The great thing about an autobiography is that a person can lie all they want but, I defy anyone to produce 250 pages about themselves and not reveal their true character.
Being a keen fan of 'Yes Minister'', I have previously read Nigel Hawthorn's book and found him to come across as a rather unpleasant character, with rather too many of the foibles of Sir Humphrey, without the humour. I therefore approached Paul Eddington's tome with a certain trepidation: I do not like too many of my heroes to be shot down.
I need not have worried. Eddington was aware that his days were numbered (he died of cancer soon after its completion), and has produced a gentle autobiography admitting to his faults and laying little blame at the door of others.
If ever the British Stiff Upper Lip has been demonstrated in written form, it is in this book: the lack of self pity when he tells of losing what would have been a final television role because of the effects of skin cancer upon his face, makes the tale even more poignant.
Paul Eddington first burst into the public eye as Gerry Ledbetter in the 'Good Life', a role that was supposed to be a background character to Tom Good, played by Richard Briers and Barbara (Felicity Kendal). He, and his screen wife, Penelope Keith, were so good, that it soon developed into a four hander. Eddington then went on to star in 'Yes Minister' and 'Yes Prime Minister' as the inimitable Jim Hacker. He also toured the World's theatres in many successful plays and seems to have been a good friend, husband and father. ( )