Private Eye: The First 50 Years

by Adam Macqueen

Book by Macqueen, Adam

Genres: Nonfiction, Humor, Journalism, Politics, History

384 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2011

Reviews

[Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actually, the book I read wasn’t the one listed - it was the 1965 “Penguin Private Eye”, which is so old it isn’t in the GR database, far less possessing a barcode or ISBN to identify it. But although obscure and of its time it’s a splendid slice of period satire, with much of the then “Private Eye” proprietor and editor in chief, the transcendent Peter Cook, about it. As I’m sure the “50 Years” volume must contain at least *some* of this comic genius’s work, I will let it stand for the earlier book, with this explanation.

[Ipswichblade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book on the history of Private Eye. Published in 2011 so not quite up to date

[Patrick Geddes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detailed. Honest. Funny.

[Charlotte Clee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adam told me to read this in his office at PE. He said it would change my life. He was right.

[Bethanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant book on the history of Private Eye, I would recommend it for any reader of the Eye, new or old. Since I'm relatively new to the Eye (Hislop Era) there were many things I did not know about the old gang, it also gave a more accurate account of the editorship changing hands (and of course, the subsequent coup) it includes copies of letters from Hislop - I actually do have a letter from him after writing in one time- and Ingrams, along with previously unpublished cartoons and memos and so on. Highlights include Ian, pre editor ship, getting so drunk at a Private Eye lunch that he fell asleep on the couch at the office, and Richards very badly timed announcement of his departure at Auberon Waughs leaving do- all in all, a must read. 5 stars, trebles all round!

[Samuel B. Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was never a big fan of Private Eye, but my dad is. After having read this book about the history, humour and court cases of the magazine, I might buy the mag or flick through my dad's 10 year collection of them.

[Terry Clague · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utterly, utterly brilliant from A to Z across 311 pages. Best. Christmas present. Ever. As any fule no.

[Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating and funny book that provides a window onto life inside Private Eye - a must read if you're a fan of the magazine.