The First 20 Years of Monty Python

This is a fantastic guide to Monty Python. Pre-Python, The TV Show, the films, the records: it's all there. It is full of facts & photos. I often refer to it while I'm watching a Python TV show or film on DVD. There are other books about Python, but none that cover the history so thouroughly. It's a very enjoyable, funny read. I particularly like the Pre-Python photo comic from Harvey Kurtzman's Help Magazine, which is reprinted in the book. It features John Cleese as a man who falls in love with his daughter's Barbie doll. This book, combined with David Morgan's book Monty Python Speaks, will tell you everything you want to know about Monty Python.

Kim Howard Johnson has far too much time available. Fortunately, if you are going to waste your time, Kim has chosen the perfect waste of time, Monty Python. LOOK... A PENGUIN! Sorry.Johnson has wasted a perfectly good lifetime with this ridiculously nitpicky tome which reduces all things Python to little more than a college thesis. Albeit, one which is fascinating and thoroughly researched to the nith degree. Worthy of a Pulitzer. It's just too good for words. If you're not a Python fan, stop reading and go to a page for the lesser of the species where you belong. Pffft!!!!

Personally, I love this stuff. I can't get enough of the Pythons, and I love reading about the minutiae of their relationships. The book is also very episodic, which is perfect for people like me who have no attention span.But, as much as I love the Pythons, and thrilled as I am to hear about who was bickering with whom, and where most of the material for the Michael Ellis show came from, I can't imagine the casual reader having much interest in it all. This is not a book to introduce you to these guys. It's for the die-hard addict who's seen every show and movie so many times that they can launch into Pepperpot mode whenever someone says "Hello, Mrs. Premise..." But that said, if you number among the Python faithful, it's a must have. Regards, Ken Biggles, in a white wine sauce, with shallots, garlic and a fried egg on top.

Whether you're new to Python or a seasoned veteran, you can't go wrong with "Howard" Johnson's book. All of the main players, programs, and films are examined fully, and the book is lavishly illustrated with many photos from the author's personal collection. When combined with the same author's "Life Before and After Python", you are as well armed as any Python fan on the planet. Buy it now!!!

Of all my years(1, in fact!)of reading about the British Bad Boys, this is definitely the silver tuna. It has mini biographies of each of the members,the history,listings of all movies,albums and books,and,which is very helpful to me,a guide to every single Flying Circus episode!If you at least have any sense of off-beat humor,you will buy this book! Actual title:The First 20 Years of Monty Python(there is an "X" through the last "0")