John Lennon is a giant of popular music and culture. As one-quarter of
the Beatles, he was in the vanguard of music, art, fashion and popular
culture during the sixties. He stands as an iconic figure even for those
who grew up long after his untimely death in 1980. Above all, Lennon was
one of the 20th century's greatest and most important songwriters. Songs
he wrote with Paul McCartney define an era. Others he wrote alone, such
as "God", "Help!" and "Revolution," betray a contradictory and troubled
character. Lennon was never one to hide his love away, nor his anger,
nor his convictions.