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David Jason: The Autobiography
by
David Jason
The long-awaited autobiography of one of Britain's most-loved actors.
Born the son of a Billingsgate market porter at the height of the Second World War, David Jason's early life was spent dodging bombs and bullies, both with impish good timing. Giving up on an unloved career as an electrician, he turned his attention to acting and soon, through a natural talent for making ...more
Born the son of a Billingsgate market porter at the height of the Second World War, David Jason's early life was spent dodging bombs and bullies, both with impish good timing. Giving up on an unloved career as an electrician, he turned his attention to acting and soon, through a natural talent for making ...more
Hardcover
,
336 pages
Published
November 26th 2013
by Century
(first published 2013)
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Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
427)
May 20, 2015
Caroline
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
bedtime-reading
,
auto-and-biog
What a nice man! Plain speaking, warm, with a love of the art of comedy that shines though his career and through his writing. We follow his rise to success cheering every inch of the way. A thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable read.
Feelgood factor - 10/10.
Feelgood factor - 10/10.
view all 6 comments
I struggled a little with his writing style, but warmed to it after the first few chapters and enjoyed the book a lot. I think the my initial difficulty was that I was trying to hear his voice through the words, but couldn't relate to to any of his characters. Of course David Jason in person is none of his characters and once I had got past that it was fine.
Overall it was an interesting book and I found his descriptions of the technical aspects of stage and television acting fascinating.
Overall it was an interesting book and I found his descriptions of the technical aspects of stage and television acting fascinating.
I like David Jason, but have never really heard much about him. It was a great insight into his showbiz career, especially the Only Fools and Horses era!
The man is a national treasure, for christ sake. How is one gonna critisize the man's book? Well, I'm not going to. Well, apart from the criticism I have of other books of this genre, in that it always seems like these 'celebs' are given a certain word count to work to and then they are reigned in at a certain point and the last third or quarter always ends up seeming rushed. Asise from that, it was what you imagine. Lovely, cuddly and heartwarming. Full of lovely anecdotes and gossip. Quite gen
...more
I have read biographies that have been solely focused on the personal life of their writers - a la Lee Evans - and solely focused on the working lives of their writers - a la Jeremy Vine. Lee Evans remains one of my favorite reads whether fiction or non to date, while Jeremy Vine was too stilted and heavy to enjoy.
David Jason attempted to combine the two and I would say managed with great aplomb. I absolutely loved reading about the development and progression of a celebrated British Actor havin ...more
David Jason attempted to combine the two and I would say managed with great aplomb. I absolutely loved reading about the development and progression of a celebrated British Actor havin ...more
loved this autobiography of david white aka david Jason
One of the country's most loved actors that has been a familiar face in living rooms across the land. The book is inspirational, humorous and moving. I wonder, as David Jason does, that the tradition of TV shows that the whole family watch together is in decline. The internet provides what you want, when you want, where you want. As to whether an actor should be awarded a Knighthood, after reading this I have no doubt. Along with talented writers these people can mold a nation and bring laughter
...more
If I read a biography it has tended to be military related so this was a first for me. I must admit I only bought the book after having heard someone deride both Mr Jason and 'My Life' as being unfunny. I bought it in defence of someone who has given me many a belly laugh over the years, I did not however expect to enjoy the book as it is not really my thing.
How wrong I was!
This is quite a remarkable story of a rise from humble beginnings to show business greatness with a few stumbles along the ...more
How wrong I was!
This is quite a remarkable story of a rise from humble beginnings to show business greatness with a few stumbles along the ...more
I really liked this book, I confess I knew little of his life, only as Granville on open all hours and a few other shows. (Most that I was unaware had been done so long ago)
I will say one thing for the man, he didn't rush into marriage and fatherhood, but his affection for his wife and daughter is quite evident. I did find the passing of his partner Myfanwy quite sad. All those years, and then to lose her so sadly.
I will say one thing for the man, he didn't rush into marriage and fatherhood, but his affection for his wife and daughter is quite evident. I did find the passing of his partner Myfanwy quite sad. All those years, and then to lose her so sadly.
I love 'Only Fools and Horses' so I read the part about this comedy drama first. Virgin gives us Gold at Christmas so I always watch 'Only Fools and Horses' then. My tv remote broke the Christmas before last and the only comedy I had was 'Only Fools'. The team work that made John Sullivans show what it was. David Jason's input as to how he saw Del boy.
