Almost a Celebrity: A Lifetime of Night-time (Audio Download): Amazon.co.uk: James Whale: Books

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Audio Download
Listening Length: 4 hours and 41 minutes
Program Type: Audiobook
Version: Abridged
Publisher: Summersdale Publishers Ltd
Audible Release Date: 29 Nov 2010
Language: English
ASIN: B004EF4QE8

Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (21 customer reviews)

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Product Description

Forget the wannabes. Discount the twenty-something reality-TV stars. Here, for a change, is the story of someone who's actually lived a life... and it makes for one hell of a listen.

Almost a Celebrity is the no-holds-barred autobiography of radio megastar James Whale, a man who, for over 30 years, has never been afraid to say the unsayable.

Written (and now spoken) in his typically deadpan style, Almost a Celebrity charts James' rise to the top - with plenty of trademark rants along the way - from his Surrey childhood, where he avoided school by hanging out in Soho strip joints, through his humble beginnings in local radio, via the eponymous TV which made his name, to his current status as late-night king of the airwaves. Whether discussing his encounters with celebrities or his involvement in tabloid scandals, the book is crammed with extraordinarily frank revelations. There are also unexpected twists: James' former career as an international spy and a dark family saga that brought him into contact with a hit man.

Yet James is no stranger to controversy. His outspoken opinions have led to numerous TV and radio watchdog enquiries, death threats, and even his arrest. In 2000, he confronted his toughest opponent so far when he was diagnosed with cancer and given only months to live.

An inspiration to millions, James Whale is a genuine man of the people. And - as usual - there's no stopping him from telling his story in his own engaging, inimitable way. Although slightly abridged, this audio edition contains brand new asides and off-the-cuff additions from James in the studio - nothing less than you'd expect from the radio master!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful

A must read! 17 Oct 2007

By Lucy W

Format:Hardcover

As someone who doesn't normally read biographies I was surprised when I couldn't actually put this book down. I was bought it as a birthday present. I am a listener of his radio show - but didn't really know the man behind the voice enormously well. His outspoken style translates well into the written word.

His life story is interspersed with a number of sections on his views on important issues of the day. I heartily recommend this book because it does make you chuckle, cry a little, and raise your eyebrows at times.

I know a number of other Radio `Personalities' are releasing books currently, but I would give those a miss and read this instead. I really do hope that he will write another book in the near future. Enjoy!

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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

One of Britain's Most Outspoken Late Night Talk Show Hosts 15 Dec 2007

By Chas Newton

Format:Hardcover

If you have ever listened to James Whale on the radio, this book does not dissappoint. With strong opinions, this book talks about his lifetime and career, including his diagnosis with illness and how he came through it.

With an excellent forward by Chris Moyles, who, like me, listened to James Whale on Radio Aire in the 1980's - sometimes underneath the bedsheats - this is an excellent read.

Unwrap it, read it and underneath the hard exteria you will find a soft centred man.

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

Be careful what you read before this book 22 Nov 2011

By Andy Candler

Format:Kindle Edition

I read this book immediately after reading I, Partridge: We Need To Talk About Alan. This was a mistake as parts of the book were as crige making as Alan Partridge's writing. I had to keep reminding myself that this was a seriously written piece of work by the man himself.

In saying that, it was an interesting read about James's life, albeit very big-headed in parts. In hindsight I would have preferred to read a biography on James Whale rather than his own words.

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better luck with the next book James

It wasn't bad but it wasn't very good either! Bit boring after a good start but I guess a life in night-time radio is bound to be a bit boring after a while.

Published 2 months ago by Modesty

Interesting man

One of the best and most unusual talk hosts. His late night television programmes were wonderful. This tells the story of his life and is well worth reading.

Published 19 months ago by Jennifer

Good read

Very good read for someone who has listened to his programme content on talksport and wondered about the person this book gives a good insight to the man himself.

Published on 11 April 2010 by Mr. P. Shoreland

A Figurehead of the Non-Oxbridge Broadcasters

James Whale has always been contrary. Tough, but easily hurt, an anti-liberal who hosted one of the most democratic radio shows of the last twenty years in the UK and a lynchpin of... Read more

Published on 14 Sep 2009 by Arthur Manningford

Almost a Celebrity: A Lifetime of Night-Time

Anything written or spoken by James Whale has to be worthwhile. He has entertained millions on radio and television for many years and been an inspiration to freedom of speech... Read more

Published on 30 Aug 2009 by Pat Regan

Almost a Celebrity: A Lifetime of Night-Time James Whale

Published on 17 May 2009 by Pat Regan - author of Dirty Politics

Almost a Celebrity - James Whale

James Whale is very honest about his life and experiences. The book is funny, sad, thought provoking and I couldn't put it down. Read more

Published on 13 Feb 2009 by G. Archer

Having a Whale of a time!

I do like reading a book that is packed with either good stories, facts or both, like most people you can always tell if a book is any good if you keep going back to it time & time... Read more

Published on 13 Oct 2008 by P. J. Cox

Funny & Moving Story

A fantastic read. The James Whale autobiography is the second best book I have read this year.
James is a Northern version of Cheeky cockney Garry Bushell. Read more

Published on 6 April 2008 by Mr Presley


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Almost a Celebrity: A Lifetime of Night-time [Audio Download]

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