Palin’s tales of the Pythons

An ‘as it happened’ insight into the creative process and furor around the emergence of the Python phenomenon.

As Palin himself points out diaries have the benefit of a lack of hindsight, this leads him to focus on the issues that actually troubled him at the time and not to rewrite history as in a more typical biography. In fact during the initial series of Python (Silly Walks and Spanish Inquisition) included) Palin failed to keep up with his diaries.

The reading can be a little dry and Palin shows typical British restraint when describing the more controversial issues affecting the troupe; Cleese’s refusal to write any more Python TV or Chapman’s drinking are dealt with obliquely and when addressed head on matters are delicately dealt with. This is no tabloid trash and shows that the amiable traveler we see on television is no facade.

As an insight into the commercial and creative pressures at the centre of the iconic British team the diaries are interesting but not sensational. Like Palin himself the diaries are amiable and focus as much on his family, the politics of the time and his quest for perfection in both his performances and writing. A pleasant companion for the duration of the book but not thrilling.

Amazon UK | Play