Description

What made the Beatles so extraordinary? How did these four young musicians come together at exactly the right moment, and how did everything fall into place so perfectly that they became the most innovative and successful band that the world has ever seen, and a cultural phenomenon that still shapes the world today? Was it simply a series of lucky coincidences, or were there larger reasons for their success?

Steve Taylor, a renowned scholar of psychology and spirituality, and former professional musician, retells the story of the Beatles through the lens of their creativity and explains the secrets of their genius. He explores the synchronicities and synergy that generated their success, and the flow state they cultivated as a group, their relentless self-development, and their spontaneous and prolific creativity. He shows how their transpersonal creativity elevated them above their peers, and how they opened their minds to connect to the spirit of the 1960s, becoming transmitters of a creative energy that transcended themselves.

Across the Universe is a thrilling new look at the psychological, cultural, and spiritual forces behind the Beatles’ genius. Wildly enjoyable, and packed full of surprising insights into the Beatles’ story, this is an invitation to experience the Beatles’ brilliance anew.

Publisher Review

‘An entertaining and thought-provoking investigation into the magic of The Beatles.’ — Ian Leslie ‘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 ‘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 ‘The Beatles were a perfect pop culture moment that 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? 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 ‘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 favourite 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 ‘Across the Universe provides a fascinating, high-energy account of the Beatles in all their creative splendour – 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