Merton to write silent comedy book

Paul Merton is to write a new book on his passion, silent comedies.

His new deal with Random House follows his recent BBC4 series Silent Clowns

A spokesman for the publisher said: ‘Paul Merton is completely passionate about the early days of Hollywood comedy and the comic geniuses who dominated it. His knowledge is awesome and his enthusiasm is infectious – and these qualities are to be found in abundance in his new book

‘Paul brings a comedian’s insight to bear on the art of making people laugh, and explores just how the great comic ideas, routines, gags and pratfalls worked and evolved.’

The book, which will be published in hardback in autumn 2007, will be Merton’s first in a decade. In 1996 he wrote the spoof showbusiness memoirs My Struggle.

Merton said: ‘The best silent comedians were popular throughout the world because there was no language barrier. Charlie Chaplin was huge in India and the best of the silent comedies are as funny today as they were 80 years ago.’

It was Random House publisher Nigel Wilcockson who came up with the idea for the book, then approached Merton’s agent Mandy Ward to ask him to do it.

Wilcockson said: ‘This is a perfect match of author and subject. I know Paul’s unique blend of knowledge, enthusiasm and wit will fascinate and entertain existing fans of silent comedy – and gain many new ones.’

Published: 22 Dec 2005