Customer Reviews

The Complete Monty Python's Flying Circus; All the Words Volume One

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As a fan of MPFC since it first aired on PBS in 1973, these two volumes sort of put a cap on a 30 year fascination with the team. Maybe like me, you've watched every Python-Marathon or taped every show, but having these scripts really is the icing on the cake.

What's striking to me is the simplicity of the scripts. When you watch the episodes, the gags seem so complicated. Then to see The Dead Parrot sketch reduced to just a few pages, you realize how brilliant those guys were in terms of compression, and in terms of acting. An added plus, for me at least, was to finally see the words and phrases that I never quite "got" because they were unique to British English. From there, I logged on to a few websites on British slang and, boy, I realized what MPFC got away with...some of it was pretty raunchy. Anyway, this is two-volume set is priceless for any fan.

If you are not a fan of Monty Python than I can say to you "The Raymond Luxury Yacht interview" and you will not know how to say his name properly, but this book can tell you. If you are a fan of the show, and if you are not why are you reading this, this book is a wonderful companion to The Complete Monty Python's Flying Circus All The Words, Volume Two. These two books together have all the scripts from all four seasons of the Television show, Volume one the first and second then Volume Two the third and fourth seasons. This is a great book for those of you that did not catch all the words when you watched the show. I highly recommend this book for every Monty Python fan

The Complete Monty Python's Flying Circus: All the Words, Volume 1 contains the scripts for the first 23 episodes of the show. From episode 1: Whither Canada to episode 23: Scott of the Antarctic (from Seasons 1 & 2). Also included are broadcast & recording dates for the episodes, black & white photos, and an extensive index to help if you're searching for a certain sketch. Its fun to read the sketches, but it will just make you want to watch the show that much more. It really comes in handy if you are traveling and can't take your Monty Python videos or DVDs with you. Which brings me to my next point - this book and Volume 2 are nice companions to the complete Monty Python's Flying Circus DVD set! ("Wink, wink, nudge, nudge.") I like to keep these two books on top of my TV, right next to my exploding penguin!

Sincerely,
Sir Brian Eliot Brian Holloway (Mrs.)

If you are the kind of a person who wonders why there are so many spy and mystery books out there and so few comedy ones then maybe you should consider it the answer to be related to the fact that making a person laugh is a lot more difficult than evoking the sort of feelings that mystery writers are trying to bring out to their readers.Especially, when it comes to READING (as opposed to WATCHING) it takes great mastery on the writer's part to make the reader laugh. Well, this book will definately do it for you. If you are sitting in your living room and reading alone with the rest of your beloved ones in the next room then they will definately ask you what it is that you are reading as they will be surprised to hear you laughing so uproaringly. It has really been many YEARS since I have found myself reading and laughing so much. Please buy it. Maybe the best investment for the money!

Even for folks unfamiliar with Monty Python and its peculiar and veddy English appeal, this book and its companion volume ("All The Words, Volume II") are both treasures. Everything is in here--EVERYTHING. Every single bloody word from every single bloody skit! It's a lark! It's a hoot! It's a howl! It's everything every Python aficionado ever dreamed of and more.

The book is especially useful for Python lovers who've perhaps had a little trouble deciphering the accents of our beloved lads. You name it, and it's in here with every single word, every pause, every "um, yes, well" and more. As the members of Python themselves would say:

"It's satire."
"No, it isn't. This is zany madcap humour."

Sometimes the jokes in »Monty Python's Flying Circus« are fired so fast that you don't catch it all. This is your chance to do so.

Hilarious. The greatest comedians ever. Now on paper. I'm afraid I'll die laughing...

While you have to be a Pythonite to appreciate this book, what I liked best was the openness the boys exhibited. Sure, they're probably pulling some punches, but they talk about Graham Chapman and how difficult he was to work with, Terry Gilliam and how odd he was to work with, and the different approaches each team member took when writing. And you can't help but feel that they're having fun digging at each other, even though the interviews were conducted separately.
If you're interested in comedy or how it's constructed (or deconstructed)this is a great book.

Like Ole Bentsen (see his review), I own virtually every Monty Python book. Unlike Ole, I didn't purchase most of them; over the years they were given to me as Christmas presents. Could this be a commentary on the friends and relatives I have? I love ALL my Python books. However, THE COMPLETE MONTY PYTHON'S FLYING CIRCUS: ALL THE WORDS Volumes I and II is my favorite.

These volumes are critically important to every Monty Python connoisseur. Most of us have all the words memorized, but occasionally I have a memory lapse when quoting from a few of the more obscure skits. Thus, I require assistance with my memory - particularly as I age. Unlike other Python books, these volumes are reference books that can be pulled out at get-togethers. In addition, Americans have difficulty understanding British accents. The volumes are a great assistance.

THE COMPLETE MONTY PYTHON'S FLYING CIRCUS: ALL THE WORDS Volumes I and II is a perfect present for the Python connoisseur on your gift list. No one else would want it!

Key point: Volume I is useless without Volume II.

The publisher, Michael Earley, Publisher: mearley@methuen.co.uk Methuen reissues all the classic Monty Python books in Oct In October 1999 Methuen Publishing (London) is reissueing all the Monty Python books, TV scripts and screenplays, plus the new A Pocketful of Python series, to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the first broadcast Monty Mython's Fliying Circus. Please contact us for details: mearley@methuen.co.u

I somehow hope you're not like me, because I usually buy every book written by any of the Monty Pythons. DON'T DO LIKE I DO! It's expensive!

Sure, this book is a wonderful read, even if you already know most Monty dialogue by heart. This book will look nice next to your other Monty Python litterature, but know this. This book will most likely not last long, before you put it on the shelf and start watching the episodes again. Buy this book only if you're an insane Monty fan, in which case you probably haven't read any of these reviews anyway.