Autobiography
Johnny Ball charts his extraordinary journey from stand-up comedy to children’s television fame and beyond, sharing the highs and lows of his rollercoaster career. Told with humour, resilience, and unforgettable stories that reveal a life lived in the spotlight.
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After seventeen years in stand-up comedy and, by 1981, fourteen years in children’s television, Johnny’s self-created shows Think of a Number and Think Again were attracting huge audiences. Yet his roller-coaster career was anything but steady. Each success seemed to be matched by a setback, as if someone, or something, was always waiting to pull him back down.
Before long, the world of engineering and big business came calling. Johnny found himself not only presenting but also writing and lecturing on an extraordinary range of subjects, always in support of new ideas and initiatives. And, more often than not, he came out smiling and armed with new, funnier or sometimes more shocking stories that simply just ‘must be told’.
Today, the roller-coaster ride continues. The lows may feel steeper than ever, but the highs are even more thrilling and exhilarating. Through it all, one thing remains certain: it’s still a laugh-a-minute adventure. Enjoy the ride!
Here's what readers have to say about this book....
Having grown up catching Johnny Ball on television, I approached this memoir with warm expectations. It delivers a relaxed wander through his career, packed with anecdotes from children’s TV, touring, and unexpected sidelines. His conversational tone makes it feel like a chat over tea rather than a formal autobiography. Some opinions may divide readers, particularly around climate change, yet they’re presented candidly. I enjoyed the behind-the-scenes glimpses and the sense of constant curiosity driving him forward. It’s not polished literature, but it’s engaging, humorous, and sincere. Fans will appreciate the nostalgia, while newcomers can dip in and discover a personality.
Having read the previous book:- Johnny Ball - My Previous Life in Comedy, I was looking forward to reading this also. I was not disappointed. The style of his writing is very easy to engage with and his life is extremely interesting. I would certainly recommend both books.
I am a Johnny Ball fan having grown up with his various tv appearances, from his first on PlaySchool onwards.. This book reminds us of many of those, with lots of interesting background information as to how they came about and the behind the scenes machinations. You certainly don’t need to have read the first book to enjoy what is on offer here. We also learn about his various side-lines since - who knew what a great drummer he is! And we also learn a lot about his opinions on the current thoughts on climate change - he thinks we have been lied to and statistics manipulated. Whilst it is not the best written memoir I have ever read, it perfectly reflects the personality of the writer and there is plenty to amuse and inform.
More fascinating and hilarious episodes in the busy and colourful life of one of Britain's best loved TV presenters
