An autobiography posthumously discovered in an attic, of one of the British comedy scene’s most distinctive enigmas. Though he died incredibly early at 48 his life was packed with more living than most people – my head was spinning at having read of his adventures dossing in parks, touring the …
For the first time, comedy LEGEND Billy Connolly has put “pen to paper” to record some of his dizzying array of stories collected over the years and meted out to audiences in packed houses across the globe. You can’t begrudge the man for wanting to share. Trouble is, as a …
A collection of autobiographical stories by the founder of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society which falls just short of being interesting – I’d sort of hoped for more depth on the founding of the society beyond the usual story about how “a few friends bought a cask, then decided to …
Generously written biography of the singer from Kidderminster who caught the eye of Jimmy Page, who would go on to become a golden god of the rock firmament. There’s so much more to the Robert Plant story than just Led Zeppelin, and this book admirably captures that – whilst of …
Following his Blackadder biography, Jem Roberts dips into detail on obvious heroes of his – Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie – in this examination of their comic partnership leading up to and focusing on “A Bit of Fry & Laurie”. It’s apparent that there was a great deal more to …
The trouble with trying to be objective about Geoffrey Robertson is that I can’t do it. The man’s an absolute legend and hero. This autobiography covers his entire life to date, from growing up in suburban Sydney – to the move to England via his Rhodes Scholarship – through to …
The story of the rise & disappearance of inane & vulgar lo-fi singer of such minor internet classics as “Have a Wank”, “Gentleman’s Wash”, “I Shit My Pants”, “A Lonely Wank In A Travelodge”, and the anthem “Fucksticks” – penned by the author himself. A refreshingly honest story from someone …
Michael Lewis – mainstay of gripping Financial Services pieces like The Big Short, Liars Poker, Flash Boys et al – zeroes in on the story of Amos Tversky and Daniel Kahneman, and how their theories on decision came to influence western society. Great story, great author.
Since hearing Blessed on Richard Herring’s Leicester Square Theatre Podcast (RHLSTP!) I became somewhat obsessed with the man, and went & saw him live one evening in Bath, where I bought this book. A really unique character with a powerful grip on living life to the fullest. It’s impossible to …
Thorough biography of pioneering quantum physicist Paul Dirac – regarded by his peers as one of the greatest brains of the modern age, but somewhat lacking in personal PR skills. I found it utterly gripping as not only a window into the lives of his peers & mentors (Ernest Rutherford, …
