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Karlology
Karl Pilkington's third book, follow-up to bestselling The World of Karl Pilkington and Happyslapped by a Jellyfish, is a voyage through some of the most curious facts and fictions about our world. Drawing on what little he learned during his days of education, Karl explores the world of knowledge through a school curriculum, with chapters devoted to biology, history, art, and English, among others, each topic approached with Karl's inimitable combination of innocent wonder and down-to-earth wisdom. Full color throughout, the book is illustrated with Karl's hand-drawn cartoons and comic strips and it features e-mail contributions from a host of celebrities and experts who Karl has quizzed to further his knowledge.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2008
81 people are currently reading
1117 people want to read
About the author
Karl Pilkington
39 books563 followersKarl Pilkington is a Sony Award-winning English radio producer, poet, podcaster, raconteur and author, best known for producing and co-presenting The Ricky Gervais Show on London radio station Xfm from 2001 to 2005 and later in the form of podcasts and a television show on HBO. In October 2006, Pilkington's first book The World of Karl Pilkington was published, featuring original ideas and drawings by Pilkington, based upon the subject matter discussed in the podcasts. His second book, Happyslapped by a Jellyfish, was published in October 2007, and he was the subject of the Comedy Lab episode "Karl Pilkington - Satisfied Fool", which aired in October 2007. His third book, Karlology, a musing on his views on his own intelligence, and attitude to learning, appeared on 1 October 2008.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 149 reviews
August 29, 2018
I think the problem with this book is, in order to appreciate Karl's humour, you probably have to have listened to the Ricky Gervais podcasts or the old Xfm radio shows, but if you HAVE listened to those, you probably will have already heard most of the anecdotes/contemplations in this book. There were a few things I really did enjoy though:
- The additional "What I've learnt" tidbits from people such as Noel Fielding, Russell Brand, etc.
- The illustrations
- The whimsical format
- The addition from Suzanne at the end (we really don't hear enough from her, do we?)
Not a bad book, but I'm a little confused as to its audience. Perhaps fans of An Idiot Abroad who haven't heard the podcast?
- The additional "What I've learnt" tidbits from people such as Noel Fielding, Russell Brand, etc.
- The illustrations
- The whimsical format
- The addition from Suzanne at the end (we really don't hear enough from her, do we?)
Not a bad book, but I'm a little confused as to its audience. Perhaps fans of An Idiot Abroad who haven't heard the podcast?
May 16, 2022
This book shares the dubious wisdom of Karl Pilkington, a northerner with a head shaped like an egg who comes out with some of the most ridiculous questions and ideas you’ve ever come across. You might be familiar with him if you’ve ever listened to Ricky Gervais’ podcast.
The cool thing about this book is that it’s organised into chapters that follow Pilkington’s adventures at different tourist attractions, many of which I’ve been to myself. For example, he talks about visiting the Science Museum and the Tutankhamun Exhibition at the Millennium Dome, both of which I’ve been to.
But even though it’s interesting to read about those exhibitions, it’s even more fun to see Pilkington’s interpretation of what he saw and what he learned. And it’s not just the tourist attractions – he also went to get a brain scan and talked a little bit about that, too.
All in all, there’s a lot of funny stuff here, but in a weird way, it also teaches you things. I never thought I’d say that about a Karl Pilkington book, considering that he’s not exactly known for being wise or the teaching kind. But here, he’s just sharing a few of the things he’s learned along the way.
The cool thing about this book is that it’s organised into chapters that follow Pilkington’s adventures at different tourist attractions, many of which I’ve been to myself. For example, he talks about visiting the Science Museum and the Tutankhamun Exhibition at the Millennium Dome, both of which I’ve been to.
But even though it’s interesting to read about those exhibitions, it’s even more fun to see Pilkington’s interpretation of what he saw and what he learned. And it’s not just the tourist attractions – he also went to get a brain scan and talked a little bit about that, too.
All in all, there’s a lot of funny stuff here, but in a weird way, it also teaches you things. I never thought I’d say that about a Karl Pilkington book, considering that he’s not exactly known for being wise or the teaching kind. But here, he’s just sharing a few of the things he’s learned along the way.
March 30, 2015
I like reading Karl's thoughts and perspectives of different concepts. It was a very funny book.
