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Berserker!

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( 3,066 ratings, 322 reviews)
Brief Description
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... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
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Berserker! is the riotous, one-of-a-kind memoir from one of Britain's most beloved comedians, Adrian Edmondson.

Berserker! is the riotous, one-of-a-kind memoir from one of Britain's most beloved comedians, Adrian Edmondson.

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

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

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781035014316

Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 23 May 2024

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Pan Books

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 28.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 306g

Pages: 416

About the Author

ADRIAN CHARLES EDMONDSON is an English actor, comedian, musician, writer and television presenter. He studied drama at Manchester University, where he met his comedy partner Rik Mayall. The influence of the absurdist dramatists he studied and his early love for The Goons, The Muppets and Monty Python are all reflected in his comedy practice. He and Rik were part of the first wave of alternative comedy, where their glorious pursuit of laughter and anarchic performances changed the comedic landscape forever. He starred as Vyvyan in The Young Ones, a series that blasted its way onto our screens and tore into our preconceptions of what television comedy could be. In later years, Edmondson's career has also taken him into 'straight' acting - including at the RSC and in the BBC's War and Peace and EastEnders - and into writing books for adults and children. He has also had an award-winning music career with his band The Bad Shepherds, which fused punk and folk to great acclaim.

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