In another example of “timing is everything,” this new biography comes as “the final” Beatles song --- “Now and Then” --- hits the scene. The video is somewhat eerie, mixing archival footage of the Fab Four with Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr in their current state as senior citizens and the late John Lennon and George Harrison as, well, ghosts of their former.

Philip Norman --- who has chronicled the lives of Lennon and McCartney, as well as icons such as Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton, among many others --- does another masterful job of research, dipping back into Harrison’s poor but loving childhood; his joining the group, despite initial objections by Lennon; the band’s success and subsequent liquidation; and the long post-Beatles aftermath.

"A 'reluctant Beatle' he might have been, but Norman portrays Harrison as a sensitive, complex person, admired by musicians and fans alike. It is a tribute long overdue."

Harrison was always considered the “moody” one (John was the intellectual, Paul the cute one, Ringo the funny one). Norman depicts him as somewhat resentful at being underappreciated and underutilized, although he goes back and forth when describing Harrison’s ability with the guitar. Indeed, there is a lot of “guitar porn” here, with all the descriptions of the various makes and models.

It’s difficult to see celebrities as regular people with aches and pains, mortgages and business ups and downs. We journey with the group as they struggle from very humble beginnings, living in squalor as they played in the red-light districts in some of the seedier cities in Europe, to having to run for their lives from adoring fans a few years later. Harrison comes across as plain-speaking to the point of boorishness, but also bashful, warm and loving.

As the Beatles gained success, they also gained increasing degrees of world-weariness. That might be just one reason for the journey into drug use, although some might say it expanded their minds and assisted in creating some of their greatest hits. Harrison was always curious, whether it was trying LSD or embracing a Hindu ethic, with its music and philosophies.

Unlike the Rolling Stones, who incredibly are still performing and recording into the 21st century, “it’s hard to believe that the Beatles’ career as an international live attraction lasted only three years,” Norman writes. “But in common with cats and dogs, a Beatle year equaled seven normal ones, if not more.” (By the way, the papers for our late Pomeranian listed him as “George Harrison of Liverpool.”)

When the group finally did break up, Harrison moved on to other endeavors, including his work in cinema; perhaps his best-known project was Monty Python’s Life of Brian. He was still deeply rooted in music and working for social causes, putting together the Concert for Bangladesh to aid victims of famine and war in that beleaguered country. Years later, he enjoyed a second act with the Traveling Wilburys with fellow legends Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison and Jeff Lynne.

But Harrison’s post-Beatles life also had its share of disappointments and difficulties. He was hampered by unscrupulous accountants; the subject of a plagiarism lawsuit for “My Sweet Lord”; and the victim of a gruesome attack in his home that left him on the verge of death.

A “reluctant Beatle” he might have been, but Norman portrays Harrison as a sensitive, complex person, admired by musicians and fans alike. It is a tribute long overdue.