RARE LIFETIME COLLECTIONS PRESENTS...
RARE LIFETIME COLLECTIONS PRESENTS...
BOOKS by TOM FONTAINE:
Sharon Tate: Every Picture Tells Her Stor
An inspiring testament to a star whose light endures…
Sharon Tate: Every Picture Tells Her Story is a visually rich, deeply personal tribute to the late Sharon Tate, crafted by devoted collector Tom Fontaine. Far more than a collection of artifacts, this book offers a heartfelt celebration of Tate’s life, legacy, and timeless appeal—shining a long-overdue spotlight on the woman behind Hollywood’s tragic narrative.
Follow Tate’s journey from childhood pageant queen and “military brat” to celebrated actress, model, and pop culture icon through a parade of film stills, letters, scripts, and personal belongings that will immerse the reader in Tate’s world. The author’s collection, including exclusive behind-the-scenes artifacts and candid photographs, offers insights unavailable in typical biographies, making this book an essential read for film buffs and fans.
Whether you are a passionate admirer of Sharon Tate or a newcomer to her legacy, this is a compelling, emotionally resonant invitation to see her life in full.
Sharon tate: Every Picture tells her story
“If there’s one book that finally gives Sharon Tate the dignity and depth she so deserves, it’s this one.”
“Sharon Tate: Every Picture Tells Her Story is not only a collector’s dream but also a poignant reminder that behind every photograph lies a life worth remembering. If there’s one book that finally gives Sharon Tate the dignity and depth she so deserves, it’s this one.
This remarkable collection is far more than a scrapbook — it’s a living testament to Sharon Tate’s beauty, grace, talent, and spirit, curated by someone who truly believes she deserves more than the tragic headlines that have long overshadowed her legacy.
Every Picture Tells Her Story proves that a collector can be a storyteller, and that passion, when guided by integrity, can produce something truly meaningful. Fontaine’s writing deserves to be acknowledged for its genuine tone, emotional resonance, and its contribution to reshaping how we remember Sharon Tate — not just as a tragedy or a symbol, but as a woman with a story worth telling."
— CITI OF BOOKS
The Beatles: Looking Back -The Final Trip
FORWARD BY: CHRIS O’DELL
A one-of-a-kind tribute to the world’s most influential band
In The Beatles: Looking Back – The Final Trip, Fontaine invites fans, historians, and fellow collectors to voyage through his unparalleled archive—a treasure trove of original photographs, handwritten lyrics, concert memorabilia, autographs, rare documents, and behind-the-scenes artifacts spanning The Beatles’ collective and solo careers. This isn’t just memorabilia; it’s living history, carefully preserved and lovingly presented.
What sets this work apart is the author’s storytelling power. He interweaves his own coming-of-age alongside The Beatles.
The collection also covers overlooked facets of their careers: artifacts from their earliest days as The Quarrymen, rare autographs of members and associates, and unique pieces such as the last concert baseball at Candlestick Park or the historic contract signed by all four. Fontaine’s documentation revives forgotten moments and amplifies how The Beatles shaped generations, crossed boundaries, and transformed music, fashion, and identity globally.
For anyone who wants to know The Beatles in an intimate way, Fontaine provides this experience through rare interviews, unpublished artifacts, and the lens of a true insider. It is a moving, persuasive call to honor not only the band’s legacy but the hearts of those who keep their story alive.
THE BEATLES: Looking Back, The Final Trip
Forward by: Chris O’Dell
When I was born in Muncie, Indiana, little could I have imagined that I would work for The Beatles in London or the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, and that George Harrison would write a song about me.
In Indianapolis, 63 miles from Muncie, a six-year-old boy would become the largest Beatles collector of our time. Our paths have now crossed. Thomas Fontaine continued throughout his life to acquire and care for numerous artifacts from the early days and throughout Beatles history. When speaking to him, I was taken by the love he exudes as he speaks of the many pieces that have come into his care and the sadness when he alludes to the many pieces with which he has parted.
