God Only Knows: The Story of Brian Wilson, the Beach Boys and the California Myth

Originally published in 1978 as The Beach Boys and the California Myth, this groundbreaking study was both the first full-length book on the band and the first to recognize Brian Wilson as one of the most significant and influential artists of the twentieth century. It takes an intimate look at Wilson's rollercoaster of a life and career, told through the eyes of those who were there, including Brian's mother, his best friends and many of his collaborators, such as Tony Asher and Van Dyke Parks - who worked with him on the legendary productions Pet Sounds and SMiLE. Extensively updated to also cover the last four decades of Brian's career, this indispensable book features unique contributions by Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Barry Gibb, Jimmy Webb, and Melinda Wilson.