Extraordinary twice-signed ALS signed “Love from, George” and “George Harrison,” six pages, 5.5 x 7, November 4, 1966. Handwritten letter addressed from Harrison’s “Kinfauns” home in Esher, England, sent to his close friend, Art Unger, the owner and editor of the U.S.-based magazine Datebook, shortly after Harrison and his wife, Pattie Boyd, had returned from their historic trip to India. Although the letter is written primarily in blue felt tip, Harrison has also used orange and red felt tip for key points of emphasis, with much of the letter centering around the impact of India on Harrison’s belief system and his musical taste. The letter, in full: “Firstly I must say I didn’t receive your letter until I arrived home from India recently—so sorry about the delay.
It was great to hear from you and your letter was beautiful and completely knocked me out, stimulating my tear ducts at the same instant. Ringo had similar effects when I showed it to him, I felt very happy for either you or your brother or probably myself, or maybe us all—who knows? It was so true what you said about Indian music, and now you will understand more about me being so hung up by the wonder of it all.
India was, and no doubt still is—‘too much.’ [Pardon the hip talk man] I couldn’t start to tell you about it, but it's so beautiful. The religion is everywhere you look and it's a pleasure seeing and being with others who believe in something real—instead of a lot of hypocrites—who fear the local vicar, rather than love for their creator. [But who am I to judge others?] I ask myself!
Anyway, it was great, and I expect to be there again soon, or as soon as I get the sign. If there is a God, we must see Him; if there is a soul, we must perceive it; otherwise it is better to be an outspoken atheist than a hypocrite [by Swami Vivekananda] I thought you’d like that! I’ve got so many books to try and read, all concerning ‘what’s it all about?’ and all giving suitable answers. One in particular which has influenced me a lot, I think would knock you out. It’s called ‘Autobiography of a Yogi’ by Paramhansa Yogananda.
Just noticed that it’s a London Publisher, so I’ll send you a copy, say no more! He’s such a great man—like Jesus Christ—died by leaving his body consciously in L.A. in 1952—What I mean is—he was conscious, then he went into what is known as Mahasamadhi, which is a final exit from body through meditation which is like dying but the physical body doesn’t rot, but stays exactly the same as the moment of death. Quite amazing, and one needs very much individual strength of will, to achieve [‘I’ before ‘e’ except after ‘C?’] the control, to defy death, which is what that is, but we all can, or to quote swami again, ‘Each soul is potentially divine. The goal is to manifest this divine within, by controlling nature, external and internal.’
Well Art, there’s so much to talk about next time we meet, which concerns all that type of thing, so we will have a real long reunion chat, and perhaps get to understand ourselves a little bit more. I can’t remember anything about your family (if you have one), but give them all, and your brother, my love. Hoping to see you soon.” Harrison adds a postscript: “P.S. Which address did you send those things to. Mine or Nems? As they haven’t been received yet? As you will have noticed by now, I was away for English Language.” The second autograph is incorporated in the address Harrison has added to the top of the first page. In fine condition, with a small tape stain to each page. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope addressed by Harrison, who adds “Personal” on the reverse flap, and by letters of authenticity from Tracks and noted Beatles expert Frank Caiazzo.
Harrison and Boyd traveled to India following the Beatles’ final stadium performance at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, on August 29, 1966, with Harrison venturing to Bombay (Mumbai) to study under sitar virtuoso Ravi Shankar. They soon left the city to travel throughout the countryside, ultimately residing on a houseboat on Dal Lake in the northern territory of Kashmir, at the foot of the Himalayas. During their six-week stay, Harrison visited various holy places and met several gurus, including Maharishi. The trip had a profound spiritual impact on Harrison, and by the time he returned to England on October 22nd, his exposure to Hinduism, and the philosophy, culture, and music of India, had transformed him. Although Harrison was raised Catholic, he would eventually convert to Hinduism and become a devout follower for the remainder of his life.
On November 22, 1966, just weeks after writing this letter, Harrison and the remaining Beatles entered Abbey Road Studios to begin recording Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Following Harrison’s trip to India, much of the music he released was influenced by his newfound religious beliefs, in particular the album track ‘Within You Without You,’ his sole composition on Sgt. Pepper. On the origins of ‘My Sweet Lord’ Harrison stated: ‘The song really came from Swami Vivekananda, who said, ‘If there is a God, we must see him; And if there is a soul, we must perceive it.’ Harrison references this exact quote on page three of this letter while emphasizing it in red felt tip. This remarkable letter, from Harrison to a close personal friend, captures the innermost thoughts of the young musician at a life-altering stage. Handwritten material by any member of the Beatles, particularly during the Sgt. Pepper-era, is exceedingly rare and desirable—an extraordinary letter from the late Beatles guitarist.
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