Seriously Silly

The Life of Terry Jones (the authorised biography)

By: Robert Ross

Narrated by: Eric Idle, Robert Ross

'This book is timely. I hope it will send people back to his work, whether it be films he's directed, roles he's played . . . and everything else that made him everybody's favourite polymath'
Michael Palin

Seriously Silly is an intimate portrait of Terry Jones - Python, actor, director, historian, reluctant national treasure and purveyor of sincere silliness - written by the man he chose to tell the story of his life.

From his Welsh upbringing in Colwyn Bay, to meeting his lifelong friend Michael Palin at Oxford through revue sketches, anarchic children's shows and the creative genius of Monty Python, this is the story of a comedy legend. Throughout this journey, Terry's extraordinary determination and resilience shine through, not least in his final years as he battled with dementia.

Written by his close friend Robert Ross, with a foreword from Michael Palin (and the blessing of and cooperation of his family and the people who knew him best) Seriously Silly is not only the definitive celebration of a true pioneer of comedy, but a loving portrayal of the man behind the laughter.©2025 Robert Ross (P)2025 Hodder & Stoughton Limited

Rebel Polymath

Very moving tribute to a scathingly brilliant genius rebel - very informative; quite the ripping yarn. Get it?
I hope one day soon to land on that liminal spot on the shore in Colwyn Bay
to affectionately pat that brash, brass Terry’s tush. ;)

If They De-boned It It Wouldn’t Be Crunchy

What a delightful biography of this remarkable man and his and his associates comedy legacy. All of us who lived through the Python Era are forever changed by Terry’s view of the world.
I miss those days, I miss Python…and I especially miss Terry.

Seriously Overstuffed

While the subject matter is wonderful the content is overstuffed with details that aren't needed leading to many boring chapters in what is an extraordinary life. I don't need to know details of each apartment he lived in. The reader, who is also the author, adds to the tedium making it a hard, slow listen. My favorite Python but not my favorite book.