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rtassicker's review
5.0
Full of tall tales and told with all the gusto you'd expect from the man who defines larger-than-life.
timboooooo's review
5.0
Other than Flash Gordon I didn't know a thing about Brian so it was a complete gamble on my party but one that paid off in spades, its an autobiography full of interesting stories both about him and the myriad famous people with whom he's crossed paths
fredurix's review
5.0
First off, let me give a word of warning: If (non-determinate) you are planning to read this book, I must insist that you immediately drop that notion and instead listen to the audiobook - read by the man himself - for the true Blessed experience!
Now for me thoughts on the book itself: I, likely like many others, mainly knew Brian Blessed from his memorable part as Lord Vultan in Flash Gordon, a movie certainly not neglected in this life-story, but only one chapter in a string of tall tales literally spanning from birth to (not his own thankfully, but nevertheless) grave, including adventures in theater, mountaineering and international politics. And it's all quite magnificent. Some of them seem a bit too good to be true, especially one episode that just made me throw up my hands and laugh in delighted disbelief, by which I mean; when it's this good, it's also too good to question. True or false, what matters is I left the book with a good smile on my face. Well done, Brian old son!
Now for me thoughts on the book itself: I, likely like many others, mainly knew Brian Blessed from his memorable part as Lord Vultan in Flash Gordon, a movie certainly not neglected in this life-story, but only one chapter in a string of tall tales literally spanning from birth to (not his own thankfully, but nevertheless) grave, including adventures in theater, mountaineering and international politics. And it's all quite magnificent. Some of them seem a bit too good to be true, especially one episode that just made me throw up my hands and laugh in delighted disbelief, by which I mean; when it's this good, it's also too good to question. True or false, what matters is I left the book with a good smile on my face. Well done, Brian old son!
nicklawrence83's review
5.0
I've always admired Blessed's acting, and am glad to have read this book to learn more about his experiences growing up in Yorkshire. Some wonderful stories about Peter O'Toole, Kathryn Hepburn, Z-Cars, I, Claudius, and Flash Gordon amongst many others.
I particularly like the conversational style of this book. Its almost as if you're having a chat over a cup of tea.
Yes he's as mad as a bag of snakes, but we love him for it, and wouldn't have him any other way.
I particularly like the conversational style of this book. Its almost as if you're having a chat over a cup of tea.
Yes he's as mad as a bag of snakes, but we love him for it, and wouldn't have him any other way.
kingjason's review
3.0
Good old Brian Blessed, a national treasure, you gotta be pretty evil to dislike him. He has been on the TV for many many years and any scene he is in he steals it. Most memorable is his part in Flash Gordon, loved that movie when I was a kid. I picked up this book thinking it was a biography, instead it is a collection of anecdotes with a whole load of side-stories thrown in.
What I loved about the book was hearing about his childhood, he was one crazy young man that caused his parents no end of grief, even at such a young age you can still see the man he was going to be. His first job at the undertakers was very interesting, especially from Brian's outlandish point of view. Also reading about his time with his Dad, some real love there, was great. His dad seemed like quite a character too.
Reading about how he got roles, the people he met and the movies he saved was interesting at first, but I did find myself getting a bit bored with all the unbelievable stories and all the name dropping. Some of the stuff he did on set was borderline worrying, his treatment of some of the smaller actors in Flash Gordon would definitely cause him to get fired today. One thing that was only briefly covered was his time up mountains, I would have loved to read more about that, I think it may be covered in a separate book so will have to look into that.
I've learnt loads and been inspired to watch a number of his movies. I've also recently seen that the man himself actually reads the audiobook so maybe that would be a better format to check out for this book. All in all it was good fun even if it has it's weak points.
Blog review: https://felcherman.wordpress.com/2020/01/30/absolute-pandemonium-my-louder-than-life-story-by-brian-blessed/
What I loved about the book was hearing about his childhood, he was one crazy young man that caused his parents no end of grief, even at such a young age you can still see the man he was going to be. His first job at the undertakers was very interesting, especially from Brian's outlandish point of view. Also reading about his time with his Dad, some real love there, was great. His dad seemed like quite a character too.
Reading about how he got roles, the people he met and the movies he saved was interesting at first, but I did find myself getting a bit bored with all the unbelievable stories and all the name dropping. Some of the stuff he did on set was borderline worrying, his treatment of some of the smaller actors in Flash Gordon would definitely cause him to get fired today. One thing that was only briefly covered was his time up mountains, I would have loved to read more about that, I think it may be covered in a separate book so will have to look into that.
I've learnt loads and been inspired to watch a number of his movies. I've also recently seen that the man himself actually reads the audiobook so maybe that would be a better format to check out for this book. All in all it was good fun even if it has it's weak points.
Blog review: https://felcherman.wordpress.com/2020/01/30/absolute-pandemonium-my-louder-than-life-story-by-brian-blessed/
sirchutney's review
5.0
Prince Vultan AKA The Dynamite Kid believes life is for living. And what a life!
