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Review
'Never has the sheer awkwardness of the human condition been so comically, or beautifully, conveyed.' Daily Mail
'As with his masterly account of Dad’s Army, this is an objective and scrupulously researched study, unlikely to be superseded.' Roger Lewis, Spectator
'McCann's lively biography is rooted in those post-music-hall days, his portrait of the period is vivid.' Alex Clark, Sunday Times
'Graham McCann's straightforward, affectionate biography attempts to underline Howerd's place in the pantheon of British comedy greats.' Glasgow Herald
Roger Lewis, Spectator
'As with his masterly account of Dad’s Army, this is an objective and scrupulously researched study, unlikely to be superseded.'
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
38 of 38 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This is something very, very special. As a devoted fan of Frankie Howerd, I can't quite put into words how delighted I am to at last have a full-length biography of the great man that, while being extremely thorough and exceptionally well-researched, celebrates the artist instead of abusing the memory of the man. What you get is an incredibly vivid account of the famously rollercoaster career, an unusually sensitive, compassionate and mature account of the notoriously chaotic private life, and an admirable set of insights into the genius of the performer. McCann quotes from interviews with the likes of Eric Sykes (whose early partnership with Howerd is rightly highlighted), Galton and Simpson and various other friends and colleagues, draws on some fascinating archive materials and supplies his own analyses to piece together a big picture that manages to remind you of how important Frankie Howerd remains in the history of stand-up comedy. Add to all of this an invaluable list of stage, radio, tv, film and video performances, quotes from the classic routines and a good selection of photographs, and what you have is a book that gives show-business biographies a good name. A superb piece of work.
34 of 34 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Frankie Howerd had a 50 year career. He more or less re-invented stand up comedy in the 1940s, made TV sketch comedy so much more intimate (by talking directly to the viewers) in the 1960s and inspired a new generation of stand ups in the 1980s. He was a brilliant performer, and it has been so maddening to see him belittled since his death by a succession of 'nudge-nudge-wink-wink' profiles and a handful of pathetically superficial hagiographies. That is why Graham McCann's biography is so welcome. At last - at long last - Frankie Howerd is placed in his proper context - that of stand up comedy - and is shown in all his fascinating complexity. We see his intelligence, his fear, his courage and his artistry. We understand his ambitions and we appreciate his achievements. We get to know the man, and the performer, better than we thought we ever would. The book is marvellous. It truly is. Frankie has finally got the tribute that he so richly deserves.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
The definitive biography of a great comic talent. Well written and wonderfully researched, this book is a highly readable must for any comedy fan.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Titter ye not it's compulsive reading
I tend to be wary of buying biographies as they can be hard work and not very interesting to read. This one is well researched and includes quotes from all the important people in... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Andy Greig
Marvellous
Having seen Frankie "live" a few times, and always been a fan, I found this very well researched biography got him down to a "T". Read more
Published 17 months ago by Mrs Margaret Reynolds
No, Yes, well, you see, Oooh a lovely book it was...
I don't think I've ever enjoyed a book so much - I don't normally read biographies, but then Frankie Howerd always came across as someone rather special and this book shows all his... Read more
Published on 19 Mar 2008 by R. Hidson
Goodish biog
This is a good book, but not a great one. McCann clearly adores his subject, which has its advantages and disadvantages. Read more
Published on 19 Sep 2006 by Charles
well researched and revealing.
a book that goes to a considerable effort to probe the tormented mind of one of our most popular comedians. Read more
Published on 10 July 2006 by Mr. A. E. Ward Davies
An excellent biography
I wouldn't count myself as a great fan of Frankie Howerd, but I do whole-heartedly recommend this book. Read more
Published on 3 Feb 2005 by Mr. Rp Nesbitt
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