Books
Humour
The Joy of Kev
By Kevin Fitzpatrick
“Strangely funny – like a monkey on a bike.” – Dave Spikey
Described by no-one as the great new philospher of our time, BBC local radio news journalist Kevin Fitzpatrick – aka ‘Kev’ – has become world famous (in Oldham) for sharing life’s most essential skills. Now, for the first time ever, this star columnist of the Oldham Evening Chronicle has brought out a book of tips for a happy and successful existence (biscuits not included). Hardback, 128 pages. No lavatory should be without one.
More Details
****AS SEEN IN THE OLDHAM EVENING CHRONICLE ****
Described by no-one as the great new philospher of our time, BBC local radio news journalist Kevin Fitzpatrick - aka ‘Kev’ - has become world famous (in Oldham) for sharing life's most essential skills.
Not so much a lifestyle guru as a philanthropic self-help legend (again, probably only in Oldham), the man his mum calls Kev does not live in a cave and nor does he have a long silver beard. What he does have is a lifetime of invaluable experience in just about every subject under the sun - and it is hard-won experience that he is happy to pass on.
Now, for the first time ever, this star columnist of the Oldham Evening Chronicle is bringing out a book. Stand aside, Ben Goldacre! Watch your back, Malcolm Gladwell! Stop dreaming, Sigmund Freud! You’re sheer hype, Shere Hite! Here comes Kev, the new smart arse in town.
Open your mind to the Joy of Kev and your biscuit dipping skills, buffet grazing abilities and dancing prowess will never be the same...
On Behalf of the Committee - A History of Northern Comedy
by Tony Hannan
From the Industrial Revolution to our own digital age – via music hall, Variety theatre, working men’s clubs, radio, cinema and television – in times of national and international strife, British spirits have been lifted by the comedians of England’s north. On Behalf of the Committee is a lively, witty and keenly-researched investigation into why this should be so. It is also a rich and comprehensive celebration of those who have made us laugh. Hardback, 656 pages.
More Details
From the Industrial Revolution to our own digital age - via music hall, Variety theatre, working men's clubs, radio, cinema and television - in times of national and international strife, British spirits have been lifted by the comedians of England’s north.
Whether it be George Formby, Gracie Fields and Tommy Handley in wartime, or Mike Yarwood and Morecambe & Wise in the gloomy and recession-hit 1970s, northern-born comedians have given us comfort and reassurance just when we need it most.
As such, northern comedy has most often been characterised as self-deprecating, homely, down-to-earth and gormless; the ‘maternal’ yin to London’s self-aggrandising, overtly political and aggressively ‘paternal’ gag-cracking yang.
On Behalf of the Committee is a lively, witty and keenly-researched new book which investigates why this should be so.
Written by Yorkshire-born author, journalist and lifelong comedy buff Tony Hannan, it both chronicles and attempts to define the northern comedy genre, while celebrating the historic contributions of such national favourites as Al Read, Frank Randle, Hylda Baker, Jimmy Clitheroe, Les Dawson, Victoria Wood, Vic and Bob, Steve Coogan, Caroline Aherne, Johnny Vegas and Peter Kay.
As a result, On Behalf of the Committee is a richly rewarding reappraisal of British comedy history and cliché-free confirmation that, it seems, you really do have to laugh - or else you'd cry.
