More Please: An Autobiography

by Barry Humphries

This is the first volume of a duet that charts Barry Humphries' life and career. Nostalgic, the book reveals much about a man who has kept his private life private, overshadowed by, among others, his most monstrous creation, Dame Edna Everage.

Genres: Biography, Autobiography, Biography Memoir

335 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1992

About the author

John Barry Humphries was an Australian comedian, satirist, dadaist, artist, author and character actor, best known for his on-stage and television alter egos Dame Edna Everage, a Melbourne housewife and "gigastar", and Sir Les Patterson, Australia's foul-mouthed cultural attaché to the Court of St. James's. He was a film producer and script writer, a star of London's West End musical theatre, an award-winning writer and an accomplished landscape painter.

Reviews

[Abraham Lewik · Rating 4 out of 5]

My sense of connection with the author's experience was unexpected. Becoming at first nostalgic, then adventurous and then deliriously successful, 'More Please' is an autobiography of a true aussie icon. Read between the lines at your own risk!

[John · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had little idea this man was so self absorbed. He admits as much but then almost takes pride in it. He even manages to take a story where his child swallowed poison into a story about himself. What an appalling man.

[Glenn Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

As funny as he is..

[Mandy J · Rating 4 out of 5]

A few laugh out loud moments in this book. He’s very clever but his flowery descriptions had me rolling my eyes at different points. A good & thoroughly entertaining read.

[Annie Horman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kind of just sounded like an alcoholic and shit dad

[Jenni Piper · Rating 3 out of 5]

It started off quite interesting with the early descriptions of Melbourne. It seemed to drag before the end even after the creation of Edna. Worth a read for its historical value

[Gerardine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story written in elegant prose. Barry Humphries tells of his Australian childhood in a comfortable suburb of Melbourne, and of his struggle to emerge from the clutches of his conventional, wealthy and doting parents into the persona of Dame Edna.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is always interesting to hear from Barry, and his memoir of his early life and career is no exception, especially when he is reading this audio version himself. He talks of his life in Melbourne, and deals very unemotionally with his descent into alcoholism during his stage career. It is fascinating to hear about the evolution of Dame Edna.

[Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable read, poignant in parts, amusing in others. I would consider myself a Barry Humphries fan, but realised that I knew very little about him and his many varied talents. Even non-fans would find this book stimulating and worth reading.