The Authorised Biography Of Ronnie Barker

by Bob McCabe

Ronnie Barker is one of the best-loved and most celebrated entertainers in British television history. As well as starring in the ever popular and critically acclaimed sitcoms Porridge and Open All Hours, he was, of course, one of the bespectacled Two Ronnies, who topped the TV Charts for more than 15 years This book contains original contributions from people who have worked with and know him best including John Cleese, David Jason (who provides the foreword), David Frost, Eric Idle, Michael Palin. Written with the full consent and collaboration of Ronnie himself, this biography is full of interviews and unseen personal illustrations from his own collection.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction

256 pages, Paperback

First published October 22, 1998

Reviews

[Peter Fox · Rating 3 out of 5]

This should have been a better book. It talks about Barker's career, but only in a shallow way and you get no sense of the man himself. There's that much name-checking that it gets in the way of the actual prose.

[Peter Millett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another inspirational comedy writer for me. He achieved success by simply writing year after year until people could no longer ignore his output. He was intimated by other great comedy writers - but was honoured amongst them as an equal eventually. Four Candles out of five rating for Ronnie.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating insight into the career of an amazing writer and performer. Ronnies early acting career helped him to create a number of classic comedy characters which I have enjoyed throughout my life.

[Alastair Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really fascinating look into the life and work of one of Britain's greatest comedians, gives a brand new view of how his mind worked, the style was slightly odd at times but overall extremely enjoyable.

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good amount of RB's thoughts and memories - always better than just a load of dates. Is it just me, or is Porridge possibly the most complete sitcom ever ?

[Claire Everett · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to this as I'm a great Two Ronnie's fan but I found it very dry and rather boring unfortunately. Such a pity:(

[Stuart Ayers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amusing biography of Ronnie Barker, revealing his roots in theatre up to his tv roles.

[Jennie Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really well researched and interesting look at the work of this National Treasure.

[Pamela Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A National Treasure! Arkwright was my favourite character. His trousers flying from Nurse Gladys' car was the funniest scene.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating life. A very funny man. Sadly - sorry Bob McCabe - the delivery was largely rather dry.

[Dignan107 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great account of a legend of British TV Comedy.
Flicked through while on honeymoon in Side, Turkey, March 2012

[Doug Thrower · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just my sort of read. Worth reading