Always Look on the Bright Side of Life

A Sortabiography

By: Eric Idle

Narrated by: Eric Idle

Length: 8 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

From the ingenious comic performer, founding member of Monty Python, and creator of Spamalot comes an absurdly funny memoir of unparalleled wit and heartfelt candor

We know him best for his unforgettable roles on Monty Python - from the Flying Circus to The Meaning of Life. Now, Eric Idle reflects on the meaning of his own life in this entertaining memoir that takes us on an unforgettable journey from his childhood in an austere boarding school through his successful career in comedy, television, theater, and film.

Coming of age as a writer and comedian during the '60s and '70s, Eric stumbled into the crossroads of the cultural revolution and found himself rubbing shoulders with the likes of George Harrison, David Bowie, and Robin Williams, all of whom became dear lifelong friends. With anecdotes sprinkled throughout involving other close friends and luminaries such as Mike Nichols, Mick Jagger, Steve Martin, Paul Simon, Lorne Michaels, and many more, as well as the Pythons themselves, Eric captures a time of tremendous creative output with equal parts hilarity and heart. In Always Look on the Bright Side of Life, named for the song he wrote for Life of Brian (the film he originally gave the irreverent title Jesus Christ: Lust for Glory) and that has since become the number-one song played at funerals in the UK, he shares the highlights of his life and career with the kind of offbeat humor that has delighted audiences for five decades.

The year 2019 marks the 50th anniversary of the Pythons, and Eric is marking the occasion with this hilarious memoir chock-full of behind-the-scenes stories from a high-flying life featuring everyone from Princess Leia to Queen Elizabeth.

©2018 Eric Idle (P)2018 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"A hilarious, charming, book by this incredible, i̶n̶s̶u̶f̶f̶e̶r̶a̶b̶l̶e̶ genius.” (Steve Martin)

"A gentle, sane man has lived a turbulent, crazy life and he's written a gorgeous book about it. Eric Idle joyously recounts his existence in these pages. Did I say 'joyfully'? I meant 'ruefully.'" (Patton Oswalt)

"On the last day, when the last human beings look out at the blackened cinders of their world, I can only hope that one of them will sing, 'Some things in life are bad, they can really make you mad,' and 'Always Look on the Bright Side of Life' will ring out as humanity's final words. I loved this biography of a song and the man who made it, and the picture he paints of his life, his friends, his passions, five Pythons, and a Beatle." (Neil Gaiman)

It was bloody well time ...

... Idle wrote this book but I will say -quite begrudgingly - that it was entirely worth the wait.

I had a laugh, had a cry & kissed 15 bucks goodbye

I loved it. While I have probably been a bigger fan of John Cleese, his book was a little more factual at not quite as animated. Eric did a wonderful job of narrating as well as including lines from funny songs jokes and speeches.

I was also brought to tears with the touching stories of George Harrison and Robin Williams. especially Harrison. I never realized his attack was so vicious. Eric unfortunately told it in vivid detail and it is etched in my mind. Such a gentle soul would come to such a sad end between the a attack and his cancer.

I saw Spamalot in Las Vegas and his background on that was also very interesting as was the setup to most of the shows through his career. Bravo E.I.

a little name-droppy but fun

There are some interesting stories in here and I enjoyed the narration but at times it just feels like a long list of interesting people he’s enjoyed mundane activities with.

Wonderful

I loved every minute and Mr. Idle's delivery adds to the story. It's a humorous look into a very interesting life.

A sortabiography

I bought the book, I laughed, I cried. I learned some things I was not aware of. They must have had brilliant lives! #celebrity #witty #funny #clever #pastmeetspresent #tagsgiving #sweepstakes

Great Fun!

This audiobook is terrific fun and not just for Python fans. The stories are humorous, poignant and 100% enjoyable. There is a bit of name dropping in the middle that don’t add much to the story but overall this is a super listen. Just get it; Say no more

finally an autobiography with laughs and humility

a the or cat bird with how no why air fire please stop not yet
there...15 words.

5 out of 5 coconuts! 🥥🥥🥥🥥🥥

Eric Idle will delight you with his many enticing stories from his early life, Monty Python days, his great friendship with Beatle, George Harrison, the broadway hit, Spamalot, and so many great stories and encounters throughout his life.
A MUST READ for any Monty Python fan!

NEVER KNEW . . .

. . . any of this. Well told, nicely narrated, and interesting. Thanks for sharing.

Use Caution When Driving

Being a fan of that British/American comedy troupe and was fortunate to see them play at the Hollywood Bowl, I was enthralled at the wit wisdom and insight that Eric Idle offered in his sortofbiograpy, "Always Look At The Bright Side Of Life". The funny parts are more than funny, it's downright hysterical, hence the title, Use Caution When Driving, love the looks of others drivers looking at someone who is just laughing, heavily laughing at something that they can't hear. The heart of the story is of course is Eric's heart, full of life, humor ,ups ,downs, the mis-steps and the what's all this then? And how he always looks at the bright side of life, even when life looks like a piece of shit. I found most endearing was he recalling the passing's of those he loved and admire. George Harrison and Robin Williams and his summary of life with Joni Mitchell, and that's why I really admire his sortofbeiography, simple, here this is who I am and if you don't like it, well in the matter at the end of the Hollywood Bowl performances, Piss Off. Can this be better, well no, but yeah it could, if and only if, the other Pythons could just read the title of each chapter, it would.