Biography: arts and entertainment

Double Bill

Packed with anecdotes, sparkling insights into the changing nature of show business and the turbulent world of the BBC, and boasting a glittering cast-list, Double Bill is a fascinating read, unashamedly nostalgic and often hilarious.

Monty Python Speaks!

The definitive account of the first thirty years of Monty Python, in the words of the Pythons themselves – John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin.

Morecambe and Wise

The dual biography of the great British comedy double-act and the rise and fall of mass audience television by the respected biographer of Cary Grant .

Maria Callas: Sacred Monster

The definitive biography of one of the greatest performers of the century by one of her closest friends. Highly illustrated with many previously unseen photographs.

Patti Smith

Patti Smith was a poet, a punk prophet, a feminist icon, a living work of art and the first woman rock-outsider to come from the New York underground and become a star.

Morecambe and Wise

Everybody used to watch The Morecambe and Wise Show. When the masses settled down to watch Eric and Ernie, the masses were, for once, massively entertained. Morecambe and Wise is the essential biography of a much-loved comedy duo and the history of one of British television’s best-loved shows from the acclaimed author of Cary Grant: A Class Apart.

Rat Pack Confidential

First biography of The Rat Pack – Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin, Peter Lawford, Joey Bishop et al – the original Swingers. Brilliant and beautifully written story of their rise and fall, and their connections with the Kennedys and the Mafia, which will appeal to fans of Swingers!, Goodfellas and Nick Tosches’ Dino.

Best Seat In The House

Best Seat in the House is a love letter from a passionate, unswerving fan to basketball, the New York Knickerbockers and their thirty-year relationship through disappointment, triumph, bad calls and air balls. It’s a slam dunk.

Cary Grant: A Class Apart

The ultimate biography of this ever-popular star and icon, from a young Cambridge don who has already made his name with a much praised biography of Marilyn Monroe.

Terence Rattigan: A Biography

SHORT-LISTED FOR THE 1995 WHITBREAD BIOGRAPHY PRIZE

‘Wansell provides much the fullest portrait of Rattigan so far… taking you as close to the man as you are likely to get.’ Sunday Telegraph

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