This critically-acclaimed biography, written by Paul Thompson and John Watterson, reveals that Jake's life was as extraordinary as his writing: the hard childhood in the terraces of Leeds, strict Catholic education and formative experiences in France and war-torn Algeria; the first career as an inspirational, unorthodox, highly creative teacher; the meteoric development as a writer and performer, and discovery by the BBC; the Abbey Road recordings and impact on The Beatles; the friendship with Georges Brassens; the fame and fortune brought by a remarkable television career… and Jake’s rejection of it. It is the story of a complex, charismatic, self-effacing man whom many loved, but few understood.
Beware of the Bull was written with the full support of Jake’s family. With exclusive access to his personal papers, it includes a wealth of previously unpublished letters, poetry and lyrics, and is illustrated with rare photographs and memorabilia. Through it all, Jake’s voice is heard afresh, and his life and work better understood.
The book was included in the Daily Telegraph’s pick of the best music books of the year.
The paperback edition includes a foreword written by comedian Jon Richardson, and an extended interview with Neil Gaiman.
Beware of the Bull is also available on Kindle and as an audiobook.
Beware of the Bull - The Enigmatic Genius of Jake Thackray (book)
‘A terrific and illuminating portrait…’ Neil Gaiman
‘Beware of the Bull is a wonderful book — painstakingly researched, loaded with anecdote, and cluttered with photographs, memorabilia and lyrics. And perfectly subtitled, too.’ Goldmine magazine
‘It is, quite simply, one of the best biographies I have ever read...” Tykes Stirrings
‘If you’re not a Jake Thackray fan when you start reading this book, you certainly will be by the end of it...’ Andy Miller, Backlisted podcast
‘A timely paean to a velvet larynxed, storytelling wonderman.’ Cerys Matthews
‘The labour and the love seep from every page. For Old Molly Metcalfe, for Leopold Alcocks, for Sister Josephine, but mostly for yourself, if your hands aren't too encumbered, gather a book or two for Jake.’ Jon Richardson
‘Jake Thackray should be remembered and revived. If he is, it may be largely due to this thorough yet readable, affectionate yet critical and altogether absorbing biography.’ The Oldie
Shipped £5 for the UK, £12 for the rest of the world.