WASHINGTON – John Lennon’s ideas have echoed through his music long after his death. Now, on what would have been his 72nd birthday, new insights about John Lennon’s life have surfaced in a book.

“The John Lennon Letters” includes almost 400 pages of letters and postcards sent to family, friends and fans, arranged chronologically. Those who have seen the book say it is a challenge to decipher his handwriting and single-finger typing technique.

It starts with a note to his Aunt Harriett, thanking her for a towel she gave him for Christmas. The book contains love letters to his first wife, Cynthia, including one where he apologizes and feels guilty about not spending more time with their son, Julian.

The book includes letters when things weren’t going well with Cynthia, too. Later, John describes how excited he and Yoko Ono were while waiting for their child.

His letters include instructions on fixing appliances, as well as thoughts on recordings by Bob Dylan and Blondie. Lennon weighs in on the influence of Buddy Holly and defends television, saying Sesame Street was especially educational.

Yoko Ono tweeted a happy birthday message Tuesday to John and their son, Sean:

Happy Birthday Sean!Happy Birthday John! We love you! yoko instagr.am/p/QkGGWVjzt7/

— Yoko Ono (@yokoono) October 9, 2012

WTOP’s Neal Augenstein contributed to this report. Follow Neal and WTOP on Twitter.

(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)