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Beeswing

Fairport, Folk Rock and Finding My Voice, 1967–75

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Beeswing

By: Richard Thompson
Narrated by: Richard Thompson
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About this listen

***READ BY THE AUTHOR***

THE TOP FIVE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER
A BOOK OF THE YEAR
ROUGH TRADE,
THE TIMES, ROLLING STONE, CLASH, MOJO, UNCUT

The memoir of international music icon Richard Thompson, co-founder of the legendary folk rock group Fairport Convention.

'I encourage everyone to read this wonderful book.'
ELVIS COSTELLO

'Thompson could be said to be an English Dylan - only in some ways he's even better than that.'
GUARDIAN

Richard Thompson came of age during an extraordinary moment in 1960s Britain - as music began to reflect a great cultural awakening, the guitarist and songwriter co-founded Fairport Convention, ushering in the era of folk rock. An intimate memoir of personal discovery and creative intensity, Beeswing vividly captures the life of an international music icon in a world on the cusp of change

'Gripping . . . A quiet joy of a memoir.'
GUARDIAN

'Thompson writes exceptionally well . . . If you love music in all its myriad forms, you'll love this book.'
NEW YORK JOURNAL OF BOOKS

'An intimate, revealing tome, Beeswing is the voice of a figure at the heart of the British counter-culture.'
CLASH

'Perceptive, lyrical, amiable and seemingly effortless . . . required reading.'
CAUGHT BY THE RIVER

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2021 Richard Thompson (P)2021 Faber & Faber
Entertainment & Celebrities Music Celebrity Musician Guitar
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Critic reviews

W"Thompson could be said to be an English Dylan - only in some ways he's even better than that." (Guardian)

"This quiet joy of a memoir is just what you'd expect from one of the finest British musicians of the last 50 years." (Richard Williams)

What listeners say about Beeswing

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  • Overall
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A rare thing...

Having been a fan of Richard Thomson since I heard the first Fairport Album as a schoolgirl, I was very much looking forward to getting my hands on this memoir.
I chose to listen to Richard’s own narration of the book before I read the text. I love to hear the writer read their own words and I’ve always loved the t

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

An amazing musician

The books opening chapters about growing up and so well written and being on the road but it's kind of knocked off balance by the last chapter, Dreams which seems like just rambling gibberish and far too long. Left me feeling that if this was edited more the book would hold together better. Still worth a listen

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Awesome just like Richard

A long term fan of Richard I found this as relaxing as listening to his incredible music. Calming, informative and simply divine.

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Sublime

I’ve been with Richard all the way!
One of the best audio books I’ve listened to, beautifully crafted and read, as you’d expect from a man of his talents and attention to detail.
It’s a great puzzle why he is not universally recognised as our best songwriter, tunesmith, guitarist and all round performer.
Given my admiration for the man this book is no surprise.
Thank you Richard for being a part of my life!

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Gentle and wonderful

This memoir covers the early years of Richard Thompson's life and career. It is full of quiet admiration for other musicians, from the obscure to the famous, and gives the reader a good understanding of how he came to be such a force in the emergence of a new and distinctive kind of folk music. He is generous to the many others he has collaborated with, and gives insightful descriptions of the processes by which he comes to write such quirky and original compositions. Anyone who has had the good fortune to see him onstage and then reads this memoir will recognise that what you see of him playing and singing is probably exactly what he is offstage - seemingly penny plain but in fact mesmerising. Thanks Mr. Thompson.

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Amazing!

One of the most interesting and inspiring books I've read, written by one of my favourite musicians!
An awesome insight into the mindset of his innovative attitude towards songwriting and guitar playing!
Thanks so much! As a musician I am most inspired!

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Hugely enjoyable

A lovely book from a lovely man who has given us so much great music over the years. Essential for lovers of Richard's music and a great story in itself.

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A enjoyable journey into the creative mind of Richard Thompson

RT speak like a wise old friend, and paints a colourful picture of his route through Fairport convention, session musician, as a Duo with wife Linda. There is humour & honestly from this spiritual minstrel. Play on Richard. The dream section at the end is a treat.

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Can't buy

Not allowed to buy based on geographic restrictions. I've had this message a couple of times recently. What is going on?

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