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Jonathan Pie: Off The Record
Want to know more about history and politics? Then you should probably go and read a proper book. Fancy a laugh at some smutty jokes? Then go and read Viz. But if you fancy a combination of the two, this is the book for you. In Off The Record, bitter and twisted leftie news reporter Jonathan Pie picks ten of the world's worst wankers and tears them apart. Here you'll find the answers to some difficult questions. Was Blair just a Tory in disguise? Did Cameron really have sexual relations with that pig? Just how the fuck did we end up with President Donald Trump? It's the ultimate guide to political arseholery. With extra swearing.
164 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 10, 2017
16 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
February 1, 2018
Love it. Crude at times, but mostly the bitter truth. The glossary was my favourite part.
December 19, 2020
This book was great. I bought it for a friend for Christmas (a fellow leftie, but I reckon most people with a basic interest in politics could enjoy this book since it also addresses the problems with the left as well as the right, unless they had very extreme views) but I couldn't stop myself from reading it before I gave it to her.
I read it in the character's voice, and I enjoyed it just as much as I enjoy his videos. I like how the creators of the character don't seem to take themselves too seriously in the book, what with the self-deprecation at the start, and I appreciate the fact that they criticise the left as well as the right, because I think that if you can't criticise your own side, that's problematic.
I'd recommend this book to anyone 15+ really, it's a simple but very entertaining light read.
I read it in the character's voice, and I enjoyed it just as much as I enjoy his videos. I like how the creators of the character don't seem to take themselves too seriously in the book, what with the self-deprecation at the start, and I appreciate the fact that they criticise the left as well as the right, because I think that if you can't criticise your own side, that's problematic.
I'd recommend this book to anyone 15+ really, it's a simple but very entertaining light read.
December 18, 2020
A very funny account from British political comedian Jonathan Pie.
I’ll start by saying the only downside with the book is having been published in 2017 a lot has happened since then, especially in 2020 alone. I look forward to the inevitable sequel at some stage.
If people are familiar with Pie and his YouTube rants about current affairs, you will be familiar with the the tone and content you are about to digest.
The book is broken down into 10 different sections focusing on a different political or public figure:
1) Tony Blair
2) Kim Jong-Un
3) Margaret Thatcher
4) Adolf Hitler
5) Rupert Murdoch
6) King Henry VIII
7) David Cameron
8) Harry S. Truman
9) Simon Cowell
10) Donald J. Trump
If you are a fan of Jonathan Pie, I highly recommend checking this out.
I’ll start by saying the only downside with the book is having been published in 2017 a lot has happened since then, especially in 2020 alone. I look forward to the inevitable sequel at some stage.
If people are familiar with Pie and his YouTube rants about current affairs, you will be familiar with the the tone and content you are about to digest.
The book is broken down into 10 different sections focusing on a different political or public figure:
1) Tony Blair
2) Kim Jong-Un
3) Margaret Thatcher
4) Adolf Hitler
5) Rupert Murdoch
6) King Henry VIII
7) David Cameron
8) Harry S. Truman
9) Simon Cowell
10) Donald J. Trump
If you are a fan of Jonathan Pie, I highly recommend checking this out.
December 10, 2018
What can I say? I laughed a lot. Thought it ran out of steam about half way through and just managed to keep going til the end. Great book to keep on the reading pile in the loo for those required moments!
January 26, 2018
RTC but my love for Pie will never die.
February 14, 2018
Funny, irreverent and definitely not PC. Was given this book by a friend. He said I think you'll like this. Do you know what? I did!
December 19, 2020
It's deeply ironic that the authors of this book devoted an entire chapter to condemning the dumbing down of society and worship of mediocrity when, if we strip away all of the (often hilarious) foul-mouthed comedy and rants against 'Political Correctness,' then all that we are left with are a handful of banal and superficial observations that everyone already made years ago.
