book. Yoko Ono said that their son Sean came up with many of the titles and John would then work around those titles to create the imagery. This is truly a delightful book that all will love, regardless of whether or not they are Beatle fans. (Although no doubt Beatle fans will derive an especial amount of pleasure from this one).

Absolutely adorable, 2004-05-07
by LJ (Pittsburgh, PA United States)

After purchasing some of the John Lennon line of clothing for my baby, I had to buy the book. It truly reminds you of what a great mind we lost. The drawings are adorable and colorful. The captions are cute and funny. My daughter loves looking at each page. Its really worth buying.