It's All Going Terribly Wrong: The Accidental Showman

by Michael Parker

Who would have guessed in the 1960s that Michael Parker, a typical young British Army officer, would turn into one of the most remarkable international showmen of his generation? This book is a wonderfully funny account of the many different events he has staged in Europe, America, and the Middle East. Amongst these are the launch of twin ships in Fort Lauderdale, the America's Cup Ball in Long Island, the opening of the new Memphis Symphony Hall, the naming of P&O's ship the Grand Priness in New York Harbor, royal weddings in Jordan, victory commemorations, charity events, and some of the world's biggest military shows - Berlin, Edinburgh, and London's Royal Tournament.

320 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2013

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Michael Parker is an former British Army officer, who now stages events.

Reviews

[Mark Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliantly entertaining book written with a great deal of humour about Royal processions, Royal Tournaments the trials and tribulations behind the scenes plus firework displays that nearly cause fires! Michael Parker must be one of the last proper eccentrics who could handle organisng such great events. Recommended!

[Julie Goring · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gloriously un-PC. A great read after seeing his extremely entertaining talk on the same at The Henley Literary Festival

[Colin Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funniest read in ages. Absolutely crying with laughter at points. You really couldn't make it up. Bravo Mr. Parker, grand master of royal events extraordinaire!