Across the Universe:
The Magic and Mystery of the Beatles’ Creativity
Overview
What made the Beatles so extraordinary? The secrets of their genius, celebrated and explained by a leading psychologist.
There has never been a band like the Beatles. 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. 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.
Details
- Format
- Size
- Extent
- ISBN
- RRP
- Pub date
- Rights held
- Other rights
- Hardback
- 234mm x 153mm
- 384 pages with 8pp col pic sec
- 9781917189521
- GBP£25.00
- 10 September 2026
- World English
- Creative Authors
Praise
‘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.’
‘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.’
About the Author
Steve Taylor PhD is a senior researcher and lecturer in psychology at Leeds Beckett University, and the author of many bestselling books on psychology and spirituality, including The Adventure, The Leap, and Spiritual Science. He is a past chair of the Transpersonal Psychology Section of the British Psychological Society. Eckhart Tolle has described Steve’s work as ‘an important contribution to the shift in consciousness which is happening on our planet at present’. Before he was an academic, Steve was a professional musician. He lives in Manchester, England. You can find out more about his work here: www.stevenmtaylor.com.