Skywriting by Word of Mouth

John Lennon is an Associate Professor of English at the University of South Florida. His research is principally concerned with how marginalized individuals exert a politicized voice in collectivized actions. Dr. Lennon's monograph, Boxcar Politics: The Hobo in Literature and Culture 1869-1956 examines the hobo as a resistive working-class figure. His work has appeared in various edited volumes and journals including Cultural Studies Review, NewProposals: Journal of Marxism and Interdisciplinary Inquiry, American Studies, Rhizomes, and Acoma. He is currently at work on a new book length project examining conflict graffiti from aglobal perspective. For this project he has received various grants to travel to Egypt, Lebanon, Israel, Palestine, England, Sweden, Brazil and Germany. Follow him at @hoboacademic. ORCID:0000-0002-6472-98

John Lennon wrote "Skywriting by Word of Mouth," an impressive collection of writings and drawings, while Yoko was pregnant with Sean, and always planned to have it published. It was a wish that seemed to end with his assassination in 1980 and the subsequent theft of the manuscript from the Lennons' home in 1982. When it was recovered and first published in 1986, "Skywriting" received immediate critical and popular acclaim. Written in Lennon's extraordinary voice, and lavishly illustrated with his own drawings, the collection reveals his fertile creative spirit up close and in full force. Included in "Skywriting" is "Two Virgins," written when the public learned that John and Yoko were living together as husband and wife, and John's only autobiography. In addition there are notes on his falling in love with Yoko, the breakup of the Beatles, his persecution by the U.S. authorities and his withdrawal from public life. This is a book with John Lennon's spirit on every page -- a spirit the world needs to remember."Candid and scathing....It's no wonder Lennon's fans grow more in love with him as time goes by... his great influence on popular music makes him impossible to forget; so does this book ."" --Houston Chronicle""Marvelous, delightful reading, and for Lennon fans a must." -- "Publishers Weekly"Candid and scathing...A reflection of its author's creativity and enduring appeal." "--People""It is no wonder John Lennon's fans grow more in love with him as time goes by...His great influence on popular music makes him impossible to forget, so does this book." "--Houston Chronicle""Marvelous, delightful reading and for John Lennon fans a must." "--Publishers Weekly"