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Tall Tales and Wee Stories

The Best of Billy Connolly
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( 6,016 ratings, 592 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Tall Tales and Wee Stories by Billy Connolly is a delightful collection of the author’s best-loved stories and adventures, capturing his unique perspective on life. Drawing from his experiences growing up in Scotland, honing his craft on the stage, and navigating fame, Connolly shares humorous and poignant anecdotes. This memoir offers a heartfelt glimpse into the wit and wisdom of one of comedy's most cherished figures.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you love a good laugh and appreciate the vibrant storytelling of a beloved comedian. With a mix of humour and heartfelt anecdotes, it offers a delightful glimpse into the life and career of Billy Connolly, charmingly sharing his unique insights and experiences.

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Outrageously funny story-telling from the nation's favourite comedian.

Tall Tales and Wee Stories brings together the 'Best of Billy Connolly'.

'One of stand-up's great naturals. No one told a story better.' Guardian

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

'Connolly's raucous run through his life is as furious, funny and foul-mouthed as you'd expect' Sunday Times

In December 2018, after fifty years of belly-laughs, energy, and outrage, Billy Connolly announced his retirement from live stand-up comedy. It had been an extraordinary career.

When he first started out in the late sixties, Billy played the banjo in the folk clubs of Scotland. Between songs, he would improvise a bit, telling anecdotes from the Clyde shipyard where he'd worked. In the process, he made all kinds of discoveries about what audiences found funny, from his own brilliant mimes to the power of speaking irreverently about politics or explicitly about sex. He began to understand the craft of great storytelling. Soon the songs became shorter and the monologues longer, and Billy quickly became recognised as one of the most exciting comedians of his generation.

Billy's routines always felt spontaneous. He never wrote scripts, always creating his comedy freshly on stage in the presence of a live audience. A brilliant comic story might be subsequently discarded, adapted, or embellished. A quick observation or short anecdote one night could become a twenty-minute segment by the next night of a tour.

Billy always brought a beautiful sense of the absurd to his shows as he riffed on his family, hecklers, swimming in the North Sea, or naked bungee jumping. But his comedy can be laced with anger too. He hates pretentiousness and calls out hypocrisy wherever he sees it. His insights about the human condition have shocked many people, while his unique talent and startling appearance on stage gave him licence to say anything he damn well pleased about sex, politics, or religion.

Billy got away with it because he has always had the popular touch. His comedy spans generations and different social tribes in a way that few others have ever managed.

Tall Tales and Wee Stories brings together the very best of Billy's storytelling for the first time and includes his most famous routines including, The Last Supper, Jojoba Shampoo, Incontinence Pants and Shouting at Wildebeest. With an introduction and original illustrations by Billy throughout, it is an inspirational, energetic and riotously funny read, and a fitting celebration of our greatest ever comedian.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Tall Tales and Wee Stories by Billy Connolly receives praise for its match to Connolly's vibrant personality, filled with humour, wit, and engaging storytelling. Reviewers from various publications highlight its entertaining and lively narrative, often describing it as akin to hearing Connolly perform live. It's celebrated as a hilarious and insightful glimpse into the comedian's life and career, cementing his reputation as a master storyteller.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781529361360

Publisher: John Murray Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 17 September 2020

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Two Roads

Illustration: Original illustrations by Billy Connolly

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 26.0mm

Width: 126.0mm

Height: 194.0mm

Weight: 270g

Pages: 336

About the Author

Sir William Connolly, CBE is a much-loved Scottish comedian, musician, presenter and actor. He is the recipient of a BAFTA Lifetime Achievement Award and is regularly voted the nation's favourite stand-up comedian. Billy was born and raised in Glasgow and now lives in America. He announced his retirement from live performance in December 2018.

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