Of course, the authors themselves admit at the very beginning that this book was never intended to be anything other than a stocking stuffer that you're expected to read on the toilet; a longer version of the character's online rant videos which tell people what they already know in an entertainingly abusive manner that makes them feel superior by attacking 'The Liberal Left' with the same gusto as the right wingers, billionaires, dictators, tyrants and corporate parasites who are actively destroying the planet. (Remember kiddies, students demanding 'Safe Spaces' is comparable to your entire family being sent to a concentration camp and your unborn children being doomed to life imprisonment there as well because you dared to step on an image of the Great Leader.) So although I could spend hours pointing out all the times when Johnathan Pie himself is 'Politically Correct' in this book by someone else's standards, but you see, it's only 'Political Correctness' when 'I' think it's stupid, annoying and tramples on 'MY' #FreezePeach; as well as explaining that 'No, That's Not What We Mean When We Talk About #Privilege You Fuck Monkey;' that whether or not Gay people and what have you should have the same rights is not a matter for debate or 'Diversity Of Opinion,' and that no, you can't debate with bigotry! Instead, giving bigotry, Fascism and so forth a platform only legitimises them and enables their spread, etc, etc, etc, the bottom line is that this whole book is a 'Joke' in the literal, non-defamatory sense of the term. And therefore, taking it seriously feels like sending your gazpacho soup back to be warmed up and then having a loud argument about it with the chef.
Of course, the authors themselves admit at the very beginning that this book was never intended to be anything other than a stocking stuffer that you're expected to read on the toilet; a longer version of the character's online rant videos which tell people what they already know in an entertainingly abusive manner that makes them feel superior by attacking 'The Liberal Left' with the same gusto as the right wingers, billionaires, dictators, tyrants and corporate parasites who are actively destroying the planet. (Remember kiddies, students demanding 'Safe Spaces' is comparable to your entire family being sent to a concentration camp and your unborn children being doomed to life imprisonment there as well because you dared to step on an image of the Great Leader.) So although I could spend hours pointing out all the times when Johnathan Pie himself is 'Politically Correct' in this book by someone else's standards, but you see, it's only 'Political Correctness' when 'I' think it's stupid, annoying and tramples on 'MY' #FreezePeach; as well as explaining that 'No, That's Not What We Mean When We Talk About #Privilege You Fuck Monkey;' that whether or not Gay people and what have you should have the same rights is not a matter for debate or 'Diversity Of Opinion,' and that no, you can't debate with bigotry! Instead, giving bigotry, Fascism and so forth a platform only legitimises them and enables their spread, etc, etc, etc, the bottom line is that this whole book is a 'Joke' in the literal, non-defamatory sense of the term. And therefore, taking it seriously feels like sending your gazpacho soup back to be warmed up and then having a loud argument about it with the chef.
June 29, 2019
What can I say, Jonathan Pie is my guilty pleasure. He does everything my mother forbid: he swears, he says unkind things, he rants, and sometimes he combines all three in a trifecta of almost rabid proportions. I swear I wiped foam and spittle from my speaker after a few of his more loquacious outburst. What's not to love? I did not agree with all of his opinions but I did enjoy listening to them, something that cannot be said about quite a few of the real talking heads out there. He even touched upon my favorite rant, revisionist history. (I just had to delete a whole paragraph of my own ranting. Geez.) Mostly, of course, he does a political commentary. No one is safe, not Americans, British or North Korean; all their stupid actions and words come under his scrutiny. I listened to the audible version to get the full Jonathan Pie effect and limited myself to a chapter a day in order not to overdose and begin shouting at anyone doing anything incredibly stupid. Long live fake news.
June 23, 2020
It's always a joy listening to Pie rant, not only did this book have me consistently crying with laughter but it was also an eye-opening Roller coaster, the real jaw dropping chapters for me were the ones covering Pie's argument on Kim Jong-un, Tony Blair and Simon Cowel. The chapters are kept to a modest length, making the materiel easier to digest and less tiresome. I also loved the emphasis on encouraging healthy debate rather than the avoidance of it, in addition to his comparisons of modern day society to the the society of George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four. He's achieved exactly what he's set out to do and that's write a book that is both brilliantly political and hilariously smutty!
December 29, 2017
I discovered Jonathan Pie about three years ago on Facebook. The first time I saw him I thought he was a genuine reporter having a meltdown on camera one day. I was kind of disappointed when I found out he wasn't but i still find his stuff hilariously funny. I've become a regular follower of his videos ever since.
Having said that his stuff is funny it is brutally near the knuckle and he pulls no punches. He's as happy laying into the stupidity of the left as he is the greed of the right.
This book is a continuation of that same routine. Rude, crude but politically astute this is a laugh out loud book. A fantastic book for that post Christmas pre New Year meh period.
Having said that his stuff is funny it is brutally near the knuckle and he pulls no punches. He's as happy laying into the stupidity of the left as he is the greed of the right.
This book is a continuation of that same routine. Rude, crude but politically astute this is a laugh out loud book. A fantastic book for that post Christmas pre New Year meh period.
