A Load of Old Balls: A Ranking of Men in History

by Jo Brand

The comedienne Jo Brand has selected her top 50 men in history, and provided brief, sometimes witty, sometimes savage portraits of them. Genghis Khan, John F. Kennedy and Henry VIII are some of those she lampoons in this guide to the men who have shaped our world.

Genres: History, Humor

203 pages, Paperback

First published October 17, 1994

About the author

Josephine "Jo" Grace Brand is a BAFTA winning English stand-up comedienne, writer and actress.
Commencing her entertainment career with a move from psychiatric nursing to the alternative comedy stand up scene and early performances on Saturday Live, she went on to appearances on The Brain Drain, Channel 4's Jo Brand Through the Cakehole, Getting On and various television appearances including as a regular guest on QI. In 2003, she was listed in The Observer as one of the 50 funniest acts in British comedy.

Reviews

[Paul Clarkson]

I like Jo Brand. Full stop. I picked this book up in my cosy hotel room and skimmed. Funny, some insightful little gems of her humour. It is an easy read cataloging her disdain for historically lauded men; many of whom should not have been figureheads at all.
However. I went to see Jo live a good few times until her themes of men, hating em, fat and food. Became somewhat jaded. This book was a nice and smiley journey back into that time in my life. Read it, it is funny, which is what Jo Brand is.

[Holly]

This isn't a history book. If you're hoping for that, you won't find it. I would really only recommend it for people who already know and love Jo Brand (which I do!) Since I do love her, I found it very entertaining! I listened to it while I worked, so I got to hear it in her voice. Even better!

[Kimberley]

Was bought this as a Christmas gift with a bottle of wine (by someone who knew me well).
Talk about interesting, written about people we all know about but in a completely different light, Jo is blunt and to the point but makes it so funny too, the little illustrations are great too.
Has been borrowed and returned by many a friend with thanks for the the laugh so we all can't be wrong, can we?

[Laura]

I expected this to be funnier. It is a little dated (written in 1994), and I wasn't familiar with all of the men included here, but it was still a nice book to read when I only had a few minutes to spare.

[Elley]

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Jo Brand. I really enjoyed this satirical view of historical figures.

[Crystal]

I picked this one up because I love Jo Brand on QI. It's pretty dated, but I got some good laughs out of it. It would make a good bathroom book!

[Tilly]

Great to read in little snippets, and great to read from a feminist point of view. A funny retelling of lives of famous men through history.

[Leanne]

a load of old balls is right!! worst book i ever read!!