Eric Idle Books

I've seen "Monty Python's Flying Circus" so many times that I can recite long stretches of it. But those guys are always using weird accents and manic deliveries ("My neeples explode with delight!"), and sometimes they're hard to understad.

Fortunately for those times, Python fans have "The Complete Monty Python's Flying Circus: All the Words," a series from the second half of the classic comedy skit show. These are only trascripts (a bit lacking in details), but still enormous fun and full of delightfully quotable lines ("And now my lords, my ladies... your LUPINS!").

It opes with the weird "Conquistador Coffee" sketch, in which a boss berates his employee for changing the brand's name to Conquistador Instant Leprosy. ("The tingling fresh coffee that brings you exciting new cholera, mange, dropsy, the clap, hard pad, and athlete's foot." "It was a soft sell, sir.")

And then it contains plenty of others: the cheese shop with no cheese, films with giant teeth, spam spam spam, cannibal undertakers, Njorl's it's-not-that-terrible saga, the BBC's financial troubles, the Money Programme, the pantomime horse, hairdressers climbing Everest, the war against pornography, Gumbys, Dennis Moore, kamikaze highlanders, and the golden age of ballooning ("I am so excited I can hardly wash!").

The dialogue to each one is carefully outlined, with each character identified as being played by one of the guys (like "Interviewer (JOHN)"), although we usually don't get to hear much about Terry Gilliam's mad animations. Most of these episodes are one long continuing sketch that spills from one scenario to the next, but occasionally we'll have different ones patched together.

These guys had a rare, crazy talent -- these sketches are crammed with glorious dialogue ("Drop your panties, Sir William. I cannot wait till lunchtime") and bizarre insults ("you cloth-eared heap of anteater's catarrh"). Not much description of the action in places, although in a few we get plenty of detail when it's called for (such as the weirdness convention).

The problem is that this should only be read after you've seen the series. If you don't, it all seems like a befuddling string of of stream-of-consciousness comedy numbers, full of in-jokes and surreal twists. You have a better chance of finding Ilchester in a cheese shop than understanding this without seeing the skits first.

In case you couldn't understand what Eric Idle was bibbling in one episode, or John Cleese was screaming in another, "The Complete Monty Python's Flying Circus: All the Words Volume 2" will tell you what is going on. No time to lose!

This item was purchased for my daughter and she absolutely loved it. It was received in good order and in a timely manner

The Complete Monty Python's Flying Circus: All the Words, Volume 2 is the second half of a set containing the scripts of the entire series (45 episodes). This book, volume 2, contains scripts for episode 24: "How not to be seen" through episode 45: "Party Political Broadcast". This book is more fun than an endless supply of "lupins". Both volumes make great companions to the MPFC video/dvd collection ("There you go, can't be bad.") and also unlike the DVDs, there are no edits, these are the original words. So that horrible "m" word that Graham said in episode 31: "The All England Summarize Proust Competition" is in this book. Enjoy!

Yours etc., Brigadier Mainwaring Smith Smith Smith etc., Deceased etc.

FYI-This is the same as the review of Volume 1. There was no real sense in distinguishing the two.

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.

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

With that immortal exchange, nearly everything Pythonian is summed up. For those who haven't memorized every single Python skit (or for those who have and who are looking to free up some short-term memory), this book and its companion volume ("All The Words, Volume I") are must-haves. Every single word from every single bit ever done on "Monty Python's Flying Circus" is in here. It's a joy and a treasure and a non-stap laff riot.

Every Python nut is familiar with the "wink, wink, nudge, nudge" tale, the dead parrot sketch, the Ministry of Silly Walks and so on. But even beyond these justly famed classics, there is wonderfully silly stuff herein. I never realized until buying this and the companion Volume I how utterly the Python crew had mastered the gorgeously silly non-sequiter. To wit:

"Would Albert Einstein ever have hit upon the theory of relativity if he hadn't been clever?"

