One Leg Too Few - Hardcover

Cook, William

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1848093330 ISBN 13: 9781848093331

Publisher: Random House UK, 2013

Synopsis

Featuring an extensive range of fresh interviews, previously unpublished archive material, and a wealth of information about the most creative (and explosive) double act that British comedy has ever produced, this is a book about an extraordinary relationship: a friendship, a partnership—almost, at times, a marriage. Like a lot of marriages, it ended badly, but for nearly 20 years, between the first date and the inevitable divorce, Peter Cook and Dudley Moore were the funniest thing on three continents. This is the story of that relationship, and the comedy that came from it.

About this title

About the Author:

William Cook is the acclaimed author of The Comedy Store, Ha Bloody Ha, and Kiss Me Chudleigh, as well as two collections of Peter Cook's writing. He has worked for the BBC and written for the Guardian, the Mail on Sunday and the New Statesman.

Review:

"With wit and warmth, William Cook charts the rise of a remarkable 20 year comedic partnership - and how it fell apart." The Observer "A well written biography by a talented writer... William Cook charts the progress of their unlikely marriage very perceptively" Daily Mail "This is the definitive biography of the double act; not only informative but also vastly entertaining." Sunday Express "Sympathetic yet sharp-eyed, he gives a vivid, poignant sense of the forces that held them together and which, ultimately, tore them apart." Mail on Sunday "Funny, sad and always entertaining" The Independent "The author deftly weaves together camaraderie, comedy and collapse - and beloved sketches lift off the page. A nostalgic joy" -- Jonathan Dean The Sunday Times "William Cook's dual biography is absorbing and incisive... This book goes a long way towards unravelling the enigma of two men who redefined the art of comedy. It is touching, funny, sad, tragic; all the things Pete and Dud were. And that is all you can ask of a biographer." Herald Sun "What makes William Cook's biography especially touching is its sense that, despite their messy divorce, they never stopped loving each other. Cook recounts their story with wit and clarity. But it is as a psychological portrait of the pair's devoted then fractured friendship, that the book is really compelling" Sunday Times "Detailed and moving account of the career of this eternally popular yet fatally ill-matched comedy duo" Observer

About this edition

• Publisher: Random House UK
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 1848093330
• ISBN 13: 9781848093331
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 720