John Lennon and Yoko Ono publicly spoke about love and peace. At home, though, he could be viciously mean to her.

Yoko Ono told John Lennon she needed time apart in the early 1970s. His friend recalled Lennon seeming happy about it.

When you think of Yoko Ono, you likely picture her groundbreaking art, powerful music, or partnership with John Lennon. But ...