"Don't call me señor! I'm not a Spanish person. You must call me Mr. Biggles, or Group Captain Biggles, or Mary Biggles if I'm dressed as my wife, but never señor."

"I'm afraid we are unable to show you any more of that letter. We continue with a man with a stoat through his head."

"Were you worried when his head started to come loose?"

It just doesn't get any better than this, and being able to sit and peruse the scripts without watching the frenetic activity on the screen only goes to strengthen the generally accepted view that these guys were genius writers. As the book back states, these volumes are the winners of "the 1989 PYTHON PRIZE for their own books." ARE there higher honors than this?

Full-page color photos of cows are anything but your usual field grazers: they present an alternate form of cow reality and depict cows in strange circumstances indeed, from science lab neo-robots and in secret agent dress to cows dressed for construction work and various kinds of jobs. Any collection specializing in 'alternate reality' color photos will relish THE SECRET LIFE OF COWS, with its zany and oddball cow photos and the potentials of truly odd lifestyles.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

I have been a fan of the California Cheese commerical cows for years and this book was an "added-upon" appreciation for the beautiful cow. The book was so funny and I loved the imagination used to create the photos. A great talent! The new book "The Secret Life of Cows" sits with a place on honor on the coffee table in my living room to share with all that come to visit.

Glen Wexler sees things a bit differently than the rest of us....and thank god for that. Glen's work has always been discribed as 'visionary.' As in, have you seen Glen's 'visionary' Van Halen Album cover? In "The Secret Life of Cows" he harnesses his 'visionary' powers to bring out only the very best in bovine humor. If you don't smile, laugh out loud or even snort milk out of your nose when you read this book, you better call 911, because you proably don't have a pulse. And if that wasn't enough to get you to part with ten-dollars-and-seventeen-cents, it turns out that Eric Idle fella is pretty funny, too...

I know a little bit about photography, and have considered myself a purest in my enthusiasm for the "traditional" medium. But this book has opened my eyes, and shown me a new way of "seeing." I am impressed with not only the creative genius and technical expertise of Glen Wexler, but with how detailed, imaginative and outright funny his work is. It boggles my mind when I ponder how he came up with and then executed the ideas which he so skillfully depicts here; I can't help asking myself, How did he do this? I really enjoy this book, and think it makes a great gift. Each image is not only visionary, but a state-of-the-art result of what can happen when you cross a camera with a computer.

For all of those who've ever wondered what cows were doing when not chewing their cud, this book offers the viewer entree into the very busy lives of these seemingly placid creatures. The photo-illustrations are perfectly executed, the text is very funny and more importantly you'll spend a lot of time smiling even after the book has been closed. I cannot think of Casino Cow without laughing.

Okay, okay, maybe I won't go THAT far, but what a wonderful Idle book! First chapter (Vatican Sex Manual) has all sorts of wonderful pictures from the 70's. The naughty parts are (regrettably or not) covered in all pictures, so, if it was a movie, I would say it's a hard R rather than an X. But a must-have for any Idle fan.

Eric Idle is a man to be worshipped. This is not an excuse for him to get naked, this is a great work of comedic satire. Mr. Idle wowed the masses in Monty Python, now he'll wow you again with this very funny book. Not as deep as The Road to Mars of course, but exceptionally enjoyable. Plus, it features some real great pictures of Eric in the nude, that are often nearly artistic and always steamy hot. (If that's your thing.)

This audio book is absolutely fabulous! Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was one of my favorite books growing up, so I was delighted to find it read by Eric Idle, my favorite Python. Roald Dahl's text is charming, witty, and slightly dark, and Idle brings all of those dimensions to life. I am amazed by how many different voices Idle uses for the characters. Each character has a distinct voice and personality. My personal favorite voice is Veruca Salt. "Daddy, I want a squirrel!" His Wonka voice is hilarious. Idle definitely could have played Willy Wonka. This is a great product. It's so much fun to listen to at any time. You will get many hours of enjoyment listening to the magic of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Continuing where Charlie and the Chocolate factory left off, this book takes you through Charlie and his family's further adventures with Willie Wonka. See how Charlie and Willie Wonka take the Great Glass elevator where no man has gone before (well, almost). See how they even give the U.S. space program a helping hand as they help save some unwitting astronauts and the new Space Hotel U.S.A. staff from certain death from a hitherto unknown menace from space. After this, can Charlie and Mr. Wonka rescue Grandma Georgina from Minusland without getting themselves subtracted in the process? Suspend your disbelief, sit back, relax and find out how it all comes together--or not.

