This is not great literature, and was never intended to be. The fascinating Michael Palin has kept a diary "more or less continuously since 1969". His diaries are written largely in full sentences, so reading is not hard, but compared to (say) autobiographical or literary writing, this material has an excess of detail and a lack of flow that make reading cover to cover something of a chore.
Tear up the idea of treating this as a major work, and instead use it as a primary source reference book for the conception, growth and troubled life of the Monty Python Show and the Python Movies. I enjoyed reading about the problems of shooting the films, and about the difficulties (and final triumph) of launching the show in America.
Rather more poignant are the records of the struggles within the team to find direction, finish scripts, and manage the various ups and downs of different members, many of whom battled personal demons of one sort or another.
The book has plenty of photos covering an incredible era. Would I re-read it cover to cover? Probably not, but I'll be tempted to look up some of the better stories again.
Published by Phoenix in 2007.
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