by John Cleese
First published 2003
The complete Monty Python story emerges through the voices of all surviving members of the legendary comedy troupe. John Cleese, Michael Palin, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, and Graham Chapman's estate collaborate to chronicle their journey from six comedians who changed television forever. The book traces their path from the late night BBC debut of Monty Python's Flying Circus in 1969 through their rise as the most influential comedy group in modern entertainment. Five Englishmen and one American rewrote comedy's rulebook with their unprecedented blend of sketches, animations, and absurdist humor. The authors reveal behind-the-scenes stories, creative processes, and personal perspectives that shaped their groundbreaking work. Over 1,000 photographs from their private archives illustrate this comprehensive account. This collaboration offers readers direct access to the Pythons' own memories, conflicts, and insights about creating comedy that transformed popular culture and continues influencing performers worldwide.
Genres: humor, 20th-century, autobiography, comedy, 21st-century
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking, whimsical
Tropes: found-family, memoir
Period: 1960s, 1970s
359 pages · Hardcover · Orion