For the first time – the complete and utter history of Monty Python's flying circus – in their own words.

"Gilliam is one of the most manipulative bastards in that group of manipulative bastards. Michael is a selfish bastard, Cleese a control freak, Jonesy is shagged out and now forgets everything, and Graham as you know is still dead. I am the only real nice one!"
Eric Idle

From the Dead Parrot sketch to the Holy Grail, from Spam to Conquistador Instant Leprosy, from the Judean People's Front to the People's Front of Judea, this is the story of the rise and rise of Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin.

David Morgan has interviewed the group and those around them – including Douglas Adams and Graham Chapman's partner, David Sherlock – to create the ultimate record of Britain's most revolutionary and successful comedy act.

Packed with rare and never-before-seen photographs, and told with all the group's customary wit and irreverence, this is the inside story of a comedy phenomenon.