Customer Reviews
A worthwhile read - By: , 20 Aug 2003 
This is a book on the social history, the economics & the nitty-gritty of stand-up comedy. It's written by a working comic (and lecturer on comedy) & so its guaranteed to be interesting to anybody who's enjoyed a chuckle at a comedian. I particularly liked the treatment of, the reasons for & the grim reality of, racist commedy (Double isn't afraid to tell it like it is & some of the things he recounts make you shudder).
But if you even half-liked this book, then you must read Tony Allen's "Attitude".
EXCELLENT NON-STOP BELLY RIPPLES - By: , 18 Sep 2000 
THE BOOK FOCUSSES ON THE TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS OF 'Olly Double', & takes a wry look at life from the comedians' own eyes. The book was assigned to be read as part of a comedy course at University & so although obligated to read it, I found myself compelled to not put it down. The book made enjoyable reading, & I would advise anyone that enjoys looking at the lighter side of Real Life to investin this. This is a must for the bookshelf if you have the courage to put it down!
Excellent! I couldn't put it down - By: , 01 Nov 1999 The subject of this book is not one that would normally have attracted me: I had to read it, because the author is my brother. However, I found it an excellent & enjoyable read:in fact I couldn't put it down.
The book is a history & analysis of stand-up comedyin Britain, enlivened & illustrated by the author's own experiences of performing as a stand-up comedian. You might expect a book of history & analysis to be dry & uninteresting, but the style is easy & informal, so it kept my interest throughout.
The personal reminiscences are used to shed light on the story of the development of stand-up. They give another perspective to the historical facts, & add an extra dimension to the analyses.
To conclude, I really enjoyed this book, & I would recommend anyone to read it.
