Barry Cryer Comedy Scrapbook Paperback – 26 Oct. 2009

What a splendid collection of items from the life of the comedian and scriptwriter Barry Cryer. It's full of photos old and new, opinions from all kinds of showbusiness characters who have worked with him, or been written for by him, and with an ample supply of Cryer's gags which continue to raise a smile, even a chuckle, even if you've heard them before. This is a large book to be flipped through - and revisited. Especially if you need cheering up.

As a big Cryer fan I was hoping for more of his brilliant jokes. However, this is more of a biography, and although interesting, does not arm me with jokes to entertain my brother in law. Out of the whole book, there are only a handful of jokes and ones I wouldn't use. If you want an interesting biography, and it certainly is, being easy to read, then go for it, if, however, you were looking for some Cryer jokes, then look elsewhere.

Barry Cryer has written for them all: Eric and Ernie; Tommy Cooper; Les Dawson; Kenny Everett and many, many more - even the Carry On team on one occasion! He is also instantly recognisable and a fine performer, probably best known for I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue but also a leading light of standup comedy and the after-dinner circuit. I always remember his line in Eric Idle's Beatles spoof The Rutles, as their producer Dick Jaws who signed them up for the rest of their natural lives ('Lucky really.')This book, which reminded me in a weird way of Heston Blumenthal's Big Fat Duck Cook Book, is a window into his life and his mind. The format of a scrap book, full of little odds and ends, quotations and snippets, adds up to a whole far greater than the sum of the parts: you really feel you are getting the soul of the man.I particularly liked the voice bubble he had added to a photo of himself next to Derek Hatton. No clues. Sorry.

Love Barry Cryer ( was a sound engineer on Thames TV Kenny Everett Show ) but didn't like the actual book format. Doesn't fit too well on my bookshelf.

excellent condition and pricfe. Absolutely loved it RWM Grounsell

as new condition, wonderful funny book highly recommended.

great book

Great book very happy