The Pythons: Autobiography by the Pythons

I'm not sure the authors expected people to actually read this book cover to cover, the way I did. It is big and heavy and full of pictures, which leads me to believe it might have been intended as a casual coffee table book. But I read it; all of it. I expected it to be a very funny book, considering it was written by the Monty Python team. It wasn't very funny at all, but it is a very interesting story of how the group came to be and how they managed to stay together and accomplish so much.The book tells the story of each of the Pythons, from college, to starting out in comedy, to helping to create Monty Python's Flying Circus, to becoming a Python. The stories about making the television show and then the movies and stage shows and specials are all told seperately by each of the team members, so you get the little differences in the memories and points of view from each of them. I found it interesting that one person would tell a story and the very next paragraph would be another team member telling the same story, but contradicting the first. That's the effect of memory. I'm glad they left those contradictions in the book. I think they make it real.Graham Chapman passed away before the book was finished, so the majority of his parts were written by his brother, John Chapman, or his long time partner, David Sherlock. They both had been around enough over the years that they were able to give a very detailed description of the story from Graham's point of view.The stories are very entertaining. The photos are incredible. This is a great history of the Monty Python team.

In many ways, this large tome is infinitely more satisfying than any of their shows, movies and records because of just how funny, sad, amazing, hysterical, and bizarre the reality is. They were quite a jolt to American TV and International film, but in fact, followed in a rather historical line directly from the Goon Show, Morecombe and Wise, David Frost. British comedy really had no where else to go but the land of the Pythons.Here in this book you'll get what amounts to 6, and sometimes more, accounts of how they came together via their Oxford and Cambridge revues, to spot each other as worthy colleagues. Certainly, it was writing for Frost that sealed the decision, but even as the essential teams of Cleese and Chapman, Jones and Palin had coalesced with Gilliam and Idle idling in the between them, you get from their stories pre and post Monty that they knew they were destined to work with each other almost from their first meetings. Jones comes across as the sensible Welshman with a keen ear for Everyman/woman. Palin is the adorable naughty fellow with a nod and a wink, whose ability to fend off the assaults of Cleese and Chapman made for the most memorable moments in Python history. Cleese seemed shot out of a cannon at birth and never looked down. His ability and courage to push the envelope as far as he could (it was likely he who suggested they do away with punch lines) gave them an insanity that was extraordinarily daring. Who else would have the chutzpah to intone in LIFE OF BRIAN among the Jewish rebels, "What have the Romans done for us lately?" Idle is the charmer, and the smarmy raconteur who seemed most equipped to handle the bridge between the Oxford and Cambridge camps. And it was his friendship with George Harrison that enabled Monty to actually tackle LIFE in all its repercussions. Chapman is the tragic figure in all of this. Self-deprecating, guilt ridden "my parents were quite unprepared to have begat a homosexual. They'd have much preferred a heterosexual black Jew,", he pursued a life of excess that often left the others hanging in the balance, and yet it was Chapman as the quintessentially clueless upper class Brit that seemed to identify how disconnected stratas fo British society had become. His Brian was perhaps even more of a compassionate hero for the ages than the genuine character he was meant to allude to, and yet he offered none of that sympathy to himself. Gilliam seemed always odd man in, and fit the others like a bad suit, which was what made him that perfect finishing touch for the remarkable trajectory in the Life of Monty.They hold nothing back, and the ugly squabbles, the anxieties, the dismay at Chapman's self-destructive activities are also frankly and compassionately addressed. Much like the Beatles, once Chapman succumbed to Aids and then cancer, there would be no real reunion effort. The fellowship had indeed been broken. Various members of the team managed to get on each other's nerves from time to time. Cleese's legendary arrogant contrariness is clearly on display. There was always more Basil Fawlty to him that he was quite prepared to self-parody than you may have guessed. And through it all, even as they re-convened for this project (much like the Beatles' ANTHOLOGY), there is that undeniable creativity. No one has ever acheived what they have in comedy, save possibly the Marx Brothers.The book is beautifully put together, and covers their story thus far. If you are a fan, you will positively love this. Each of them is given all they room they need, even Chapman, to tell it from their angular vision. Taking all the angles together, it makes for quite a story.

Wow, this is an extraordinary book! Not only is it full of great content, but it’s also an excellent print. The pages are thick and high quality, which makes the book nice and heavy. There are tons of great photos, lots of fun artwork by Gilliam, and all kinds of amazing tidbits! I just received it so I haven’t read it yet, but I’m really looking forward to sinking my teeth into it.

Fortunately, I purchased this book for me, so it's perfect! I would have been embarrassed to give it as a gift, though, because the book corners and cover are not in "new" condition!

If you are a Monty Python lover, this is something you MUST OWN.As a Monty Python fan who owns just about every video, DVD, book, album, etc. there is, I have to say that this blows away everything I've ever owned. When I opened up the package and did a quick look-over of the book, I almost passed out with joy. There have been *many* Python books that are good or OK, but this is just fabulous. The information is right out of the mouths of the Pythons (much like "Monty Python Speaks," but to an even greater extent). The pictures are new (to most people) and beautiful. It is obvious that somebody took enormous pride in the making of this book.Other than the GARGANTUAN size of the book, there is nothing negative I can say. This giant, heaping pile of Python is fantabulous and waiting for you to buy it.

Haven't read yet, but it's by the Pythons, and well all know a big snake is always good.

Provides good background information on the Pythons. It is one thing to watch a video. This book helps to describe the struggles the Pythons have been and continue to go through: University educations, script writings, interpersonal relationships, raising money, locations, creating endings, and more. Opens the door to humor and serious perspectives. A good read. There are individual and collective contributions from all members. Answers many of the questions we did not know we have.

The advertisement said "In like new condition" and it is exactly as described. Phenomenal price and free delivery of this heavy book. I couldn't be more pleased!

The huge book compiles parallel stories of the Monty Python's Flying circus comic group. Each member of the club describes his experience, how he became a member, and how the group worked together to deliver its gags and films... The book is some kind of a mine of information on the Pythons' life and history, with many anecdotes and also many photos. However, contrary to what might expect several readers, it is not a funny book. Its purpose is not to make the reader laugh. It is not either a true collective book. Instead, each member of the team relates its memories of what happened. There is no true dialogue between the Pythons. What stroke me, as the major feature of the book, is that they had some difficulties to work together. The confrontation between the two Terries is one aspect, another one is the drinking problem of Graham Chapman, but also the seriousness of John Cleese is worth mentionning...Finally, the feeling that comes out of the book is that the Pythons were quickly longing to split the team, because each one wanted a career of its own. As early as at the end of the Holy Grail film, they were heading separate ways. By some standard, it is thus a rather sad and dull book on a terminated adventure, the heroes of which arguing on their own importance in the story.And now for something completely different...