Brossura

ISBN 10: 0099559927 ISBN 13: 9780099559924

Casa editrice: Random House UK, 2014

The first full-length dual biography of Peter Cook and Dudley Moore, and the first to be written with the consent and cooperation of both of their estates

This is a book about an extraordinary relationship: a friendship, a partnership—almost, at times, a marriage. Like a lot of marriages it ended badly, but for nearly 20 years, between the first date and the inevitable divorce, Peter Cook and Dudley Moore were the funniest thing on three continents.They were Britain's greatest double act, and their influence is immense. They inspired several generations of comics, from Monty Python to Ricky Gervais, and they were stars in America and Australia. Yet their partnership fell apart when they were barely in their forties. Dudley went to Hollywood and became an unlikely sex symbol, while Peter remained in England, his occasional striking cameo punctuated by increasingly long periods of semi-retirement. This is the story of their relationship, and the comedy that came from it. It features an extensive range of fresh interviews, previously unpublished archive material, and a wealth of information about the most creative (and explosive) double act that British comedy has ever produced. 

About the Author:

William Cook is the acclaimed author of The Comedy Store, Ha Bloody Ha, and two collections of Peter Cook's writing. He has worked for the BBC and written for the Guardian, the Mail on Sunday, and the New Statesman.

Review:

"With wit and warmth, William Cook charts the rise of a remarkable 20 year comedic partnership - and how it fell apart." The Observer "A well written biography by a talented writer... William Cook charts the progress of their unlikely marriage very perceptively" Daily Mail "This is the definitive biography of the double act; not only informative but also vastly entertaining." Sunday Express "Sympathetic yet sharp-eyed, he gives a vivid, poignant sense of the forces that held them together and which, ultimately, tore them apart." Mail on Sunday "Funny, sad and always entertaining" The Independent "The author deftly weaves together camaraderie, comedy and collapse - and beloved sketches lift off the page. A nostalgic joy" -- Jonathan Dean The Sunday Times "William Cook's dual biography is absorbing and incisive... This book goes a long way towards unravelling the enigma of two men who redefined the art of comedy. It is touching, funny, sad, tragic; all the things Pete and Dud were. And that is all you can ask of a biographer." Herald Sun "What makes William Cook's biography especially touching is its sense that, despite their messy divorce, they never stopped loving each other. Cook recounts their story with wit and clarity. But it is as a psychological portrait of the pair's devoted then fractured friendship, that the book is really compelling" Sunday Times "Detailed and moving account of the career of this eternally popular yet fatally ill-matched comedy duo" Observer "William Cook is supremely knowledgeable about British comedy, and has interviewed many insiders. So read this and weep." Guardian