Gimme Some Truth A Masterclass In Research with Mark Lewisohn
Oct 1, 2025
Mark Lewisohn, a leading Beatles researcher and historian, shares insights from decades of in-depth research on the iconic band. He explains his unique approach to discovery through original material rather than rehashing old arguments. Mark emphasizes the importance of primary sources and recounts fascinating stories from his fieldwork, including tracing specific gigs. He discusses the balance between continual research and the moment to start writing, as well as how technology aids his work but cannot replace hands-on archival exploration.
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Research Means Digging For Originals
- Mark Lewisohn defines research as digging until you find original material that supports clear writing goals.
- He emphasizes finding primary sources to reach moments unaffected by memory and hearsay.
Pioneering Research Reveals Errors
- Deep primary-source research produces distrust of existing published accounts because many authors take shortcuts.
- Lewisohn stresses going where nobody else has looked to uncover new material.
Protect Relationships With Sources
- Maintain friendly, respectful relationships with sources and personally follow up to keep trust intact.
- Do your own outreach rather than delegating to preserve connections and goodwill.
