There is probably no comedian so instantly recognisable, either by voice or appearance, than Billy Connolly.  His heavy Glaswegian accent, which might have made him a regional figure, has added to the appeal of this multi-talented performer.  For over forty years he has both entertained and scandalised with his wit.  He has made records as a singer and comic, has become a familiar face through numerous film and television appearances, and has written extensively. In ...

Joan Rivers is without a doubt the most fearlessly outspoken and controversial comedienne in the world. She has delighted or outraged millions with her biting, sometimes savage wit which is frequently turned against herself. Her one-liners are often devastatingly funny, even when she is being offensive. For half a century her radio and TV programmes have given her a huge number of followers. In this book, Dave Farnham has collected examples of her wit at its ferocious best. Find out her op...

Jeremy Kyle is a very silly man who should be hit over the head with a brick.At least that’s what some people think. Others see the outspoken talk show host as a beacon of light in an otherwise mundane daytime TV schedule. This difference in opinion has perhaps helped to fuel Jeremy Kyle’s reputation as one of the most controversial personalities in British media today.With the kind of past that some say would make him an ideal guest on his own show, Kyle is a man who doesn...

Former KGB agent Vladimir Putin is one of the world’s most enigmatic leaders. Fiercely protective of his private life, yet at the same time projecting his image at every opportunity, he is scrutinized and analysed constantly by the media, in an attempt to build up a picture of what makes him tick. Certainly he is passionately fond of sport, often making sure he is seen indulging in extreme outdoor pursuits and demonstrating his prowess as a martial arts expert.  Equally, he en...

The day Barack Hussein Obama was elected to the highest office in the United States of America as its 44th President, a major part of Martin Luther King’s famous dream was realised.  Obama was the first African American to hold that position and his Presidency marked a new direction for American aspirations and a clear break with the previous administration’s policies.  His accession to the Presidency in 2009 saw America’s standing rise around the world.  Despite the many se...

A few times in a generation a footballer’s name rises into the public consciousness and becomes familiar to everyone, even those not interested in sport. George Best, David Beckham, Bobby Charlton are among those few. To them can be added Paul John Gascoigne, better known as Gazza - an outstanding footballer, he dazzled onlookers with his skills. Off the pitch his life has become public knowledge for many reasons, sadly not always for the best of reasons. In this book you will find...

Over the years, Boris Johnson has become one of the best known faces in British politics, with his unorthodox style and regular blunders. To some he is a loveable buffoon who can’t help but keep putting his foot in it; to others he is an evil genius, strategically playing the fool in an effort to win the nation’s hearts.Whatever their opinion of Boris, most would probably agree that characters like him at least help to keep the world of politics an interesting one. Here are some of...

What is happiness?  The truth is, nobody really knows.  It’s a word without a clear definition, yet we are all engaged in the pursuit of happiness (a phrase immortalised, though never defined, in the constitution of the United States).  For each one of us it means something unique and yet few can even describe what they believe it to mean, even for themselves. And just when happiness seems to be within our grasp, it proves itself to be forever beyond reach.  Lik...

Oscar Wilde was one of the most creative writers, a brilliant wit and a much sought-after personality in late nineteenth century London and Paris Society. His flamboyant style of dress and his way with words made him stand out as a true individualist in a Victorian era that preferred uniformity. His plays and stories were enthusiastically received and made him a celebrity. Yet there was a darker side to his life, which ended abruptly in tragedy at a point where he should have been ...

Thomas Edison once commented that genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration. It is the one percent that produces the spark to ignite the light of creative action. It also provides the basis of this book, which contains quotations from many sources past and present on the subject of Inspiration. Most of us have, at some time or another, encountered a person whose words or deeds – and maybe both – captured our imagination and gave us a glimpse of what can be achi...

In a long and productive life, Lord Richard Attenborough (‘Lord Dickie’as he was affectionately known) was notable for many achievements. As an actor his face became familiar in such films as Private's Progress, The Great Escape and Jurassic Park. As a director he achieved widespread acclaim for Oh! What A Lovely War, Gandhi and Cry Freedom. In both roles he gained many awards and an impressive list of honours. He was a noted philanthropist, member of the House of Lords, campaigner for hum...

The beliefs of the Buddhist religion derive from Prince Siddartha Gautama, nowadays known simply as The Buddha.  Although there are no written records from his lifetime, around 2,500 years ago, his words were passed on orally and are still as relevant today as they were then. Little is known for certain about the life of this highly spiritual and influential leader but it is believed that, through meditation, he sought and attained Enlightenment, enabling him to find a way to ...