Product Description

From prize-winning journalist to chat show king on a show voted one of the top ten British TV programmes of all time, Michael Parkinson's starry career spans over four decades.

Now an international celebrity himself, the man from a humble but colourful Yorkshire mining family who can tease out the secrets of even the most reticent star guest, at last reveals his own story, with the easy manner and insight that has kept his audiences fascinated.

His distinguished career has involved working on highly acclaimed current affairs and film programmes. His wide interests and expertise include jazz, film, football and cricket.

Witty, humorous and blessed with exceptional intellectual clarity, Michael Parkinson's memoir is a joy to read.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #13 in Books
• Published on: 2008-10-02
• Released on: 2008-10-02
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 412 pages

Review
"Parky's book is a joyous, breezy read, as much for the improbability of his early escapades as for his backstage anecdotes about the stars. It is also beautifully written" -- Daily Telegraph

Review
“I recommend it heavily. It’s a wonderful book” (Melvyn Bragg )

“Parky’s book is a joyous, breezy read, as much for the improbability of his early escapades as for his backstage anecdotes about the stars. It is also beautifully written” (Daily Telegraph )

"The early chapters about his childhood and early career ... are disarmingly modest and offer a proper glimpse into another world" (Independent )

“This autobiography is just like an extended edition of a brilliant Parkinson on television – engrossing and entertaining” (Irish Times )

About the Author
Michael Parkinson is not only a legendary TV and radio presenter, both in the UK and Australia, but an award-winning journalist. In 2007 he announced his retirement from his ITV chat show, but will continue his involvement with TV and radio. Michael Parkinson was awarded a knighthood for services to broadcasting in the 2008 New Year's Honours list.

Customer Reviews

Could have been so much more interesting
Even as a non-Englishman (I'm Dutch) I was well-acquainted with the talk show Parkinson. I watched it whenever I had a chance to catch it and I admired the way Michael Parkinson was able to get interesting stories out of (almost) every one of his guests. That, combined with positive reviews of this book convinced me to buy it. Boy, was I wrong...
Unlike one of the other reviewers I was not hoping for gossip, but I would have liked some more details about the assorted guests on the show, especially the Hollywood stars from the days of old. He does tell us something about them, but not very much. Instead he just goes on and on about bloody cricket, which I couldn't care less about.
If you like Michael Parkinson: watch the shows, don't read this book!

this book is so so
Parky is familiar to almost everybody, and especially on X Factor you can see him a lot, but his this book: My Autobiography, is not so interesting. I couldnt wait to grab one from the book shelf, but once I've read it for some pages, I found it disappoiting, coz it didnt tell much about himself and his story on television, which could interest people more, especially women.

Parky the Master
I have been a fan of Parky for over 30 years. I had the privelege of hearing him being interviewed at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, in conjunction with promoting his book. He held the audience enthralled as he regaled us with tales from his most varied and interesting life and career.
I could not wait to read my signed copy; It is a good read, however, was practically verbatim with his interview. I then watched him being interviewed by Mark Lawson on television, again, same old same old. I suppose I was disappointed that The Master does indeed possibly use a script.
I would agree with one of the other reviewers, a tad too much cricket, but all round, a heartwarming account by an unassuming,
gentleman.