YP Comment: Python star's library donation
As a member of Monty Python's Flying Circus, Sheffield-born Michael Palin has left an indelible mark on British comedy. He, along with fellow Pythons Terry Jones, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle and the late Graham Chapman, became household names through their unique blend of sketches and surreal humour.
Now, nearly half a century after Monty Python first appeared on our TV screens, Mr Palin has donated his personal archive – including more than 50 notebooks relating to the comedy show – to the British Library. In handing over his archive, which covers a 20-year period, he couldn’t resist a joke, saying he was making this public donation “so that future generations will know not to make the same mistakes again”.
As an actor, writer and TV presenter, Mr Palin’s career stretches far beyond comedy. The phrase ‘national treasure’ is routinely overused; however, this is one of the few occasions where it is actually merited.