Berserker! by Adrian Edmondson is a critically acclaimed memoir from the iconic British comedian, tracing his life from a strict Methodist childhood and repressive boarding school days to the anarchy of 1980s a
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Berserker! by Adrian Edmondson is a critically acclaimed memoir from the iconic British comedian, tracing his life from a strict Methodist childhood and repressive boarding school days to the anarchy of 1980s alternative comedy and beyond.
Summary
The book details Edmondson's journey through life, touching on his early days in the alternative comedy scene, his partnership with the late Rik Mayall in iconic shows like The Young Ones and Bottom, his music career with The Bad Shepherds, and his later work in "straight" acting. The title refers to the Norse warriors, a persona he adopted on stage and in character, and his belief he may have Scandinavian heritage, which DNA results later declared untrue. The narrative is known for its blend of humour and poignant honesty, particularly regarding his difficult childhood and complex relationship with his father and Rik Mayall.
Reviews and Reception
- "Amazing": Richard Osman, author of the Thursday Murder Club series.
- "Gloriously candid and wise all at once": Sara Pascoe, comedian.
- "It is incredibly funny, but it is also a lot, lot more than that": Miles Jupp, comedian and author.
- "A hilarious romp through a golden era of comedy and a searingly honest and moving memoir": Red Magazine.
- "Well-written and illuminating": Reviewers on Goodreads and other sites praise the book for its honesty and the way it connects his challenging early life to his comedic style.
Product Details
- Author: Adrian Edmondson
- Genre: Autobiography/Memoir, Non-Fiction, Humour
- Publisher: Macmillan (Hardback and Kindle editions), Pan (Paperback edition)
- Publication Date: September 28, 2023 (Hardback) and May 23, 2024 (Paperback in the UK)
- Print Length: Varies slightly by edition, generally around 403-416 pages
- ISBN-13 (Hardback): 978-1035014279
- ISBN-13 (Paperback): 978-1035014316
Purchasing Options
Merchant
Format
Amazon.com
Hardcover, Kindle
Amazon.co.uk
Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
London Review Bookshop
Hardback
Waterstones
Various (online/in-store options available, check stock locally)
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