Upcoming Books

Best Sellers Peter Sellers - A Life in Comedy.

By Robert Ross

The life and work of the legendary Peter Sellers written by leading comedy historian Robert Ross.

As creative force of The Goon Show, Spike Milligan was the architect of the lunatic style of humour that permeates the best-loved performances of Peter Sellers; a friend and colleague who Milligan considered: “one of the true comedy greats of the 20th century. He can hold his head up with the very best.”

And it is the comic genius of Peter Sellers that is the driving passion of this book. A labour of love by Robert Ross, Britain's Comedy Historian, in which the well-documented wealth, wives, and weirdness of Peter's personal life is referenced only when it fully impacts his happiest place: as an interpretive, dedicated, truthful actor.

Whether it is Doctor Strangelove; Inspector Clouseau; or Chance the Gardener, Sellers had the conviction and the control to become his characters.

It's a legacy of laughter which still holds the world bewitched and enthralled; a legacy here put into historical and comical context.

Purchase


The First Rule of Comedy ..! Memories and Moments by Jeffrey Holland with Robert Ross

Fondly remembered as Spike Dixon in Hi-De-Hi, Jeffrey Holland is one of our best-loved situation comedy actors. An invaluable member of the repertory company of writer and director David Croft, his many other television credits include Are You Being Served?, Dad's Army, It Ain't Half Hot Mum, Oh, Doctor Beeching!, and You Rang, M'Lord?

Written in collaboration with Britain's foremost comedy historian, Robert Ross, producer and presenter of the hugely successful touring show Jeffrey Holland: Comedy Friends and Heroes, this unique memoir reveals the hilarious tales from Holland's long and illustrious career, through the comedy greats that have inspired him, to the comedy colleagues with whom he has worked.

There will be heart-warming stories from his twenty-year association with Paul Shane and Su Pollard: BBC's comedy 'A' Team of sitcom. There will be poignant and deep reflection on his all-time favourite comedian, Stan Laurel, and revealing stories of working with the great and good of variety theatre - from understudying Frankie Howerd in pantomime, to unforgettable encounters with Ben Warriss, the no-nonsense straight man of Jewel and Warriss fame, via many happy years as part of Russ Abbot's Madhouse.

Not to mention blissful thoughts on the joy of The Goon Show, and the thrill of stepping into the huge shoes of Peter Sellers, when the crazy characters were resurrected for Goon Again!

Filled with the enthusiasm and affection, The First Rule of Comedy..! is a life told through the eyes of one of the true greats of the genre.