This book may be his last, and it certainly may be his best ever. It contains so much of what really represented The Beatles as a group and individually throughout their careers. Looking through the book, I felt as though I was looking at someone’s children’s photos! That’s how much they mean to him. I am thrilled to have been introduced to Tom and to have had the opportunity to see what he has made his life’s purpose. It gives me great pleasure to introduce you to (unless you are already acquainted with) Thomas Fontaine.
Chris O’Dell
Rare: The Memorabilia Collection of a Lifetime
Rare: The Memorabilia Collection of a Lifetime highlights Fontaine's vast, museum-quality archive of rare artifacts, representing pop history icons.
The collection spans music, Hollywood, television, animation, politics, and sports, with items lovingly acquired over the course of decades. This book is not just about ownership, but the narratives and history behind each piece.
A beautiful, 382-page hardback volume that serves as both a visual and narrative showcase, making it an ideal display piece.
Rare: The Memorabilia Collection of a Lifetime is an "encyclopedia of 20th-century pop culture history" as seen through the eyes of one collector.
From Abba to Zappa, it will appeal to fans, historians, and investors. Fontaine has called Rare: The Memorabilia Collection of a Lifetime a culmination of his life’s work.
Rare: The Memorabilia Collection of a Lifetime
“This was my husband's birthday gift. He is part of a travelling Beatles exhibition touring the country over the next 3 years. This book was made for him!! He loves it.”
— AMAZON REVIEW
“Are you in search of a coffee table book that captivates your family and friends? Or a unique Christmas/Birthday gift? "Rare - The Memorabilia Collection of a Lifetime" is perfect!”
— Amazon review
“I literally could not stop looking at everything! From front to finish it is worth its weight in gold. This book is so artfully written and beautifully done.”
— AMAZON REVIEW
The Beatles and Their Solo Years: A Trip Down Memory Lane
The Beatles and the Solo Years — A Trip Down Memory Lane chronicles the amazing Beatles items collector Tom Fontaine has had in his collection over the years. Since the music group that started it all for him as a collector way back in 1964 was The Beatles, the Four Lads from Liverpool were the obvious choice for the first book in the Rare Lifetime Collections series.
This is a scrapbook of Fontaine’s memories of collecting The Beatles memorabilia, and is also a great reference and study of their signatures over the years.
The Beatles and Their Solo Years: A Trip Down Memory Lane
The title is fitting as the book effectively documents a past archive of one-of-a-kind Beatles collectables in chronological order of each member’s career, both as a band & during their individual ventures. There are many pieces from important dates in Fab Four history, featuring their Royal Variety Performance in 1963, the night they met Elvis Presley in 1965, Lennon’s last concert appearance & other notable events – including a plethora of complete (all four members) signatures & sentimental artifacts. I especially appreciated the focus on “The Forgotten Beatle”, Stu Sutcliffe. Perhaps the most unique aspect, other than the items themselves, is how Fontaine preserved the stories relating to how many of the signatures were obtained. It’s a testament to the band’s fandom & the clear passion of Fontaine as a collector that these things were at one time in a single collection. Overall, the book is a firsthand, authentic look through an extensive compilation of Beatles memorabilia. I recommend the addition for fans, history buffs & as a must-have for collectors.
About TOM FONTAINE
Tom Fontaine’s story as a collector begins in 1963 at the age of 5. Over 60 years later, he has amassed one of the largest individual collections of memorabilia in the world.
Featured on CNN, PBS, BBC, credited in film, and published in various magazines and newspapers, shares unique and entertaining insight into his vast collection and the personal stories behind the pieces.
Tom Fontaine has been featured in publications as a contributor and authenticator for two auction houses. In Autograph Collector magazine made him the first non-celebrity to appear on their cover.
Tom is the 2004 recipient of the Universal Autograph Collector’s Collector of the Year award.
From The Beatles, Elvis and Sun Records, Buddy Holly, Hendrix, Morrison, Elton, Marilyn, Sharon Tate, James Dean, and many more, Tom Fontaine preserves the life and legacy of icons in music, movies, television, animation, politics, and sports.
Take a journey with him and celebrate 20th century history as seen through the eyes of one collector.