Always Look on the Bright Side of Life

A Sortabiography

By: Eric Idle

Narrated by: Eric Idle

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 Sixties and Seventies, 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 which 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 fiftieth 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.

It was bloody well time ...

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

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

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.