A Life in Questions
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A Life in Questions
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Narrated by:
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By:
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Jeremy Paxman
The witty, incisive and frank memoirs from the legend of Newsnight and long-standing quiz master of University Challenge. Filled with views, opinions and stories from 4 decades in front of the camera.
‘Bursting with good things’ Daily Telegraph
During 25 years as BBC Newsnight’s supreme inquisitor, Jeremy Paxman proved himself as the master of the political intervview. From John Major to Theresa May and Tony Blair to Ed Miliband, he has them quaking in their boots. But it wasn’t just politicians. Paxman’s interviews with Dizzee Rascal, David Bowie, Russell Brand and Vivienne Westwood are legendary. He discussed belief with religious leaders and philosophers, economics with CEOs and bankers, books with writers, and art and theatre with artists. After 23 years on University Challenge, Paxman is also the longest-serving active quizmaster on British television.
In A Life in Questions, the tables are turned: the quizmaster answers our burning questions, telling terrifying stories and laughing at much of the silliness in the world. These are the long-awaited memoirs of the greatest political interviewer of our time.
Critic reviews
‘[Paxman] records his childhood and the highs and lows of his subsequent career with a sharp eye, an acerbic wit and a lingering trace of melancholy.’ Daily Mail
‘Funny, sad and revealing’ David Aaronovitch, The Times
‘Entertaining’, Books of the Year, Observer
‘[A] trenchant memoir’ Daily Mail
‘Eye-opening … [an] entertaining and anecdote-rich book’ Daily Express
‘Revealing memoir’ Observer
‘Gripping’ Literary Review
Praise for Jeremy Paxman:
‘Intelligent, well-written, informative and funny … A book to chew on, dip into, quote from and exploit in arguments’ Andrew Marr, Observer
‘He writes with wit and penetration, and every page of Empire can be read with relaxed pleasure’ Spectator
‘Paxman is witty, incisive, acerbic and opinionated . . . In short, he carries the whole thing off with panache bordering on effrontery’ Sunday Times
‘A very engaging account … with a good sprinkling of jokes, funny nicknames and sexual references. Paxman makes some very sharp points and writes well’ Guardian
‘Bursting with good things’ Daily Telegraph
To each main story or segment he brings a refreshingly honest portrayal of the event and an analysis of the industry that has made up his life. If you are looking for a life "in the media", this autobiography will debunk any beliefs of the supposed glamour that goes with the job.
Paxman's dry wit and wonderful humour are peppered throughout the book, and many times I was awash with laughter whilst listening on my walk to work. Marks & Spencer's "underwear revenge" is one story that I certainly won't forget in a hurry, amongst others!
I find autobiographies read by the author themselves to be so much more satisfying than ones that get a "voice" in to do it for them. And Paxman has a wonderful voice, and a fantastic style with words... there really is no-one better at reading the book about his life than him.
I would have given the Story 4 stars as I wasn't a fan of the first couple of chapters dealing with his early life... I wanted to get to the "interesting" bit where he entered the media; however these chapters also deal with the environment he grew up in and the relationships he had with his direct relatives - something that he turns back to as a coda to the biography. His analysis of his father, coupled with his life and the lives of so many post-war babies made those first chapters worthwhile.
It is one of those books that seemed to be over all too quickly. Jeremy accompanied me for roughly 25 walks spanning a 12-13 day period, and I'm going to massively miss his company. Brilliant, funny, erudite, insightful, analytical, thoughtful, wonderful, un-put-downable (if you can describe an audiobook in such a way...).
Paxman on Paxman, what's not to love?
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What about Jeremy Paxman’s performance did you like?
He read it beautifully and the audio experience was definitely enhanced by him reading his biography himself.Any additional comments?
Prior to reading this, I wasn't particularly keen on Paxman. However, I am always interested in the backstory of politics and journalism. Therefore, curiosity got the better of me and here we are. This is an excellent book. Yes, Paxman's somewhat pompous style is there, but I learned that he would probably agree if that accusation was put to him. He is actually quite self aware, and is open about his weaknesses. Much emphasis has been placed by the media on his exploration of his relationship with his father. That is here of course, but he also covers a range of other subjects, from the expected political interviews, to the unexpected account of why fishing is more that simply standing there with a rod (which was surprisingly engaging). I have found with many biographies that I am just becoming very interested in an account of something, when the author moves on. Not so here. Paxman shows an ability to spend the optimum time on each issue, enough to satisfy, but never bores. I have no hesitation in recommending this book.An unexpcted gem!
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What made the experience of listening to A Life in Questions the most enjoyable?
Brutal honesty about his life and relationships with his father and colleagues. It is no great surprise to me that Mr Paxman would tell his storey his way; and that while his account is obviously from his point of view it appears balanced.If you like frank and honest accounts this is 4U
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What would you expect from Mr Paxman...
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We hear nothing about his personal life as an adult esp in the second half which is odd for a memoir - it focuses 100% on his work - which sadly makes Jeremy rather dull.
His father issues are skirted around and (Spoiler) thrown in at the end with no real context.
Fabulous voice/reader and his legacy as a political presenter who made dull politicians squirm a TV art form is legendary! Like The Boss who also had father issues - he is probably the person he is because of his background. Worth reading!!
Raises more questions but highly enjoyable
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