Eric Idle's narration is great. Thanks to him and Harper for recording this book!

I recommend this audio CD 110%, for people of all ages. There is none better than Eric Idle, and he does supremely with this particular item. His voice, his narration, and his actions through words really bring Roald Dahl's book to life. It is highly enjoyable, as well as hilarious.

This is a very funny collection of material from our friends in the UK. I highly recommend that you play this CD on the way to work in the morning, to give you a non-caffeine "lift".

We enjoyed the musical Spamalot so much that my son wanted to get the music for the songs. This was the ideal entry book for him as it contained the melody in the music and wasn't just an accompaniment.

In an age when children are all fed the same diet of movies and TV shows, Eric Idle's work speaks to the individual, the special creative person in each child. The story, the style, the humor lets me laugh while reading it to children, and lets them laugh while hearing it (not to mention the laugh they get watching me laugh). The point? This is a wonderfully written story that pleases and amazes children and adults. If there is a person on AMAZON who hasn't already enjoyed Eric Idle's other work (not to mention his Monty Python work), then this is a great start

Charlie and The Chocolate Factory is about a young boy whose family is poor. The famous chocolate maker in town has a contest for a big prize. They have adventure in the chocolate factory.
My favorite part of the book is when Charlie finds the last golden ticket. Once he finds it everyone chases him and he becomes an instant celebrity. Now that he got it he gets to go to the chocolate factory and maybe even win the bid prize. All these news reporters come and interview Charlie at his home. In a couple of days he gets to go to the factory and meet Willy Wonka.
I'd recommended this book to anyone that wants to read a fun easy read. This book tells you that no matter how much money you have or your living style you can still succeed. This is a good book for any age of people. This book helps you think about the positives and not to be greedy. If you're good then good things will happen.

When I was a little girl, I remember being mesmerized by this enchanting story. Naturally, when I grew up and looked for a story to read to my own children, I remembered this one. My children loved it just as I did. You come to love Charlie and Grandpa Joe. The other children's flaws are as obvious as they can be from the very beginning; it is amazing to see each one fall prey to his own weeknesses. The ending couldn't be more satisfying. It is a dream come true!

It is also a story that leaves you longing for more. I highly recommend this wonderfully enjoyable book to children and adults alike.

Ticket to lolly and lesson overload.


A competition gives a few kids a shot at a mysterious factory tour.

The dirt poor Charlie is lucky enough to score one of the tickets, and various lessons are learned along the way as the down to earth kid heaps in head in all the whacky Wonka bits and pieces.

Entertaining kids book.



3.5 out of 5

I first read 'Charlie & The Chocolate Factory' many years ago; probably about grade three. I enjoyed it, but years later the only thing I remembered was the golden ticket,the kid who stuck her gum behind her ear and the glass elevator. I remember thinking as a kid, that a glass elevator that went every which way, would be soooo coooool.

Having read it again 30 years later, I am not quite as impressed (well duh it's a kids book!). I found it a little on the cruel side and a little too moralizing, as Dahl takes literary vengeance on all the things that kids do that bug him, like watching t.v. or chewing gum. I guess I just found the moralizing a little too heavy handed. But your kid will probably love it and if it teaches him not to stick gum behind his ear, I guess that's good too.

My name is Schuyler®. I read Charlie & the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl. Charlie is one fifth of the lucky children that get to go into the chocolate factory. Some of the wildest things happen. The book is hilarious. I recommend it and give it five stars.