Instamatic Karma: Photographs of John Lennon

by May Pang

"There were times I was a bit reticent in taking out my camera, like when some 'old friends' stopped by to hang out. I didn't want to intrude on these moments, but John insisted. He felt that I captured him in ways that no one else did because of his comfort level with me...For years, only my closest friends got to see these photos--which were literally tucked away in a shoebox in my closet. They were surprised that these images did not convey the...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 031237741X
• ISBN13: 9780312377410
• Release Date: March 2008
• Publisher: St. Martin's Press
• Length: 141 Pages
• Weight: 1.49 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 7.9" x 9.4"

Customer Reviews

Beautiful

Great book full of beautiful pictures may captured john being comfortable and himself

outstanding!

You'll wish the book was a little bit thicker and with more photos and text, but I guess there will be a volume two. Either way it's great to be able to see any unreleased photos of John Lennon.

WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MAY PANG

Although I hoped "Instamatic Karma" gave us more details about the romance of John Lennon and May Pang, I was not disappointed in buying May's new book. This hard cover book was tastefully created and contains 157 photographs in color and black and white that I had never seen before. These are not glamour shots or publicity photos. These are real, candid photos worthy of any John Lennon fans' collection. The photos come with a well-written narration by May. "Instamatic Karma" has plenty of photos of John and May showing there was a real relationship between the two. There are many nice photos of Julian during visits with his father, swimming, going to Disneyland, and general clowning around. Cynthia and Julian Lennon added an endnote to the book expressing thanks to May for her kindness and friendship to them, which was touching. Since there is controversy about the common misconception that the years 1973 and 1974 were nothing more than a "Lost Weekend" for John, it was very satisfying to see photographic proof not only of the relationship, but that Lennon was happy, social and artistic during those years. There are photos of John with friends like Paul and Linda McCartney, Ringo Starr, David Bowie, Keith Moon, Harry Nilsson, Jesse Ed Davis, Klaus Voormann and Mal Evans who spent time with John during this productive and commercially successful period. And there are some great photos from the recording sessions of "Walls and Bridges." I highly recommend this book for Lennon fans. It's a beautiful book at a reasonable price. And you can still get a copy of the First Edition! Side note: If you want the blow by blow description of John and May's life during this period, with all the details included, check out "Loving John" Loving John or "The Lost Weekend" John Lennon: The Lost Weekend both written by May Pang.

A must for any John Lennon fan

This amazing photo essay includes never-before-seen images of John from his time with May Pang. John has never looked more relaxed and at ease than in this candid and intimate photos -- and they certainly portray him as being much happier than the media has painted him during this time. It is a comfort to any fan of John's to know he was this happy and at peace in the last years of his life. Ms. Pang's commentary that accompanies the photos adds personal touches that make this book truly magical.

Very Cool

This photo book is exremly cool!! Every John Lennon fan must own it. There are rarely photos of John, just being John. These photos show a more relaxed, family oriented John. I have it on my coffee table and I love that my daughters friends ask who is he? "Us fans" get to introduce a whole new generation to a musical genius. RIP John, You are missed!!!!

Pictures Don't Lie

Finally the photo evidence to back up what true insiders knew for years--that John's time with May, rather than being the drunken debaucle alleged in the "company line," was actually one of the happiest and most productive of his life. The intimate, casual pictures show a smiling, relaxed and very different side of Lennon than when he was with Yoko, both before and after. He clearly was glad to escape from his former hermit life and be out and about, enjoying his son for the first time in 4 years and playing music with many friends. The book contains the last known photo taken of John and Paul and the never, ever before seen shot of John's hand as he signs the final document to dissolve the Beatles. It brought tears to my eyes. Every Beatle fan in the world has been waiting for this book and these pictures--to finally set the record straight about the true nature of the "lost weekend".