March 23, 2019
Le Petite Prince has grown up.
January 31, 2020
“Most pirates had one eye, one leg and a hook for a hand. I don’t know why people feared them. If they were around today they’d be registered disabled and would be entitled to so many benefits they wouldn’t have to mess about looking for treasure chests.”
September 20, 2011
This is Karl's third book! He's written as many books as he's read! Well, he's done it again. Another corking book filled with the drivel we've all come to love to read on the can.
Some of the genius is missing as Ricky and Steves' voices are absent and when the three are together the drivel reaches bold new heights of idiocy. But Karl's lone voice speaking his theories uninterrupted without Ricky's voice saying "Karl, Karl, Karl - where did you get this from? What do you mean the monkey drove to Spain?!" make for a much stranger but still brilliant read.
In this book Karl goes for a MENSA test, goes to an exhibition of the human body featuring real life (dead) human bodies, and we get the confrontation we've all been waiting for - Karl meets his brain! And of course, there's also some monkey news thrown in.
If you've been following Karl through all the media over the years (XFM, podcasts, audiobooks, the occasional documentary) some of the stuff in here are things he's already mentioned however here he's allowed to elaborate on his thoughts and also poses some new ones too. His drawings are always charming and the design of this book is really top notch. Suzanne even throws in a touching afterword. "He makes me laugh every day" she says. Long live Karl!
Some of the genius is missing as Ricky and Steves' voices are absent and when the three are together the drivel reaches bold new heights of idiocy. But Karl's lone voice speaking his theories uninterrupted without Ricky's voice saying "Karl, Karl, Karl - where did you get this from? What do you mean the monkey drove to Spain?!" make for a much stranger but still brilliant read.
In this book Karl goes for a MENSA test, goes to an exhibition of the human body featuring real life (dead) human bodies, and we get the confrontation we've all been waiting for - Karl meets his brain! And of course, there's also some monkey news thrown in.
If you've been following Karl through all the media over the years (XFM, podcasts, audiobooks, the occasional documentary) some of the stuff in here are things he's already mentioned however here he's allowed to elaborate on his thoughts and also poses some new ones too. His drawings are always charming and the design of this book is really top notch. Suzanne even throws in a touching afterword. "He makes me laugh every day" she says. Long live Karl!
February 17, 2019
Karl Pilkington is my hero. He is so funny. If you saw An Idiot Abroad and enjoyed that, check out his books!
July 31, 2025
This book was unexpectedly hard to put down. The abstract ideas playing out in the book really are comical and the way is written makes it so easy to hear his voice while reading. If you like his TV shows, you’ll definitely enjoy this book. However, in saying this if you’ve never heard of him or seen his TV shows or heard him on the radio I don’t think this is the book for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2015
Karl Pilkington is a fascinating human being. After listening to every XFM show he produced with Ricky Gervais and Steven Merchant, I moved onto the globally popular podcasts they created shortly after they left XFM in 2005. After this, I scrounged up every interview, mini-podcast, and video blog I could find in which Karl could be found. Finally, I moved onto written media. Karlology is that book.
If you're a fan of the radio shows or podcasts, but haven't read this book, add it to your to-do list. There are plenty of never before mentioned extracts from Karl's little round head that are sure you make you laugh, or at least raise an eyebrow or two.
Living a reserved, humble life in Manchester, Karl was told by his teachers that he'd never amount to much (look at him now, eh?). His ambitions are small - he enjoys the little things in life, and has more free time than any man should. But we should be glad, because that's the reason we get magically naive statements such as "Jesus didn’t use up enough of the fish when he had the chance. If he’d given everyone around five fish, the sea level would have dropped." This book is a compendium of tiny brain-pickings from a man who sees the world in a beautifully pure way. Of course, if you're already a Karl fan you know exactly why you love him, in which case you should already own this book.
If, on the other hand, 'An Idiot Abroad' is your only exposure to this Northern treasure, then you have a long journey ahead of you. Whether you listen to the podcasts or radio shows, you'll end up at 'Karlology' eventually - Karl is very more-ish. If Jaffa Cakes were human, Karl would be one, but people wouldn't eat him, they'd listen to his ramblings like an ancient tribal elder around a campfire. This analogy kind of got away from me a little bit. ANYWAY.