Over Christmas 2015, I listened to Brian Blessed’s big, booming voice. No he didn't pop round for dinner, rather I listened to him read his autobiography, Absolute Pandemonium. In summary - a thrilling romp; a fantastic, fun listen. The best book I’ve heard since [b:I, Partridge: We Need to Talk About Alan|12363948|I, Partridge We Need to Talk About Alan|Alan Partridge|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327400385s/12363948.jpg|17344070]. Its read with ebullience and enthusiasm. He sings, he does the voices, he swears, he tells jokes, he does it all.
The name of the book sums up the content pretty well. Here's a typical quote:
Blessed lives his life with the dial turned up to 11. He’s a big man, with a big personality. But saying this the book isn't all brawling, madness and chaos. He shows a genuine streak of emotion, intelligence and kindness. He doesn't drink alcohol and has a loving family. For example, he says love never ages. He wakes with his wife [actor Hildegarde Neil] and they can’t wait for the day to start. They hold hands, their love grows and they’re happy.
He also enjoys stillness and silence. Sometimes he needs to be on his own. Many times, he reveals, he's been in rehearsals and thinks, “Christ, I’ve got to leave.” This, he relates, got him into trouble many times.
The book starts up Everest, with a story about a turd. It then covers his early life in Yorkshire and his discovery of acting. It moves onto TV roles such as Z Cars, film roles (including his most famous part in Flash Gordon … GORDON’S ALIVE!), and beyond. Brian has a tendency to digress, going off onto various tangents in a nonlinear way. These anecdotes make it seems that Brian is sitting in a room with you, having a chat. Why bother to run though your life chronologically when you can bounce about a bit and select the best bits?
You get the impression that he believes that we all have our own Everests to climb. The greatest danger in life is for us to decide not to take our own adventure, whatever they may be.
Lots of laughs, and a few tender moments which will have you reaching for your tissues. All in all its an upbeat book with a distinct lack of malice. A big talent, big passion, bags of confidence. A man who grasps life with both hands and gives it a damn good shake. We can all learn from this. Brian lives to persue his dreams, and has had enormous enjoyment in the process. This is something we can all learn from.
Highly recommended! But maybe the last word should go to Brian himself? [NSFW]
Over Christmas 2015, I listened to Brian Blessed’s big, booming voice. No he didn't pop round for dinner, rather I listened to him read his autobiography, Absolute Pandemonium. In summary - a thrilling romp; a fantastic, fun listen. The best book I’ve heard since [b:I, Partridge: We Need to Talk About Alan|12363948|I, Partridge We Need to Talk About Alan|Alan Partridge|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327400385s/12363948.jpg|17344070]. Its read with ebullience and enthusiasm. He sings, he does the voices, he swears, he tells jokes, he does it all.
The name of the book sums up the content pretty well. Here's a typical quote:
“So the first time I ever came into contact with O’Toole was at one of these very gatherings. I remember it well because I’d just punched Harold Pinter down a flight of stairs. Oh yes, I’m afraid so. No long dramatic pauses this time, Harold; he got one right on the side of the jaw. Wham!”
Blessed lives his life with the dial turned up to 11. He’s a big man, with a big personality. But saying this the book isn't all brawling, madness and chaos. He shows a genuine streak of emotion, intelligence and kindness. He doesn't drink alcohol and has a loving family. For example, he says love never ages. He wakes with his wife [actor Hildegarde Neil] and they can’t wait for the day to start. They hold hands, their love grows and they’re happy.
He also enjoys stillness and silence. Sometimes he needs to be on his own. Many times, he reveals, he's been in rehearsals and thinks, “Christ, I’ve got to leave.” This, he relates, got him into trouble many times.
The book starts up Everest, with a story about a turd. It then covers his early life in Yorkshire and his discovery of acting. It moves onto TV roles such as Z Cars, film roles (including his most famous part in Flash Gordon … GORDON’S ALIVE!), and beyond. Brian has a tendency to digress, going off onto various tangents in a nonlinear way. These anecdotes make it seems that Brian is sitting in a room with you, having a chat. Why bother to run though your life chronologically when you can bounce about a bit and select the best bits?
You get the impression that he believes that we all have our own Everests to climb. The greatest danger in life is for us to decide not to take our own adventure, whatever they may be.
Lots of laughs, and a few tender moments which will have you reaching for your tissues. All in all its an upbeat book with a distinct lack of malice. A big talent, big passion, bags of confidence. A man who grasps life with both hands and gives it a damn good shake. We can all learn from this. Brian lives to persue his dreams, and has had enormous enjoyment in the process. This is something we can all learn from.
Highly recommended! But maybe the last word should go to Brian himself? [NSFW]
feedthewriter's review
3.0
I can't imagine consuming Absolute Pandemonium in any other form than audiobook. Brian sings, shouts and swears like a champion.