John Lennon's scathing letter to Paul McCartney up for auction

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An important piece of Beatles history is up for grabs: John Lennon's obnoxious response to an interview with Paul McCartney, and it provides insight into the writing duo's complicated relationship.

John sent a letter to Paul a few days after an interview criticized him and the Beatles appeared in a November 1971 issue of British music magazine Melody Maker, and John's response is rather scathing...but so thoughtful and pleading.

From the jump, John's frustration with Paul is clear...telling Paul he's ungrateful for all the money he gets from the Beatles. As the 3-page letter continues, John takes issue with Paul's rejection of his song "Imagine" and berates Paul for his indecisiveness over the band's breakup.

The Beatles had been apart for over a year by this time and were haggling over money. In the letter, John begs Paul to meet him without a lawyer...then turns around and accuses Paul of buying shares in another record company behind his back.

George Harrison and Ringo Starr also get framed, as John rips Paul for telling the magazine that George and Ringo would break him up - and also accuses Paul of threatening Ringo and his wife, Maureen.