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  • Published: 1 October 2007
  • ISBN: 9780753508411
  • Imprint: Virgin Books
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 400
  • RRP: $32.99

Classic Adventures According to Spike Milligan



Classic adventure stories retold by Spike Milligan in his typically hilarious style – selection includes Sherlock Holmes, Robin Hood and Frankenstein

'Spike Milligan wrote the book on today's sense of humour'

'But why keep me in the dark, Holmes?'
'It saves electicity, Watson.'

'What is a black spot? Is it an accident?'

'He gave a groan and he was alive! He spoke as he sat up, 'Have you got a fag, mate?'

Welcome to the world of the classic adventure story, hilariously retold by legendary comic Spike Milligan. Relive Robin Hood, in which Little John becomes Big Dick and the Merry Men are joined by Groucho Marx. give yourself the willies with Frankenstein, whose monster comes to life craving a cigarette. join Sherlock Holmes for The Hound Of Baskervilles, where Guinness and Newcastle Brown are taken intravenously and a woman cries in the night. Thrill to Black Beauty as told by the horse himself. And the hunt for buried treasure with Long John Silver, Jim Hawkins and ... Groucho Marx in Treasure Island.
Spike Milligan, the much-loved entertainer, broadcaster and writer, was widely regarded as the most influential British comedian since the Second World War. On his death in 2002, he was remembered as an 'irreverent and hysterical presence' by Prince Charles. Fellow comedian and writer Stephen Fry described Milligan's writing as 'abosutely immortal'.

  • Published: 1 October 2007
  • ISBN: 9780753508411
  • Imprint: Virgin Books
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 400
  • RRP: $32.99

About the author

Spike Milligan

Spike Milligan (1918–2002) was a famous British comedian, poet, writer and musician. His wild imagination and madcap humour had a timeless appeal that continues to delight audiences of all ages to this day.
Spike (Terence Alan) was born to British parents in India, where his father, an army captain, was stationed in Poona (Pune). The family lived in India and Rangoon (Yangon) before returning to Britain when Spike was twelve.
When the Second World War (as Spike called it, the Adolf Hitler Show) began, he enlisted and served in the 56th Heavy Regiment as a signaller. During his time in the army he joined the Bill Hall Trio and performed for the troops.
He is perhaps best known for creating, writing and performing the popular 1950s BBC Radio show The Goon Show. He has written several story books and poetry for children. His novels include Puckoon, and he produced seven volumes of war memoirs.
Badjelly the Witch, which Spike wrote for his daughter Jane, was first published in 1973. It was performed on BBC radio in England, and later on Radio New Zealand’s Sunday morning children’s programme.
Spike was awarded an honorary knighthood and CBE for his services to entertainment, and also the British Comedy Awards’ Lifetime Achievement Award. A BBC poll voted him as the ‘funniest person of the last 1000 years’. His poem ‘On the Ning Nang Nong’ was voted Britain’s funniest poem.
Spike died at the age of 83 and his tombstone inscription – ‘I told you I was ill’ – ensures that he will forever be remembered first and foremost as a comic genius.

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Praise for Classic Adventures According to Spike Milligan

Milligan is often at his best here ... the effect is both funny ha-ha and funny peculiar.

Observer