Radio: John Lennon on The World Of Books

John Lennon recorded an interview for the BBC Home Service programme The World Of Books on this day at the offices of NEMS Enterprises at Argyll Street, London.

The interview was conducted by Wilfred De’Ath between 8pm and 8.30pm. It focused on Lennon’s second book, A Spaniard In The Works, which was to be published on 24 June.

Lennon: That’s three words I’ve learnt today!

De’Ath: You know when I say a word like ‘buzz’, ‘buzz’ is an onomatopoeia because in the word is captured the noise of the bee… and you probably without realising it… your book is full of them.

Lennon: Is it? Well, I’m glad to know that. Lot of onomatopoeias. I just haven’t a clue what you’re talking about really. Automatic pier, sounds like to me. That’s probably why I change words, ’cause I haven’t a clue what words mean half the time.

The interview lasted for 15 minutes. Twelve of them were broadcast on the 3 July edition of The World Of Books, from 10.10-10.40pm. The item also included a reading by Lennon of ‘The Fat Budgie’.

Also on this evening, Lennon gave an interview to the BBC’s Tim Matthews for the Home Service show Today. It included two verses of ‘The National Health Cow’, and was first broadcast on 21 June 1965 from 7.15pm.