'I have been a club comedian for eight years now... I'm thirty-two years old, inclined to be fat and my material is so old it's a wonder I don't pay death duties on my script.'

Sez Les Dawson in his first novel, a bitingly funny book that follows the career of comedian Pete Warde through the grinding round of the club circuit to the success of the London Palladium and back again. A bitter-sweet account of a comic career, Les Dawson's first book is a remarkable one for one of Britain's most popular comedians.

First published in Great Britain by Sphere Books Ltd 1974
© Les Dawson 1974

an autobiography

dedication:

I dedicate this book to all the followers of Christ and his teachings; in particular to a true Christian - Jimmy Hoffa - because he hired ex-convicts as, I assume, Christ would have.

© 1972 by Playboy. All rights reserved. From PLAYBOY magazine: © 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966 by Playboy.

This book originally appeared in serial form in PLAYBOY magazine. Playboy Press hardcover edition published 1965. Playboy Press softcover edition published 1967. Sixth printing 1972.

[kindly donated by Patrick J Morrison]