Diaries 1969-1979

Wow, this took me ages to read. It is long and covers quite a lot of territory but is wonderful. Being a diary and not a memoir, it doesn't always cover the things you would like (there is an awful lot in here about visits to the dentist and troubled teeth) but the breadth is really nice and he has such an considered and insightful way of viewing the world.

The entries cover the beginnings of the series, Holy Grail, appearances on Saturday Night Live, Life of Brian and the very beginnings of Time Bandits and Brazil. It probably isn't a definitive history of such events since it is just a day to day diary (although sometimes he doesn't write for days or weeks) and events like the filming of Holy Grail flies by in just a few pages. I really liked the surrounding material, missing his wife and family while he was in Tunisia filming Life of Brian (he and his wife are still married today), society and politics of the time, strikes, the fall of governments, the rise of Thatcher.

It was quite frank about his affection for and difficulties with the other members of Python and covered their partnership and friendship with George Harrison (as well as other major celebrities, Keith Moon, etc). It was interesting to see the daily/weekly doings and how those fit together, the writing, performing, producing, personal appearances, and time away.

Hmm, so maybe I need to set aside another few months to read the next volume covering the 80s.