By Stacey Hollenbeck
McClatchy-Tribune

Author Jonathan Gould, a former musician, spent nearly 20 years writing "Can't Buy Me Love," which dissects the Beatles and takes a deeper look at their music and influence. Gould's book stands out from other Beatle biographies by looking at members of the group as historical figures, rather than media spectacles. He studies their cultural significance, not their well publicized personal lives.

Much of the 600-page book is spent discussing the social context, in both Britain and America, which shaped the band and their effect on a generation of crazed fans. "Can't Buy Me Love," ($27.50, Harmony Books) can be purchased through book retailers and online at www.randomhouse.com.