I Know Nothing!

by Andrew Sachs

Much loved as the Spanish waiter Manuel in Fawlty Towers, Andrew Sachs (1930-2016) was born in Berlin rather than Barcelona and fled to England in 1938 after his father was arrested by the Gestapo. In this compelling and often hilarious memoir he tells of his early years in showbiz, the success of the infamous Torquay hotel, and his acting career beyond Fawlty, which included Shakespeare, Dustin Hoffman's Quartet, a stint as Father Brown, and Snowy in BBC Radio 5's Tintin.

Genres: Biography

317 pages, 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.