Berserker!

Berserker! is a riveting memoir charting the life and times of Adrian Edmondson, one of the most iconic figures in British comedy. This instant Sunday Times bestseller and Financial Times Best Audio of 2023 transcends typical autobiographies by delving deep into a compelling narrative filled with humour, wisdom, and heartfelt nostalgia.

The memoir begins with Edmondson's early years, shaped by a strict Methodist upbringing and the confines of repressive boarding schools. Through a blend of self-effacing charm and uniquely observed humour, Edmondson recounts his transformative journey from these controlled beginnings to the chaotic and revolutionary landscape of the 1980s comedy circuit. His partnership with Rik Mayall brought anarchy and outrageous characters to both stage and screen, leaving an indelible mark on British entertainment.

The book captures the essence of life on the alternative comedy scene, including hilarious and poignant anecdotes of getting arrested in Soho and creating some of television's most memorable and violent comic characters. Along the way, Edmondson uncovers more about his mysterious (possibly Scandinavian) heritage, adding layers of intrigue to his personal narrative.

Apart from his riotous career, Edmondson paints a vibrant picture with star-studded stories and a dynamic soundtrack of pop hits that transport readers through different eras, making Berserker! a memoir like no other.

Among its accolades, the book was nominated for Radio Times Moment of the Year for Edmondson's touching recollections of Rik Mayall on Desert Island Discs. This memoir is a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes tales, teeming with the kind of self-effacing charm and sharp wit that has endeared Edmondson to fans for decades.

'The Berserker from The Young Ones and Bottom tells his story with self-effacing charm and no end of backstage anecdotes' - Ian Rankin

'Amazing' - Richard Osman

'Gloriously candid and wise all at once' - Sara Pascoe

'It is incredibly funny, but it is also a lot, lot more than that' - Miles Jupp

'More fun than reading Hegel, and also more enlightening' - Louis de Bernières