The Beatles is the eponymous ninth official album by The Beatles, a ouble album released in 1968. It is often referred to as The White Album as it has no text other than the band's name (and, on the early LP and CD releases, a serial number) on its plain white sleeve, which was designed by pop artist Richard Hamilton. The album was the first album The Beatles undertook following the death of their manager Brian Epstein. Originally planned to be titled A Doll's House, The Beatles is often hailed as one of the major accomplishments in popular music.