Customer Reviews

A Liar's Autobiography Volume VI

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4 star:		(1)
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I am ECSTATIC that this is being re-released - I read a friend's copy a few years ago and have been searching for my own ever since. This is a very frank analysis not only of the Pythons but of alcoholism, sexuality, life, death and medical school. It's funny in the traditional "embarrassing if read on public transport" sense, but at the same time a truly intriguing look into the character of a complex man. It's also (eek, I'm English, i don't say this!) very moving. You'll never ask the question "why don't Monty Python reform?" again.

Not your typical autobiography by not your typical writer. A Liar's Autobiography is a now-classic look at the life of Graham, written by Graham (and others) at a time when he felt that, due to his alcoholism, he was not long for planet earth. This proved to not be true (he survived another 10 years and did not die from alcohol-related causes but cancer). At turns hilarious, silly, touching and sad, "ALA" will leave the reader with a much greater sense of the looniest of all the Pythons who was, at heart, a very shy and serious man. By all means BUY THIS.

My mom got me this book for Christmas four years ago, and I could not put it down. Back then, I wasn't really reading for pleasaure, but I knew this book would really get me started! I found Chapman's autobiography to be rather silly, but serious at the same time. He has been my tied-for-first favorite Python (next to Idle) since the first time I watched any of their sketches and The Holy Grail, but this book made me love him even more. I really got to see a different side of this comic genius, and reading about his struggles to gain acceptance and respect, along with his trials when it came to put down the booze, made me only appreciate him that much more. Four years later, this is book is still in my top-three favorites of all time! I would recommend this book to any Python fan.

"Come to think of it, most people like a good laugh more than I do, but that's beside the point!"

Methuen is reissuing all the classic Monty Python books and scripts in October 1999 to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Monty Python's Flying Circus. Iincluded will be this gem of an autobiography by Graham Chapman.

Is there any way to encapsulate Graham Chapman's great comedic talent? No. But he tries in his own autobiography, anyway. A gift to those of us who truly appreciate the absurd from the master himself, this book is a must for anyone who enjoys Monty Python and those who just don't get it. After reading this book, I feel I understand this great pouf even more than watching the Python movies.

I'm just sad that his last video appearance was in an Iron Maiden video...

Graham Chapman is a comedy genius, and this is more proof.

I really enjoyed this book even though it is kind of confusing and wierd. Graham Chapman has always been my favorite Python because of his humor but this book shows antother side to him. If you don't like him before you read it you wiil afterwards. A bit after the end is touching and also very funny. This book isn't for everyone and you might not like it even if you are a Monty Python fan. If you are looking for a laugh a minute book in true Monty python style look somewhere else. Not to say that the book doesn't have some funny parts but it is also pretty serious. I also wouldn't recomend it to anyone under the age of 13 because some of the contents of the book aren't apropriate for smaller children. But if you think you will like it by all means read it because it really is a wonderful book.

Graham Chapman (with Eric Idle) wrote much of the Monty Python material, and so much more as well. But he also founded 'Gay News' as the first publication for the gay market after the decriminalisation of homosexuality in the UK in 1967, suffered (and recovered from) alcoholism -- three bottle of gin a /DAY/ ?! ) and generally lived an entertaintaining life. Buy this book, it will restore your faith in humanity.

And Biggles ;)