September 17, 2020
Brilliantly funny and informative
I really hope Jonathan Pie does another book as I couldn't put this one down.
Jonathan's take on world leaders and other famous figures actually taught me a lot whilst making me laugh every page. I absolutely love how he writes because I can hear him ranting in my head when I'm reading it. We need much more of Jonathan's deconstructive journalism which cuts all the bullshit and gets straight to the point, as I often switch off whilst watching the news. I highly recommend his stand-up on BBC iplayer, never have I seen a standup so true and he is incredibly passionate in his delivery.
I really hope Jonathan Pie does another book as I couldn't put this one down.
Jonathan's take on world leaders and other famous figures actually taught me a lot whilst making me laugh every page. I absolutely love how he writes because I can hear him ranting in my head when I'm reading it. We need much more of Jonathan's deconstructive journalism which cuts all the bullshit and gets straight to the point, as I often switch off whilst watching the news. I highly recommend his stand-up on BBC iplayer, never have I seen a standup so true and he is incredibly passionate in his delivery.
March 28, 2018
Good read. Funny, informative and thought provoking.
August 29, 2021
Tom Walker & Andrew Doyle (2018) JONATHAN PIE - OFF THE RECORD (AUDIOBOOK)
Audible - QUEST from W. F. Howes Ltd
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 out of 5 stars
Audible writes, "Want to know more about history and politics? Then you should probably go and listen to a proper audiobook. Fancy a laugh at some smutty jokes? Then go and read Viz. But if you fancy a combination of the two, this is the audiobook for you. In Off the Record, bitter and twisted leftie news reporter Jonathan Pie picks 10 of the world's worst wankers and tears them apart. Here you'll find the answers to some difficult questions. Was Blair just a Tory in disguise? Did Cameron really have relations with that pig? Just how did we end up with President Donald Trump? It's the ultimate guide to political arseholery. With extra swearing."
=====
BRILLIANT! Tom Walker who created and plays Jonathan Pie is just a genius. His rants are on point and they pack a punch which makes you feel like punching the air and roaring "Yeahhhhh". Highlights: ALL OF IT. But to name a few: Thatcherism, Trump, the use of Hitler as a comparison on someone, thoughts on Katie Hopkins, ANTIFA, David Cameron, Tony Blair... it's glorious.
=====
#JonathanPie #TomWalker #AndrewDoyle #JonathanPieOffTheRecord #Book #Books #Read #Reads #Reading #BookShelf #Library #Review #Reviews #BookReview #BookReviews #GoodReads #Audible #Audiobook #Audiobooks
Audible - QUEST from W. F. Howes Ltd
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 out of 5 stars
Audible writes, "Want to know more about history and politics? Then you should probably go and listen to a proper audiobook. Fancy a laugh at some smutty jokes? Then go and read Viz. But if you fancy a combination of the two, this is the audiobook for you. In Off the Record, bitter and twisted leftie news reporter Jonathan Pie picks 10 of the world's worst wankers and tears them apart. Here you'll find the answers to some difficult questions. Was Blair just a Tory in disguise? Did Cameron really have relations with that pig? Just how did we end up with President Donald Trump? It's the ultimate guide to political arseholery. With extra swearing."
=====
BRILLIANT! Tom Walker who created and plays Jonathan Pie is just a genius. His rants are on point and they pack a punch which makes you feel like punching the air and roaring "Yeahhhhh". Highlights: ALL OF IT. But to name a few: Thatcherism, Trump, the use of Hitler as a comparison on someone, thoughts on Katie Hopkins, ANTIFA, David Cameron, Tony Blair... it's glorious.
=====
#JonathanPie #TomWalker #AndrewDoyle #JonathanPieOffTheRecord #Book #Books #Read #Reads #Reading #BookShelf #Library #Review #Reviews #BookReview #BookReviews #GoodReads #Audible #Audiobook #Audiobooks
October 30, 2018
Love a bit of Pie on Youtube, particularly since his epoch-defining explosion after the Trump election. I'd like to love this book, but I think even Walker himself would concede it is pretty much phoned in.
I'd imagine it was written in a night or two after a few glasses of wine - as its pretty much just a framing device "A bunch of politicians that I don't like" - filled in with rants about why he doesn't like them.
