From the ingenious comic performer, founding member of Monty Python, and creator of Spamalot, comes an absurdly funny memoir of unparalleled wit and heartfelt candour We know him best for his unforgettable roles on Monty Python—from the Flying Circus to The Meaning of Life. Now, Eric Idle reflects on the meaning of his own life in this entertaining memoir that takes us on a remarkable journey from his childhood in an austere boarding school through his successful career in comedy, television, theatre, and film. Coming of age as a writer and comedian during the Sixties and Seventies, Eric stumbled into the crossroads of the cultural revolution and found himself rubbing shoulders with the likes of George Harrison, David Bowie, and Robin Williams, all of whom became dear lifelong friends. With anecdotes sprinkled throughout involving other close friends and luminaries such as Mike Nichols, Mick Jagger, Steve Martin, Paul Simon, Lorne Michaels, and many more, as well as John Cleese and the Pythons themselves, Eric captures a time of tremendous creative output with equal parts hilarity and heart. In Always Look on the Bright Side of Life, named for the song he wrote for Life of Brian and which has since become the number one song played at funerals in the UK, he shares the highlights of his life and career with the kind of offbeat humour that has delighted audiences for five decades. The year 2019 marks the fiftieth anniversary of The Pythons, and Eric is marking the occasion with this hilarious memoir chock full of behind-the-scenes stories from a high-flying life featuring everyone from Princess Leia to Queen Elizabeth.

Includes index.

Crucifixion? -- A scar is born -- Lucky bastard -- Showbiz! -- Gateshead revisited -- The artful nudger -- And now for something slightly completely different -- Whither Canada? -- Here comes the son -- The divorce fairy -- Love life -- The miracle of Brian -- The British Empire strikes back -- A very naughty boy -- The Bollywood hole -- The meaning of wife -- Cinema: half sin, half enema -- Bright side returns -- The quest for a musical -- Thin white dukes -- Run away! -- Good at dinner -- Python reunion -- George -- Bright side on Broadway -- The Tony fairy -- Diva Las Vegas -- Bright side gets brighter -- The last laugh -- The speed of life -- Together again at last . . . for the very first time -- Brexit through the gift shop.