'We were born in Liverpool, but grew up in Hamburg.' John Lennon

It was in Hamburg that The Beatles landed their first recording contract, capturing the attention of Brian Epstein after he heard their single My Bonnie.

This is the definitive, fully illustrated account of the crucial early years of the world's most influential rock 'n' roll band – and of the city that catapulted them to international stardom.

It is the first book to recount the complete story of their experiences there – no other fully-illustrated book on the subject exists. It is also the first book to be produced in official association with the Beatlemania museum in Hamburg.

Features numerous fresh anecdotes and stories about The Beatles' time in Hamburg along with a wealth of previously unpublished quotes and interviews from those who were there at the time.

Features interviews with fellow musicians, business associates, audience members, fans, friends and family members involved with The Beatles during the period 1960 – 1962 when they were regularly playing in Hamburg and for their return Blitztournee tour in 1966.

Includes specially photographed items of memorabilia from the Beatlemania museum along with previously unpublished articles from the archives of various Hamburg newspapers.