- Paperback: 400 pages
- Publisher: Harper Perennial; New Ed edition (4 May 2004)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 1841157872
- ISBN-13: 978-1841157870
- Product Dimensions: 19.4 x 13 x 3 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 205,926 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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More About the Author
Product Description
Review
'Compelling… you cannot stop reading, so revealing is it of the tortured individual that lurked behind the public facade.'
Sean O'Hagan, Observer
'Written with infectious verve… a cheery book.'
Humphrey Carpenter, Sunday Times
Humphrey Carpenter, Sunday Times
'Written with infectious verve... a cheery book.'
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I'm writing this without reading any other review. Simply because this is a most extraordinary book about depression and, although I may repeat sentiments contributed by other review authors, I wanted this to be untainted by what I can only imagine is their (the reviews) just-worthy praise.
On one level the book is an extraordinary inisight into the machine of 50s-80s British comedy.
On another level the book is an extraordinary insight into the work and life of a genius.
On yet another level this is an extraordinary life story from a quite wonderful woman - the kind of woman that every good and creative man needs in his life. I am fortunate to have that woman in mine
But on the most extraordinary level, this book paints the graphic, wild picture of uncontrollable depression that seems to be born to the best and most productive minds.
For all those who suffer from depression PLEASE READ THIS. There is no other book written on the subject - the disease or gift? - that comes close to explaining to others how one feels when life tumbles from the peaks and hits the troughs.
And unfortunately, still today we with depression must master the art of explanation first before trying to conquer the demon. As Norma quotes Spike "if a man had a leg removed would you ask him to walk?"
Profound, deep, enlightening and extraordinary. Thank you Norma.
On one level the book is an extraordinary inisight into the machine of 50s-80s British comedy.
On another level the book is an extraordinary insight into the work and life of a genius.
On yet another level this is an extraordinary life story from a quite wonderful woman - the kind of woman that every good and creative man needs in his life. I am fortunate to have that woman in mine
But on the most extraordinary level, this book paints the graphic, wild picture of uncontrollable depression that seems to be born to the best and most productive minds.
For all those who suffer from depression PLEASE READ THIS. There is no other book written on the subject - the disease or gift? - that comes close to explaining to others how one feels when life tumbles from the peaks and hits the troughs.
And unfortunately, still today we with depression must master the art of explanation first before trying to conquer the demon. As Norma quotes Spike "if a man had a leg removed would you ask him to walk?"
Profound, deep, enlightening and extraordinary. Thank you Norma.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Fans of Spike's earlier career (including the Goon Show years) may be disapointed by this book as it dwells primarily on the latter half of his life as told by his long-term manager Norma Farnes.
The initial chapters provide a brief overview of his earlier career plus some background to the author before continuing with some priceless insight into the man behind the legend. The book is easy to read and provides a highly personal account of what made Spike Milligan tick but if you want a more academic biography then you're probably better off getting hold of Humphrey Carpenter's offering.
However, 'An Intimate Memoir' should be on the bookshelf of any fan of british comedy. Spike was a pivotal character in the development of british humour from the post-war years unto the present day. It would be impossible to imagine where british comedy would be without him.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I found this book to be quite remarkable. How this lady managed to put up with the often bizarre mood swings of the genius that was Spike Milligan has to be read to be believed. A superb insight into a Great Great talent.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Over the years little things could, and did, tip him over into...
Norma Farnes worked for Spike Milligan for thirty-six years and before her appearance Spike had had eight secretaries in eighteen months. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Eileen Shaw
Charming Narrative
This is the most insightful work on Milligan's life I have ever come across (other than his own memoirs!). Read more
Published 6 months ago by Bookworm
The book of spike milligan
A great book for those who loved the humour of this man.If you aren't a fan, then its probably not the book for you. Great value for money.
Published 10 months ago by Sailorman
It's not easy to describe another human being
It's not easy to describe another human being. I'm not a huge fan of Milligan, but at any rate he played a distinctive part in post-war Britain, with its odd uncertain path. Read more
Published on 16 Feb 2009 by Rerevisionist
A refreshingly honest account of life, laughs and depression
I loved this book. I didn't know anything about Spike Milligan beforehand having been too young for The Goon Show; but of course everybody knows his name. Read more
Published on 28 April 2008 by Eclectic Reader
This Memoir is enthralling.
This Memoir is enthralling. I know I sound like the blurb, but it’s so true that this book presents a picture of Spike Milligan in such a way that it arouses one’s... Read more
Published on 8 Feb 2006
Heartwarming and funny
This book is written by Spike,s long term manager. It is an honest open account of Spike's career and personal life. Read more
Published on 20 Jun 2004 by Neil
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