You may wonder, after all this, why I only gave it a 3-star review. Well, as brilliant as Karlology is, it's rather strange to read a well-thought-out, semi-planned book by Pilkers. He's at his best when he's being asked questions on the spot, and giving raw answers from the top of his uniquely orange-shaped head. Nonetheless, if you've virtually exhausted Karl's audio library, this book is a great place to visit next (or if you just want some of Karl's thoughts in the shape of a book).
If you like Karl, you'll love 'Karlology'. If you don't like Karl, you're not human.
If you're a fan of the radio shows or podcasts, but haven't read this book, add it to your to-do list. There are plenty of never before mentioned extracts from Karl's little round head that are sure you make you laugh, or at least raise an eyebrow or two.
Living a reserved, humble life in Manchester, Karl was told by his teachers that he'd never amount to much (look at him now, eh?). His ambitions are small - he enjoys the little things in life, and has more free time than any man should. But we should be glad, because that's the reason we get magically naive statements such as "Jesus didn’t use up enough of the fish when he had the chance. If he’d given everyone around five fish, the sea level would have dropped." This book is a compendium of tiny brain-pickings from a man who sees the world in a beautifully pure way. Of course, if you're already a Karl fan you know exactly why you love him, in which case you should already own this book.
If, on the other hand, 'An Idiot Abroad' is your only exposure to this Northern treasure, then you have a long journey ahead of you. Whether you listen to the podcasts or radio shows, you'll end up at 'Karlology' eventually - Karl is very more-ish. If Jaffa Cakes were human, Karl would be one, but people wouldn't eat him, they'd listen to his ramblings like an ancient tribal elder around a campfire. This analogy kind of got away from me a little bit. ANYWAY.
You may wonder, after all this, why I only gave it a 3-star review. Well, as brilliant as Karlology is, it's rather strange to read a well-thought-out, semi-planned book by Pilkers. He's at his best when he's being asked questions on the spot, and giving raw answers from the top of his uniquely orange-shaped head. Nonetheless, if you've virtually exhausted Karl's audio library, this book is a great place to visit next (or if you just want some of Karl's thoughts in the shape of a book).
If you like Karl, you'll love 'Karlology'. If you don't like Karl, you're not human.
February 25, 2021
Oh how I adore Karl Pilkington.
Another fun and witty read in British humour. This is one of Karl’s first novels complete with fact lists, doodles, comics and favourite facts of British comedians.
The book is all of Karl Pilkington’s thoughts as he explores venues and exhibitions of wisdom around him. He visits the natural history museum, the aquarium, the Tutankhamen exhibit, the library and so much more and shares his pearls of wisdom, and insight gained as he seeks to expand his knowledge... knowledge of which he claims he doesn’t have much of about... well, anything.
I actually learned a few things from Karl’s new found knowledge - like did you know that clams have 60 eyes that are bright blue? I couldn’t stop
Googling them after reading that. They’re stunning but also creepy...
There is a lovely section of “what I’ve learnt” by Karl’s girlfriend, Suzanne. “ I have learnt one thing over the last 14 years with Karl - he manages to out-stupid himself all the time” i don’t think there is a more perfect sentence to sum up Karl Pilkington, the love he and Suzanne have for one another and how all 14 relationships feel after awhile...
For a light, funny read where you may just learn a thing or two, check this one out.
Another fun and witty read in British humour. This is one of Karl’s first novels complete with fact lists, doodles, comics and favourite facts of British comedians.
The book is all of Karl Pilkington’s thoughts as he explores venues and exhibitions of wisdom around him. He visits the natural history museum, the aquarium, the Tutankhamen exhibit, the library and so much more and shares his pearls of wisdom, and insight gained as he seeks to expand his knowledge... knowledge of which he claims he doesn’t have much of about... well, anything.
I actually learned a few things from Karl’s new found knowledge - like did you know that clams have 60 eyes that are bright blue? I couldn’t stop
Googling them after reading that. They’re stunning but also creepy...
There is a lovely section of “what I’ve learnt” by Karl’s girlfriend, Suzanne. “ I have learnt one thing over the last 14 years with Karl - he manages to out-stupid himself all the time” i don’t think there is a more perfect sentence to sum up Karl Pilkington, the love he and Suzanne have for one another and how all 14 relationships feel after awhile...
