Pages: The White Book, Ken Mansfield
Most people would envy the life that Ken Mansfield has lived. As president of Apple Corp. US during it’s hey-day as well as stint’s as Capitol records, leader of the outlaw movement so-to-speak and a daily diet of Los Angeles, London and Nashville… it is a life full of rich stories that happened to be experienced by a man with a wonderfully enjoyable writing style.
The bulk of the story of course focuses on the Beatles, and how could it not? It was the biggest part of his life and career. A feather in the cap that anyone would be proud of. Stories of run-ins and shared experiences with the likes of Brian Wilson, Waylon Jennings, David Cassidy, Dolly Parton and a never ending whose-who list decorate the main topic at hand. Ken does a masterful job at telling candid stories while not betraying a trust held for decades long.
It is less an autobiography or a detailed day-to-day account of Apple Corp. or the lives of the Beatles, but rather a concise, witty and humbling account of a man aging gracefully and recounting stories of friendships that have come and gone, and the lasting impact they’ve had on his life.
While the order isn’t necessarily chronological, it tells of the ups and downs combined with the upgrading and downsizing of his own ego that came with it. It is casual in style and feels as if Ken is telling the story to you, without holding back for the sake of his own pride. “The White book” is not a cumbersome autobiographical tale (although, with the stories he has I wouldn’t complain), but as free flowing and fast paced as the rise and fall of a recording industry career.
Completing a compelling collection of short stories that give new humanity to his subjects are rare photographs of both those in the spotlight of his topics and a collection of priceless music memorabilia.
A highly recommended book that succeeds in shedding a new light on the lives of some of the most important icons of our time. Those that are bigger then life are brought down to a human touch in this all to brief book.