"An entertaining and thought-provoking investigation into the magic of The Beatles." --Ian Leslie, author of John & Paul: A Love Story in Songs "A fascinating account of the alchemy that made the Beatles extraordinary. Profound and insightful on both cultural and psychological levels, this is illuminating in all the best ways." --John Higgs, author of Love and Let Die: Bond, the Beatles and the British Psyche "The Beatles were a perfect pop culture moment that unzipped pop culture and changed the world. More than a mere pop group they were a creative force, a thrilling whirlwind, and a generational soundtrack. Why did this happen? How did they create this magic that transcended everything? What were the psychic forces and dancing particles of energy that transcended everything? This book explains all in an entertaining and enthralling read on a subject that we never get tired of." --John Robb, bassist of the Membranes, and author of Punk Rock Ruined My Life "Who would ever have thought that four mop-tops from Liverpool would change the world? But with their first appearance in the early 1960s, the Beatles went on to dominate that decade and to transform pop music from a medley of youthful anger and angst into a medium capable of changing consciousness. What was their secret? Was it magic? In Across the Universe, writer and psychologist Steven Taylor takes that question seriously and provides an inspiring and surprising affirmative answer.

Be warned: after reading this book you may listen to your favorite Beatle tunes like never before." --Gary Lachman, author of Touched By the Presence: From Blondie's Bowery and Rock and Roll to Magic and the Occult "Steve Taylor's Across the Universe: the magic and mystery of the Beatles' creativity gets to the heart of the matter. The Beatles' unparalleled achievements continue to resound decades after their disbandment, and Taylor affords readers with a valuable guide their work as it unfolded across the 1960s. With depth and erudition, Taylor reminds us why the Act You've Known for All These Years will echo across the centuries." --Kenneth Womack, author of Living the Beatles Legend: The Untold Story of Mal Evans "Across the Universe provides a fascinating, high-energy account of the Beatles in all their creative splendor -- and more broadly, on the nature of true creativity. I strongly recommend it for everyone who's ever been touched by the magic of their songs." --Edward Hoffman, PhD, author of Lamed Vav and the Power of Mystical Kindness Praise for Steve Taylor: "An important contribution to the shift in consciousness which is happening on our planet at present." --Eckhart Tolle.