Moons a Balloon

David Niven will always be remembered for being a quintessential Englishman. Being an actor he was able to count many of Hollywood's greatest stars as his personal friends. In later years went on to write 2 books about his own life and, quite naturally, his many famous friends and acquaintances got mentioned along the way. The first of these books was called "The Moon's a Balloon" (first published in 1971) and the second "Bring on the Empty Horses" (1975). This book, which is simply called "Niven" is both books, bound together under a single cover. In their own right, each book became a huge best-seller when first published and were both hailed as some of the funniest and entertaining books ever written. They will still make you laugh even when reading them for a second time. The humour "may" be somewhat diminished for those who do not recognise some of the greatest names from yesterday's Hollywood, but I found this book to be as excellent today as it ever was. After all, a good book will always stand the test of time - and in this package you get two for the price of one. NM

David Niven will always be remembered for being a quintessential Englishman. Being an actor he was able to count many of Hollywood's greatest stars as his personal friends. In later years went on to write 2 books about his own life and, quite naturally, his many famous friends and acquaintances got mentioned along the way. The first of these books was called "The Moon's a Balloon" (first published in 1971) and the second "Bring on the Empty Horses" (1975). This book, which is simply called "Niven" is both books, bound together under a single cover. In their own right, each book became a huge best-seller when first published and were both hailed as some of the funniest and entertaining books ever written. They will still make you laugh even when reading them for a second time. The humour "may" be somewhat diminished for those who do not recognise some of the greatest names from yesterday's Hollywood, but I found this book to be as excellent today as it ever was. After all, a good book will always stand the test of time - and in this package you get two for the price of one. NM

I just want to quickly add to all these other five-star reviews that this is one of the most inspirational books I have ever read. David Niven candidly bares his vulnerabilities and lets us in on the obstacles and hurts he endured. I read this at a time that I felt I was drifting and this made me feel much better. There are amusing stories about Hollywood and the rest of the world in the old days. Blessings to David Niven. It's a breeze of a read and I envy those of you who have it yet to enjoy for the first time!

Prior to reading this book, my only knowledge of David Niven was as an actor in a few films I had seen. 'The Moon's A Balloon' was recommended to the highest level by an old aunt, and I must do likewise to anyone who enjoys superb writing, hugely entertaining and humorous stories, and dry wit of the highest calibre. David's writings are wonderfully descriptive and tinged in places with tragedy lest we forget he was apportioned his share. He led a most extraordinary life, met some of the most famous people from royalty to screen stars, and after reading his memoirs I defy anyone not to be endeared to the man. The book was no doubt initially made popular by David's popularity as an actor, but I guarantee that people who are not acquainted with him will enjoy his memoirs as much as those who are. I cannot recommend this book highly enough, nor adequately elucidate my surprise that it is no longer in print. After reading it I believe you will concur that the world lost a very unique person when David died in 1983. Please do yourself a favour and read this book, you will love it.

I am still reading this book and find it to be very descriptive of his early life and so many sad and funny stories. Never knew David Niven was so witty, but he really comes out with some "lulu's" in describing situations he found himself in. Buy it, you'll like it.