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: #20460 in Books
• Published on: 2008-10-02
• Released on: 2008-10-02
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 412 pages

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 )

"Crisp and detailed prose ... with an especially impressive account of a pre-second world war childhood in the north" (Mark Lawson, Guardian )

'Funny and self-deprecating and just as laid-back as he is on camera' (Boyd Tonkin, 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

Classy autobiography
Many of us only know Michael Parkinson through his second career as a talk show host, but he has a strong background in "serious" journalism, having worked his way up from being a reporter for local newspapers in his native Yorkshire.

What this means is that, unlike many autobiographers, Parky not only has a tale (or three) to tell; he has the skill the tell it.

Despite his TV popularity and 25-odd years hob-nobbing with the famous and (occasionally) infamous, this gritty miner's son has successfully kept his feet firmly on the ground. A wide range of interests, a passion for sport and, above all, cricket make for a rounded personality and a genuinely interesting life.

This classy autobiography is well above the run-of-the mill and will be a much-appreciated addition to many a seasonal stocking.

As good as I hoped
The is a very well written memoir this tells you so much about Parky himself through his passions, view of the world and recollections of some amazing meetings / interviews. A Biography that is well worth reading ( and for that see also Entirely Up to You, Darling)

Parky's a legend
Bought this at a signing last week and I haven't put it down since. Parky has met some of the most important people of the last 40 years and lead a fascinating life. Despite all that success he remains extremely charming and humble, wrote a lovely message in the book I bought for my mum. Perfect xmas gift.