For a light, funny read where you may just learn a thing or two, check this one out.
October 23, 2016
Karl never fails to make me laugh.
This might be an outlandish thing to say, but could Karl be considered a genius? Like Ricky Gervais once said, "You're one of the cleverest blokes in some ways, that I know. It's like you follow the sub-plot, which is quite an interesting thing." Karl's perspective on any subject always differs greatly from anybody else's and whilst his responses are usually dismissed as nonsense, when returning to what was said in hindsight Karl's answer is, actually, quite true.
To truly have a grasp of who Karl Pilkington is and what he's about, I strongly advise that you listen to some of the XFM radio shows from around 2002-2005 (you can find categorised episodes on YouTube) featuring Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant. Not only are they absolutely hilarious but some of what is discussed is quite thought-provoking in a sense and I enjoy listening to the shows in the background - especially on a commute.
For a book that made me chuckle and snicker throughout, I think it's deserving of a solid five-star rating.
This might be an outlandish thing to say, but could Karl be considered a genius? Like Ricky Gervais once said, "You're one of the cleverest blokes in some ways, that I know. It's like you follow the sub-plot, which is quite an interesting thing." Karl's perspective on any subject always differs greatly from anybody else's and whilst his responses are usually dismissed as nonsense, when returning to what was said in hindsight Karl's answer is, actually, quite true.
To truly have a grasp of who Karl Pilkington is and what he's about, I strongly advise that you listen to some of the XFM radio shows from around 2002-2005 (you can find categorised episodes on YouTube) featuring Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant. Not only are they absolutely hilarious but some of what is discussed is quite thought-provoking in a sense and I enjoy listening to the shows in the background - especially on a commute.
For a book that made me chuckle and snicker throughout, I think it's deserving of a solid five-star rating.
January 17, 2013
Very funny and stupid in equal measures. Karl's theories and thoughts on the world and his stories are brilliant. From the state of his school and education, to his observation of his holiday rep trying to sell him day trips to the leather shop and the cheese shop Karl is brilliantly funny. Definitely worth a read and it won't take you long.
January 26, 2013
Karl Pilkington, the nation's favourite idiot, attempts to expand his knowledge and mostly comes up flummoxed.
As funny as it is stupid, this provided welcome relief after some rage-making reading material with me interrupting my boyfriend at least once every couple of pages to read stuff out to him, sniggering all the while.
As funny as it is stupid, this provided welcome relief after some rage-making reading material with me interrupting my boyfriend at least once every couple of pages to read stuff out to him, sniggering all the while.
March 22, 2013
Loved hearing the inner workings of Karl's mind and his unique and honest outlook on life - very enjoyable book
May 30, 2019
Come on, let's be real - you don't expect this to be a masterpiece, right?
If I were to recommend this book to someone, I'd choose every person I see on the Facebook group dedicated to the Ricky Gervais Show. In case you were unaware, the show has garnered a cult, and yes, I'm part of it.
To sum it up *very* briefly, I'd say this: are you also annoyed every time Steve interrupts Karl during the show? Well, he is free to talk about everything and anything in the book, and it's as funny as you'd expect.
If I were to recommend this book to someone, I'd choose every person I see on the Facebook group dedicated to the Ricky Gervais Show. In case you were unaware, the show has garnered a cult, and yes, I'm part of it.
To sum it up *very* briefly, I'd say this: are you also annoyed every time Steve interrupts Karl during the show? Well, he is free to talk about everything and anything in the book, and it's as funny as you'd expect.
August 4, 2019
DNF about 3/4 of the way through. I'm only reviewing this because I kinda just want it off my shelf after all this time and I don't see myself revisiting it. I picked this book up because I'm a huge Karl Pilkington fan and had ran out of available content with the podcasts / idiot abroad show. Unfortunately this didn't cover any new territory and just regurgitated what I had already seen into paper form. I guess it's perfect for those who aren't into downloadable radio, I'm just not one of those people. Hugely disappointed, but would recommend to those who aren't familiar with his moans. Ha!
September 18, 2024
I didn't actually buy this book, my brother bought it years ago and I happened to find it in his room in my parents house. I thought I'd give it a read despite not having watched the TV series he was (?) on or listened to his podcast.
