I Know Nothing: The Autobiography by Sachs, Andrew (2014) Hardcover

by Andrew Sachs

Berlin, 1938. In a crowded restaurant a small boy watches fearfully as his Jewish father is arrested by HitlerOCOs Gestapo. Days later, as Nazis burn and loot Jewish shops, his resourceful Catholic mother prepares an escape plan to take her family to England. So began Andreas Siegfried SachsOCO life in London, a new life at times no less bizarre or madcap than the world of Fawlty Towers and its hapless Spanish waiter, Manuel. Now, as one of BritainOCOs best-loved actors, Andrew Sachs recounts tales of his hilarious struggle to come to terms with all things English and his early foray into the world of showbiz, and goes behind the scenes of the infamous Torquay hotel. In time conquering stage, screen and radio, Sachs has appeared alongside a galaxy of stars including Rex Harrison, Norman Wisdom, No1/2l Coward, Alec Guinness, Richard Burton and Peter Sellers, and written award-winning radio plays, proving his talent and versatility again and again. A charming, laugh-out-loud funny and utterly compelling memoir which promises to delight devotees of Fawlty Towers, I Know Nothing! reveals the twists and turns of the truly fascinating life of Andrew Sachs, whose dignified response to the distressing intrusion into his private life by Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross has only served to enhance the British publicOCOs affection for him. "

Genres: Biography

Hardcover

First published February 20, 2014

Reviews

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did enjoy this book, but it is one you can put down, and perhaps not feel drawn to picking up again. I did find the passages on Sach's childhood in Nazi Germany interesting, as well as, of course, playing Manuel in Faulty Towers, and the confusion afterwards as people muddled his character with his own self.

[Lyn Quilty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written, funny. I especially enjoyed the section about Sach's childhood under Nazi rule. Good insight into life in Germany under the early days of Hitler, and how he had to adjust to life and schools n England. An entertaining read by a talented man. Does not have the usual drinking, drug taking and womanising of many celebrity autobiographies. A good and compassionate man.

[Darla Ebert · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is uplifting to read how far the Sachs family came after fleeing Hitler's Germany. They were Jews running for their lives and that part is sad and sickening to contemplate, especially all the family Andrew Sachs lost, those of his extended family left behind. Andrew Sachs parlayed his intelligence and wit into a vibrant career. I was encouraged by his words and life.

[Bill Porter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sachs mercifully avoids excessive name-dropping, although there's plenty of it. The focus on his origins, upbringing and family is of particular interest, and confines his endless series of roles and plays and other engagements to the latter pages of the book. Finally, the Ross/Brand incident clearly left him deeply embittered, presumably to the end of his days. Sad.

[Elsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read written by an utter gentleman. The first half was the most interesting, the account of his childhood in Germany and then coping with his new life in England. How incredible that his life then took off in the direction it did. A hard-working, dignified man.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-written, entertaining and informative autobiography. Great read. 9/10.

[jean sargent · Rating 5 out of 5]

brilliant book enjoyable read well written and very interesting

[James Farrant · Rating 4 out of 5]

The majority of this book is written almost as though Andrew is sitting in an easy chair opposite you. I found it thoroughly informative and entertaining. The first half deals mainly with his early life, and is riveting! The only real gripe that I have is that the latter part skims too briefly over the mans major commercial successes. It could have done with at least another hundred pages or so which would probably have saved it from the rather sudden ending, which leaves you with the feeling that it has not been finished. This almost brought about a three star rating, but, the writing style and those early years saved the day!

[Jade Dtancg · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was very entertaining and quite amusing. It was good to read about him after watching him on Fawlty Tower. His titled the book
after "I know nothing" as he always said in FT. But actually he knows a lot in his real life. Enjoy knowing the bond he had with his family too.

[Jack Oughton · Rating 4 out of 5]

b...bu..but he's not even spanish!?

[Ian Bates · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first half of the book describing his childhood is witty and gripping. I did find the later chapters a little tedious however. Still well worth reading.