"Meeting Jürgen Vollmer was a very important event in my life and the lives of the other Beatles. His sense of style and excellent photographic skills were to have a profound effect throughout our careers." Paul McCartney

FROM HAMBURG TO HOLLYWOOD is a retrospective of Jürgen Vollmer's life and work, told through his own design, stories and photographs. It begins with recollections of Jürgen's time with The Beatles in his native Hamburg in 1960, moving on to Paris and an influential meeting with John and Paul, Jürgen goes on to recount his experience of 1970s New York, life in Hollywood, and his return to Hamburg 30 years later.

Jürgen Vollmer's stories – some very funny, some poignant, all as eloquent as his images – capture in a few crisp words the moments and thoughts, that helped create a legend.

Jürgen was just embarking upon his photographic career in 1960 when he wandered into a Rocker's basement club with existentialist friends Astrid Kirchher and Klaus Voorman and first encountered The Beatles. Jürgen's photographs during this period capture The Beatles before their image was transformed by suits and signature haircuts – in 1960 they were still sporting Elvis quiffs, ducktails and black leather jackets.

From assisting Reinhart Wolf in Hamburg, Jürgen's move to Paris saw him working with photographer and film director William Klein and becoming an important part of the rive gauche community. In New York in the 70s, Jürgen met Black Panther activists and provided writer Jean Genet with a safe haven. Working as a stills photographer in Hollywood during the 80s gave Jürgen the opportunity to photograph modern movie legends including Natassja Kinski, Robert Redford, Madonna and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

"One look at Vollmer's stunning photos of The Beatles in Hamburg - part of this lavish tome - will convert you instantly." Record Collector

"Remarkably powerful images and moving text... No mere photography book but a treasured work of art." Goldmine