The book is easy-to-read, lighthearted and funny at times. But sometimes I did find myself wondering what on earth I was reading. I don't really know if I enjoyed the book or not to be honest. While it can be funny, I think his musings in this book would have done better in spoken word rather than written format.
The book is easy-to-read, lighthearted and funny at times. But sometimes I did find myself wondering what on earth I was reading. I don't really know if I enjoyed the book or not to be honest. While it can be funny, I think his musings in this book would have done better in spoken word rather than written format.
June 5, 2019
Really easy read, I read large parts quickly in chunks on breaks at work so that was handy. A couple of bits are amusing and you do read it as if he's saying it. I dunno though, the book is a collection of witter and I think his witter is better suited to An Idiot Abroad/Moaning of Life TV show because you actually see his expressions too. Do like Karl though and he comes out with a load of things that I agree with or makes you go "eyyy??" so overall, good easy read but not amazing.
February 11, 2021
Karl Pilkington goes to different museums and other places to learn stuff, but ends up getting annoyed rather than enlightened.
It's a breezy, quick read that is funny at times, but I really missed a voice of reason (Ricky Gervais, Steven Merchant), who could explain to Karl, why some of his views are misguided. Without that the book can be a bit frustrating at times, but still it is mostly entertaining to hear Karl's opinions and musings.
It's a breezy, quick read that is funny at times, but I really missed a voice of reason (Ricky Gervais, Steven Merchant), who could explain to Karl, why some of his views are misguided. Without that the book can be a bit frustrating at times, but still it is mostly entertaining to hear Karl's opinions and musings.
June 30, 2023
If I’m ever looking for something (really) light to read that just cheers me up and makes me laugh after a long day, ‘Karlology’ (and even more so, ‘Happyslapped By A Jellyfish’) never fail to do the job.
This is pure innocent humour and completely my kind of thing. I love Karl and anyone that thinks he’s some sort of comedic creation should go back and listen to the early Ricky Gervais XFM shows from 2001-ish to witness the birth of a legend!
This is pure innocent humour and completely my kind of thing. I love Karl and anyone that thinks he’s some sort of comedic creation should go back and listen to the early Ricky Gervais XFM shows from 2001-ish to witness the birth of a legend!
April 24, 2018
There is a video of Karl, Ricky, and Steve—the cameraman/interviewer was reading them quotes by fans, and they had to guess which one the quote was about. For example: “I would go gay for him”—obviously this was for Steve Merchant (they guessed right). A fan quote that he is the funniest and cleverest comedian alive (obviously Ricky). But as soon as the interviewer read: “I just want to lick him from head to toe,” Ricky knew right away that this had to be a fan quote about Karl. Yup.
Karl is the most adorable, interesting, simple and naturally funny person I’ve ever heard speak. No these aren’t 5 star books but I love him so much I can’t even help myself.
Karl is the most adorable, interesting, simple and naturally funny person I’ve ever heard speak. No these aren’t 5 star books but I love him so much I can’t even help myself.
May 27, 2019
What can you say about Karl!
A funny and easy read full of Karl's special insights on life and visitor attractions!
Nice to have his views without the sniping and mocking of Gervais and Merchant which I find rather uncomfortable.
A funny and easy read full of Karl's special insights on life and visitor attractions!
Nice to have his views without the sniping and mocking of Gervais and Merchant which I find rather uncomfortable.
June 5, 2019
Quite funny in places, felt a little forced throughout, like he was struggling to find stuff to write about. Probably explosions why it was only 165 pages. Come on Karl you can do better than this!
August 20, 2017
The ramblings of a mad man.
January 24, 2018
Easy read. Good for a laugh
December 6, 2018
just what the doctor ordered, a bit of light hearted reading nonsense to fill my head :-)
March 2, 2019
Fun little book full of typical Karl thoughts. As Ricky says 'He's always looking at the subplot'. Some really fun stuff in this short little book. Deffo recommend it.
April 3, 2019
If you like Karl Pilkington you’ll like this book.
April 13, 2019
A book that wastes your time to read. It's not funny, it's not educational, it's nothing that I enjoyed reading..althought I think he actually knows how to write, which not everyone is able to do.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 149 reviews