Eric Idle with Moderator Bob Odenkirk

Comedy climbed to new heights for a young generation of American baby boomers when the world discovered “Monty Python’s Flying Circus” in the 1970s.  This British import was immediately viewed as weird and wonderful. Quirky and silly. It was in part the brainchild of Eric Idle, one of the group’s founders. How that new tide in humor crashed on the shores of culture is captured by Idle himself in Always Look on the Bright Side of Life, his new memoir. The ripples led to a new generation of comics and entertainment.

And now for something completely different: Anderson’s Bookshop in Naperville is delighted to bring Idle’s genius to a very special event at Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton Ave. in Naperville, on Saturday, October 6 at 7:00 p.m. Idle will share his book and participate in a Q & A. Ticketholders will receive autographed books at the event. Tickets are required and exclusively available at EricIdleAndersons.brownpapertickets.com. This event is presented by Anderson’s Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave. in downtown Naperville.

About the Book:   From the ingenious comic performer, founding member of Monty Python, and creator of “Spamalot,” comes an absurdly funny memoir of unparalleled wit and heartfelt candor.

We know him best for his unforgettable roles on Monty Python—from the “Flying Circus” to “The Meaning of Life.” Now, Eric Idle reflects on the meaning of his own life in this entertaining memoir that takes us on a remarkable journey from his childhood in an austere boarding school through his successful career in comedy, television, theater, and film. Coming of age as a writer and comedian during the ‘60s and ‘70s, Idle stumbled into the crossroads of the cultural revolution and found himself rubbing shoulders with the likes of George Harrison, David Bowie, and Robin Williams, all of whom became dear lifelong friends.

With anecdotes sprinkled throughout involving other close friends and luminaries such as Mike Nichols, Mick Jagger, Steve Martin, Paul Simon, Lorne Michaels, and many more, as well as the Pythons themselves, Idle captures a time of tremendous creative output with equal parts hilarity and heart. In Always Look on the Bright Side of Life, named for the song he wrote for “Life of Brian” and which has since become the number one song played at funerals in the UK, he shares the highlights of his life and career with the kind of offbeat humor that has delighted audiences for five decades. The year 2019 marks the 50th anniversary of The Pythons, and Eric Idle is marking the occasion with this hilarious memoir chock full of behind-the-scenes stories from a high-flying life featuring everyone from Princess Leia to Queen Elizabeth.

About the Author:  Eric Idle is a comedian, actor, author, and singer-songwriter who found immediate fame on television with the sketch-comedy show “Monty Python’s Flying Circus.” Following its success, they began making films that include “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” (1975), “Life of Brian” (1979) and “The Meaning of Life” (1983). Idle wrote, directed, and created “The Rutles,” the world’s first-ever mockumentary, as well as the Tony Award-winning musical, “Spamalot “(2005). He lives in Los Angeles.

Eric Idle’s upcoming visit is part of Anderson’s Bookshops’ calendar of special author events.  Idle is the second Python to visit an Anderson’s event. Member John Cleese appeared at an Anderson’s Bookshop program in 2014.

Bob Odenkirk, actor, producer and comic performer! Odenkirk, known for roles in Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, The Post and Incredibles 2, is a native of Naperville. He will serve as Eric Idle’s moderator on the stage at Pfeiffer Hall when Idle discusses his new book, Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.