Product Description

All Michael Parkinson really wanted to do was play cricket for Yorkshire and England. However, he soon realised that to be paid to watch films, football and cricket would be the best way to spend life, and he became a journalist.

Television beckoned and for three decades Parkinson interviewed the movers and shakers of the late twentieth century, making his television programme the must-see event of the week. In singing with Bing Crosby, dancing with Billy Connolly, flirting with Miss Piggy and sparring with Muhammad Ali, Parkinson proved himself one of the most engaging and durable hosts in both Britain and Australia.

In Parky he recalls a full life with honesty, insight and humour.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1520 in Books
• Published on: 2009-05-14
• Released on: 2009-05-14
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 400 pages

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

"Wonderfully readable... packed with revelations and insight, and offer an unrivalled glimpse into the lives of practically every giant personality of the past three decades" (Daily Mail )

“Nothing less than riveting“ (Mirror )

“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 )

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.