A completely new edition of the 'best book on British entertainers ever written'.
The stand-up comic is our hero. Unchanged fundamentally since the days of the Music Hall he, and occasionally she, has been a waspish or laconic or outrageous commentator on politics, sex, the family, work and friends.
The traditions of Dan Leno, The Crazy Gang, Will Hay and Max Miller continued in the grand era of the radio comics with Tommy Handley, Hancock, The Goons and Frankie Howerd. They survive still in Morecambe and Wise, Tommy Cooper and Danny La Rue.
The comedians understand us as no-one else, and in this brilliantly original and funny book John Fisher comes close to understanding them, what makes us laugh and the connecting themes in their humour and our responses. Quoting widely from their acts, he approaches the essence of their art: "The best book about twentieth-century British entertainers I have ever read." --"The Times."
First published in 1973 John Fisher's "Funny Way to be a Hero" is regarded as the finest book ever written on 20th Century comedians and comedy. Written as a young man in his early 30s Fisher went on to become a friend to many of the subjects written about in his book. Forty years later Fisher brings the story right up to date. This will be a landmark publication.
--This text refers to an alternate
Hardcover
edition.
The stand-up comic is our hero. Unchanged fundamentally since the days of the Music Hall he, and occasionally she, has been a waspish or laconic or outrageous commentator on politics, sex, the family, work and friends.
The traditions of Dan Leno, The Crazy Gang, Will Hay and Max Miller continued in the grand era of the radio comics with Tommy Handley, Hancock, The Goons and Frankie Howerd. They survive still in Morecambe and Wise, Tommy Cooper and Danny La Rue.
The comedians understand us as no-one else, and in this brilliantly original and funny book John Fisher comes close to understanding them, what makes us laugh and the connecting themes in their humour and our responses. Quoting widely from their acts, he approaches the essence of their art: "The best book about twentieth-century British entertainers I have ever read." --"The Times."
First published in 1973 John Fisher's "Funny Way to be a Hero" is regarded as the finest book ever written on 20th Century comedians and comedy. Written as a young man in his early 30s Fisher went on to become a friend to many of the subjects written about in his book. Forty years later Fisher brings the story right up to date. This will be a landmark publication.