The social history is written so well. David Jasons wit pervades on every page. How he got into acting was fascinating as his route was difficul ...more
The social history is written so well. David Jasons wit pervades on every page. How he got into acting was fascinating as his route was difficul ...more
Jul 21, 2015
Catsalive
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
2015
,
2015-tbr-challenge
A very enjoyable read. I've always liked him, particularly Frostie, & he seems to have enjoyed his career very much. He comes across as a nice man & there is very little negativity here - what there is is usually his own mistakes. I am very pleased he didn't remain an electrician all his life.
An inspiring true story. David Jason's autobiography lifts the lid on Britain's best loved characters. Funny in places and inspiring in others, his story makes you believe in yourself. His modest background goes to prove that anyone can do anything they desire. A true recommendation for everyone who is a fan of his work or a fan of the British comedy/drama genres.
Having grown up with only fools and open all hours I thought I'd try and learn a bit more about DJ. What a fantastic career he's had, losing his parents and then wife made me cry but I was pleased to hear that he found happiness again. a truly lovely and interesting read.
I loved this book, it was full of humour and made me laugh out loud a few times, it is a nice and true reflection on David's career with hardly any of the personal and emotional stuff you get in autobiography's, this isn't a warts and all book, just mainly a insight into his career, would highly recommend to any fan.
A truly fascinating man. I never realised how much David Jason had achieved in his life and yet the over whelming impression you get is that the man himself is just as amazed as the reader.
Who doesn't love David Jason and his many personalities? Not so much a page-turner as a curious fascination with a familiar context, characters and of course the set - North London.
A great rad, rather than concentrate on his weel known career highlights the story follows david through the learning stages. It is a warts and all auto biography and he is not afraid to talk about his weaknesses.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
This book is pure proof that you can do anything with determination and a willing heart. I will leave you with the words of Ronnie Barker:
Congratulations, Little Feed,
Her Gracious Majesty decreed,
That Granville, little errand lad,
And Del Boy, Frost, and others had.
All served their nation passing well,
So here's to Granville, Frost and Del!
The old ex-Guvnor's proud to see.
His comrade such high degree,
Knight of the Realm, and TV star
Who never thought he'd get this far.
'Arise, Sir David,' she wil ...more
Congratulations, Little Feed,
Her Gracious Majesty decreed,
That Granville, little errand lad,
And Del Boy, Frost, and others had.
All served their nation passing well,
So here's to Granville, Frost and Del!
The old ex-Guvnor's proud to see.
His comrade such high degree,
Knight of the Realm, and TV star
Who never thought he'd get this far.
'Arise, Sir David,' she wil ...more
I absolutely loved this book! I was truly gutted when it ended!
It is so well written and is a a warts and all book which so many aren't! I found it very easy to read and learnt just how much work David did before getting his big break he really is a national treasure but truly humble! I've always had a respect for him but after reading this it's gone up!
A must read for any1 who enjoys a good autobiography and has an interest in a true british great!
It is so well written and is a a warts and all book which so many aren't! I found it very easy to read and learnt just how much work David did before getting his big break he really is a national treasure but truly humble! I've always had a respect for him but after reading this it's gone up!
A must read for any1 who enjoys a good autobiography and has an interest in a true british great!
Loved it overall. Love him so what's not to like!
I enjoy autobiographies and this is my first of 2014. At times I could hear David Jason reading parts of this book. I enjoyed hearing about his first encounters with Ronnie Barker and how he obviously held him in great regard. Other actors didn't fare so well at times!
A wonderful mix of rare stories from a very private man and just great story telling make this a very easy book to read. And what a great story, and what a top bloke.
Great insight into the life and career of one of my favourite actors. Well written and honest yet still preserving the privacy that the actor enjoys.
I love David Jason, this book is so funny, especially the bits about only fools and horse :')
Great and easy flowing read . . . being only 3 years younger than the author makes it a "journey through elements of one's own life-and-times" . . . also to value and celebrate British humour afresh
Interesting story from a well-loved star.
This was a very enjoyable book. It was an interesting way to get to know who David Jason really is, his early years, his family and friends and the various jobs he held down. There were many laughs along the way, but sad times too. This is the best autobiography I have read in quite some time.
really enjoyed this book didnt think i would but was really interesting and he seems a nice down to earth bloke
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