What's great about Pie on Youtube is the feeling that a lot of the time he's acting out the sort of rage and exasperation that many of us feel at the tedious identitarianism that's taking over the left - which is why his routines work best as off-camera asides to his po-faced reporter routines. He is the voice in all of our heads when we read gender clickbait in the Guardian, but know we can't talk about in front of our friends. What he sells is essentially catharsis. However, when he's ranting about various 'Tory C*nts' that he dislikes, that effect isn't there. It feels like "Sure Thatcher/Blair are wankers, but I'd get a million likes on Facebook for saying so."
So as Pie says in the intro, not a bad book if you have some bowel issues that need addressing, but not likely to maintain interest beyond that.
I'd imagine it was written in a night or two after a few glasses of wine - as its pretty much just a framing device "A bunch of politicians that I don't like" - filled in with rants about why he doesn't like them.
What's great about Pie on Youtube is the feeling that a lot of the time he's acting out the sort of rage and exasperation that many of us feel at the tedious identitarianism that's taking over the left - which is why his routines work best as off-camera asides to his po-faced reporter routines. He is the voice in all of our heads when we read gender clickbait in the Guardian, but know we can't talk about in front of our friends. What he sells is essentially catharsis. However, when he's ranting about various 'Tory C*nts' that he dislikes, that effect isn't there. It feels like "Sure Thatcher/Blair are wankers, but I'd get a million likes on Facebook for saying so."
So as Pie says in the intro, not a bad book if you have some bowel issues that need addressing, but not likely to maintain interest beyond that.
November 3, 2021
I listened to audiobook which has the added bonus of being narrated by the "author" (the character is written in conjunction with/by another creator). In my opinion his delivery probably adds a star.
For anyone who has seen the Jonathan Pie YouTube clips, this book is very much in the same style so your appreciation/dislike of that will act as a good indication of whether you will enjoy the book.
It's quite short but I suspect it would have otherwise overstayed its welcome. As such the book moves along at a brisk pace from one person of scorn to another.
Beneath the insults and ranting is an interesting take on the far left "cancel culture" and how the right tends to dumb things down. And how most of us are stuck between the two. It's a tricky line to walk without alienating everyone but I appreciate his stance.
For anyone who has seen the Jonathan Pie YouTube clips, this book is very much in the same style so your appreciation/dislike of that will act as a good indication of whether you will enjoy the book.
It's quite short but I suspect it would have otherwise overstayed its welcome. As such the book moves along at a brisk pace from one person of scorn to another.
Beneath the insults and ranting is an interesting take on the far left "cancel culture" and how the right tends to dumb things down. And how most of us are stuck between the two. It's a tricky line to walk without alienating everyone but I appreciate his stance.
March 29, 2021
4.5*
Anyone who is familiar with Tom Walker’s creation ‘Jonathan Pie’, will be used to the bad language, frustration and bluntness when it comes to political reporting/discussion. Yet again, Pie doesn’t hold back. He takes you ‘through the sh*tstorm contemporary politics’ through 10 chapters that discuss:
- Tony Blair
- Kim Jong-Un
- Margaret Thatcher
- Adolf Hitler
- Rupert Murdoch
- Henry VIII
- David Cameron
- Harry S Truman
- Simon Cowell
- Donald J Trump
I recommend if you fancy a humorous, exasperated, informative, and pretty sweary summary of what Pie thinks has had an impact on modern British politics.
Anyone who is familiar with Tom Walker’s creation ‘Jonathan Pie’, will be used to the bad language, frustration and bluntness when it comes to political reporting/discussion. Yet again, Pie doesn’t hold back. He takes you ‘through the sh*tstorm contemporary politics’ through 10 chapters that discuss:
- Tony Blair
- Kim Jong-Un
- Margaret Thatcher
- Adolf Hitler
- Rupert Murdoch
- Henry VIII
- David Cameron
- Harry S Truman
- Simon Cowell
- Donald J Trump
I recommend if you fancy a humorous, exasperated, informative, and pretty sweary summary of what Pie thinks has had an impact on modern British politics.
December 25, 2018
If you follow Pie's Facebook videos - this is a direct written version of what he says. The style is identical to his comedy stand-ups or as a news reporter.
His left wing political stance is very noticeable as he dissects 10 historic political and media figures in his usual colourful language.
Towards the end of the book, Pie provides a political glossary with his own unique spin, which is very entertaining. Lots of LOL moments throughout the book.
His left wing political stance is very noticeable as he dissects 10 historic political and media figures in his usual colourful language.
Towards the end of the book, Pie provides a political glossary with his own unique spin, which is very entertaining. Lots of LOL moments throughout the book.
