Product Description

This is a completely original and beautifully designed book on Eric Morecambe, one of the UK's best-loved entertainers. Containing diary entries, unseen photographs and personal letters, this is the most revealing book yet on Morecambe. Posthumously voted 'Comedian of the Century' in 1999 and reaching number 4 in the recent 'Comedian's Comedian Top 50' on Channel 4, Eric Morecambe remains one of Britain's greatest and best-loved comedians. But even at the height of his success, Eric Morecambe feared his days were numbered as one half of Britain's best-loved comedy duo. It was a dread that had afflicted his whole career, according to his taped diaries, which emerged for the first time at the end of 2004 on the Channel 4 documentary, 'The Unseen Eric Morecambe'. The programme was praised both by critics and the general public and it served to renew interest in Morecambe's career and in the man himself. Containing 15,000 words of unseen diary entries, 200 unseen pictures, jokes and sketches, and letters to both Ernie and Eric himself, everything in this book is 100% personal and original, offering an exclusive insight into a comedic genius who was plagued with self-doubt. Even through his fear and uncertainty, Eric's inimitable humour shines through his diaries, joke books and personal archives. 'The Unseen Eric Morecambe' radiates with the gentle comedy genius that permeates his on-screen appearances, allowing an insight into Eric Morecambe that is both comfortingly familiar and revelatory. For the many fans of Eric Morecambe this book offers new insights while the stylish, integrated design makes this handsome book an ideal gift purchase.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #143654 in Books
• Published on: 2006-10-16
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 256 pages

Review
'This affectionate and revealing book is sure to give a warm glow to anyone who dips into its potpourri of intimate memories. The real pleasure of this book is to be found in the extraordinary portfolio of photographs and memorabilia from his (Morecambe's) personal archive.' Mail on Sunday 'A real sense of intimacy with a man who captivated millions in the great days of television.' Sunday Express 'Cook paints a picture of a man of great gentleness and extraordinary talent ! here laid out in photos, letters and diaries. Sunshine indeed.' The Independent

About the Author
William Cook is the author of 'Ha Bloody Ha -- Comedians Talking' (Fourth Estate), 'The Comedy Store -- The Club That Changed British Comedy' (Little, Brown) and '25 Years of Viz' (Boxtree). He edited 'Tragically I Was An Only Twin -- The Complete Peter Cook' and 'Goodbye Again -- The Definitive Peter Cook and Dudley Moore', both published by Century. He has worked for the BBC and written for the Guardian, the Mail on Sunday, the New Statesman and Conde Nast Traveller.

Customer Reviews

Some pages more unseen than others!
I got this book for Christmas and settled down for a good read. A minor gripe, but unfortunately, pages 187-192 are missing. There is a note: "The publishers apologise that, for copywright reasons, pages 187-192 were purposefully(sic) omitted. The content of these pages was purely pictorial."
A couple of other photos also seem to be captioned wrongly.
On the whole, however, an interesting book for any fan of Eric Morecambe, showing the private side of this much-loved man whose life was cut short.

classic collection
This is a great book from William Cook (who also did two great books on Peter Cook, and one on Peter Cook and Dudley Moore). The words are relatively familiar, but it is the stunning memorabilia and photos that make this a must for fans of the comedy legend. Well worth adding to the collection. And apparently there is another to follow this year on both Eric AND Ernie. If I have one snipe, it is that the book in paperback format is slightly small. Been better if in full coffee-table size. But it didn't dampen my pleasure much.

A Must For Any Fan
Much of the biographical information contained in this book has already been covered (and, indeed, is sourced from) previous biographies. There are some new interviews with Joan and Gary Morecambe (among others) but as someone who has read many books on the subject of Eric and Ernie, I am happy to say I was never bored by any part this book. I found it a compelling read, and in particular the previously unpublished photographs, notes and diary entries by Eric himself were fascinating. This gives a wonderful insight into the private side of a much-loved comedian, and I was frequently laughing out loud when reading it, and moved to tears by the section covering his final heart attack. A shame about the missing four pages - I just wonder what the photographs were!