Eric Morecambe The Unseen: The Lost Diaries, Jokes And Photographs

by William Cook

This is a completely original and beautifully designed book on Eric Morecambe, one of the UK's best loved entertainers. Containing diary entries, unseen photographs and personal letters, this is the most revealing book yet on Morecambe. Posthumously voted 'Comedian of the Century' in 1999 and reaching number 4 in the recent 'Comedian's Comedian Top 50' on Channel 4, Eric Morecambe remains one of Britain's greatest and best loved comedians. But even at the height of his success, Eric Morecambe feared his days were numbered as one half of Britain's best-loved comedy duo. It was a dread that had afflicted his whole career, according to his taped diaries, which emerged for the first time at the end of 2004 on the Channel 4 documentary, The Unseen Eric Morecambe. The programme was praised both by critics and the general public and it served to renew interest in Morecambe's career and in the man himself. Containing 15,000 words of unseen diary entries, 200 unseen pictures, jokes and sketches, and letters to both Ernie and Eric, everything in this book will be 100 per cent personal and original, offering an exclusive insight into a comedic genius who was plagued with self-doubt. Even through his fear and uncertainty, Eric's inimitable humour shines through his diaries, joke books and personal archives. THE UNSEEN ERIC MORECAMBE radiates with the gentle comedy genius that permeates his on-screen appearances, allowing an insight into Eric Morecambe that is both comfortingly familiar and revelatory. For the many fans of Eric Morecambe this book offers new insights while the stylish, integrated design makes this handsome book an ideal gift purchase.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

William Cook is the author of Ha Bloody Ha - Comedians Talking (Fourth Estate), The Comedy Store - The Club That Changed British Comedy (Little, Brown) and 25 Years of Viz (Boxtree). He edited Tragically I Was An Only Twin - The Complete Peter Cook and Goodbye Again - The Definitive Peter Cook and Dudley Moore, both published by Century, and Eric Morecambe Unseen. He has worked for the BBC and written for the Guardian, the Mail on Sunday, the New Statesman and Conde Nast Traveller.

Reviews

[Sean Peters (A Good Thriller) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eric Morecambe... Unseen

Well it is filled with rare photographs of Eric and of course Ernie Wise, great photos, great memories, they worked with so many great celebrities over the years especially in the 70's at the height of their careers, when their television shows were one of the most watched shows with the largest audiences...

Always the question was "Who was the guest stars on this Christmas Special.

But even at the height of his success, Eric Morecambe feared his days were numbered as one half of Britain's best-loved comedy duo. It was a dread that had afflicted his whole career, according to his taped diaries, which emerged for the first time at the end of 2004 on the Channel 4 documentary, ‘The Unseen Eric Morecambe’. The programme was praised both by critics and the general public and it served to renew interest in Morecambe’s career and in the man himself.

Containing 15,000 words of unseen diary entries, 200 unseen pictures, jokes and sketches, and letters to both Ernie and Eric himself, everything in this book is 100% personal and original, offering an exclusive insight into a comedic genius who was plagued with self-doubt.

Memories to me of the whole family watching the shows. My favourites being "Andre Previn guest show, Breakfast together show, and the Singing In The Rain show.

The author gives us a book filled with information, pictures, comical stories, hard work, health issues, sadness, stardom.

Stardom does not come cheap, and Eric Morecambe paid dearly for his hard work for so many years
never being able to unwind for many years, full of energy he loved to put a show on wherever he was, even from his hospital bed !

In the early 80's and have suffered two heart attacks the strain showed on Eric's body, he has triple heart surgery, he struggled to find the motivation and enthusiasm to continue the last few years talking of stopping and retiring. Years of hard work, heavy drinking and smoking was catching up with him.

Even finishing his last show and doing six curtain calls before collapsing from a massive heart attack which he never recovered from, heart breaking only fifty eight years old.

For me Laurel and Hardy, The Two Ronnies and Morecambe and Wise, three of the greatest double acts ever!

Forty Three years together, poor Ernie Wise I think never fully recovered from the early death of his life long friend and partner, suffering from two strokes.

Both sadly missed.

[Maya Panika · Rating 4 out of 5]

RTF

[Ben Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

hit me in the feels

read it all on one day as i love the man

[Lucy Troke · Rating 5 out of 5]

brilliant book. if u like a quick read with lots of pictures!