January 30, 2024
I'm reading James O'Brien's book about 10 political figures and finding it a bit slow going so switched between that and this audio book seeing as have the same core concept but delivered in very difficult ways. A couple of years old so some of the subjects are in very difficult places now but it's still very clever and hilarious
Can't have imagined this being anywhere near as good as a regular book as the delivery by Pie is what makes it
Very good
Can't have imagined this being anywhere near as good as a regular book as the delivery by Pie is what makes it
Very good
October 10, 2025
If you've ever seen any of Jonathan Pie's legendary rants on YouTube or during his televised appearances, then this small little collection of essays will be right for you. In classic Pie fashion, this book features a number of short, crass and sweary diatribes on some of the world's biggest political scumbags and headcases - including Margaret Thatcher, Kim-Jong Un, Donald Trump and even Rupert Murdoch. It's obviously unserious but worth a read to put a smile on your face.
December 4, 2017
If you have never heard of Johnathon Pie , you need to check him out. Unless you are into all that pc stuff , then avoid .
He is a reporter , who goes off a mad rant once the camera is swithched off , check out his online stuff.
So the book is an offshoot of his online work , in this , he goes through politians and whoever else he can't stand , genuine funny guy
He is a reporter , who goes off a mad rant once the camera is swithched off , check out his online stuff.
So the book is an offshoot of his online work , in this , he goes through politians and whoever else he can't stand , genuine funny guy
January 15, 2018
Tom Walker and Andrew Doyle created Jonathan Pie to comment on politics and culture. A hit on video, these short essays cover various personalities, mostly political. They are the usual mixture of profane and hilarious as done on the videos. Surprisingly, despite the brief nature of the essays, you learn something about the history behind these current events. Oh, and you do laugh quite a bit.
July 9, 2018
If you have ever watched his videos on the interwebs, you know what to expect with his book. Some of the Britain stuff was lost on me, but his piece on Donald Trump more than made up for it. What's more - he approaches the subject in a way that surprised me, made me think, but also entertained me. Well done!
April 19, 2020
Hilarious, not at all PC and overall a fun, short read. Even the glossary was funny.
This book reads exactly like Jonathan Pie’s videos. Even if your politics don’t align with his, read this book and hear a different perspective.
“The likelihood is that you will not have agreed with every opinion that has been offered within these pages. This is fine. You’re not supposed to.”
This book reads exactly like Jonathan Pie’s videos. Even if your politics don’t align with his, read this book and hear a different perspective.
“The likelihood is that you will not have agreed with every opinion that has been offered within these pages. This is fine. You’re not supposed to.”
August 14, 2022
I do love a bit of Jonathan Pie and this is fine but nothing more than a few set rants not really put together and even though he jokes it is just a cash grab - it really did not seem to have anything new or original or even clever. Maybe i was expecting too much but if you are a fan i am sure you will enjoy it
November 7, 2017
A jolly good wheeze
A rather amusing book all things considered, can't say I agree with all of the points he raises but then again that's his salient point anyway. At any rate lots of laughs and potty language and worth a read!
A rather amusing book all things considered, can't say I agree with all of the points he raises but then again that's his salient point anyway. At any rate lots of laughs and potty language and worth a read!
March 5, 2018
This is fun, if you like non PC humour. It is a sad state of affairs when comedians find so much material to work with in home and foreign politics, but hey, at least we get a laugh out of it.
If you become a fan and want more Jonathan Pie, check out his YouTube channel.
If you become a fan and want more Jonathan Pie, check out his YouTube channel.
June 8, 2018
A short, hilarious read where satire creation, Jonathan Pie, rips into political and historical figures. You find yourself either nodding along or in hysterics, or both. Off The Record is basically the paperback version of his YouTube videos - but that's no criticism. Very funny read.
August 17, 2018
The chapter on Trump alone was worth the price. But everything else was brilliant. If you are a Pie fan this is a must! It’s a four star book but I gave it an extra star cause the audiobook help keep me going during a 12 mile ruck march.
May 19, 2019
Don’t read this is you’re offended by bad language, do read this if you have a sense of humour and dismay with politics in the world right now!! Hilarious and don’t miss the footnotes and glossary. Loved it!!!
October 20, 2019
I really like Tom Walker's Character Jonathan Pie and this did not disappoint. I hear myself continually saying "that's so true". Even if you are a more right of centre, I recommend this book as an alternative view of political leaders! I listened via audible, which I feel added to the experience!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews