Paul Burton
Writer, Filmmaker and Film & Television Historian
Vicki Michelle & Louise Michelle in a scene from Paul Burton's film, Resentment. © Paul Burton
Book Reviews:
This page features just a small selection of reviews for the books that Paul has either written or co-compiled:
Making My Own Space - The Autobiography of Paul BurtonBy Paul Burton
Making My Own Space should be required reading for anyone who wants to work in theatre, the film industry or TV. Burton gives the reader a warts-and-all insight into the tough road that lies ahead for would-be thespains and makes it abundantly clear that only a tenacious attitude and an unbridled passion for the craft will get you to the top.
One of the pleasant aspects of this intriguing biography is the way in which the author has never lost touch with his roots. In his early days his only contact with the stars was queuing for autographs, but dogged determination slowly but steadily allowed him to rise through the ranks and eventually get to write his own sitcom, amongst many other achievments.
Burton has a way of telling the reader a great deal without the use of too many words. I learn't more about the character of Terry Scott in a few small paragraphs than in any biography of the man ever written.
Burton freely admits his mistakes in the early years of his career, but it's abundantly clear that he possessed the wisdom to learn from them. Burton has worked for any accolades he has received. There's no such thing as a free lunch, and the author never asked for one. Whatever credit he receives he deserves.
Mike Hallowell, The Shields Gazette
Buy this book and enter the mad, mad, mad world of Paul Burton, Enthusiast Extraordinaire and maybe you will catch his fever!
Hello, Paul Daniels here, international Sex Symbol and body builder and, unknown to most of you, Actor Extradonaire! That is thanks to the man who put this book together... Paul Burton. He has talked me imto doing a film and a radio play - and all for no money! And as I am from Yorkshire you now know that this is one persuasive guy!
He even persuaded me to write this review for this book. Again... for no money! Paul tells me it is for the love of the Arts! All I know is that when I turn up to help him out it is always fun and I find myself surrounded by enthusastic people.
I asked him what was the purpose of this book and he laughed and said: "To get people to think: If he can do it, then so can I!"
Paul Daniels, TV magician
I am so glad that Paul has penned an autobiography, as well as being an entertaining writer (who has also run his own arts projects), his knowledge of showbusiness is incredible. So I know you will enjoy reading about it as much as I enjoy him talk about it. I have worked in showbusiness all my life, and Paul knows more about the studios and programmes that I grew up and worked around, than I could ever hope to know.
Linda Regan, actress, Carry On England, Hi-de-Hi!
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The Official Carry On Quiz BookBy Chris Cowlin & Paul Burton
Forget Mastermind. Forget Brain of Britain. This is the quiz book to challenge all those Carry On fans out there! Let's face it they are a superior bunch!
This is the perfect quiz book for bringing a smile to your face as your remember all those ridiculous, outrageous and funny Carry On moments.
They say laughter is the best medicine so I presecribe this book to be read at least once a day! Carry On smiling all of you and long live all the happy memories. I think this book is fantastic.
Jacki Piper, actress, Carry On Up the Jungle, Carry On Loving, Carry On At Your Convenience, Carry On Matron - written the Foreword to The Official Carry On Quiz Book
If you are a fan of the Cock Inn - then this book is for you!
Robin Askwith, actor, Carry On Girls
I extend my warmest congratulations to the authors for their gargantua effort in bringing the public a book that will please hard-core devotees and generate interest in a new generation - Carry On Virgins I like to call them.
Don McCorkindale, actor, Carry On Sergeant, Carry On Cabby
This has been a wonderful time for me to read this book. It is a joy to read. It brought back a pile of happy memories of my life in the Carry On pictures.
Jack Douglas, actor who appeared in eight Carry On films
I think this book will give a lot of fun and pleasure to many avid Carry On fans.
Alan Hume, Cameraman on sixteen Carry On films
It's been said that of the making of books there is no end.
This needs to be amended to of the making of books about the Carry On films there seems to be no end.
This one is different in that it invites the apparently fanatic admirer of the series to demonstrate how much he/she knows about the details of personalties, titles, dates etc.
Frankly, I was stumped by most of the posers - but I figure I may be excused: prehaps it's enough to be a part of the whole story, by writing the first six, without being expected to be Mr Memory as well. I hope this industriously accumulated voulme sells as mightily as the films themselves.
Norman Hudis, writer of the first six Carry On films - written the Foreword of The Official Carry On Quiz Book
Anyone who thinks Carry On films are harmless pieces of fluff should go and get themselves a copy of The Official Carry On Quiz Book. Even to such a seasoned Carry Oner as myself, the questions are sometimes fiendishly hard, and all of them exhaustively researched.
A treasure trove of comedic miscelleny, this fascinating book makes ideal bedside reading for the casual viewer, the devoted Carry On fan or the connoiseur of late twentieth century pop culture. I heartily recommend it - but thank goodness the answers are at the back!
Mark Cambell, author of Carry On Films: The Pocket Essential Series
A must for Christmas parties and not just for Carry On fans.
Bill Pertwee, actor, Carry On Loving, Carry On Girls
This book will be fun for all ages, including the grown-up children in the house, and anyone who has enjoyed the unique humour of the Carry On films.
Linda Regan, actress, Carry On England
A must for all Carry On fans, extend your knowledge of the legendary Carry Ons...
Kevin Snelgrove, author of The Official Carry On Facts, Figures & Statistics
A great collection of questions. Fun for all the family.
Dora Bryan, actress, Carry On Sergeant
This series remains to this day much-loved everywhere, so this book is a MUST for all Carry On fans of all ages and nationalities!
Peter Byrne, actor, Carry On Cabby
My admiration goes to the authors for this fun-filled celebration of the nation's favourite comedy series.
Robert Ross, author of various Carry On books
I think it's a great idea to bring out The Official Carry On Quiz Book just in time for Xmas - or infact anytime of year! I'll put my order in as soon as I can!
Harry Fielder, actor, Carry On Up the Kyhber, Carry On Abroad
The Carry On films in recent years have developed a cult following. the regular characters and actors who played them became part of our popular culture, so a quiz book about them and the different films must be a winner.
Nicholas Parsons, actor, Carry On Regardless
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The Morecambe & Wise Quiz BookBy Paul Burton
Both my mother (Joan Morecambe) and I were really impressed by The Morecambe & Wise Quiz Book which even tested our extensive knowledge of my father and Ernie Wise.
Gary Morecambe, son of Eric Morecambe
This book is jam-packed with trivia relating to the greatest comedy double act that the UK has ever produced.
Even with my extensive knowledge of Eric and Ernie I was still struggling to answer some of the questions posed!
A brilliantly put together ensemble for all Morecambe and Wise fans to enjoy.
JK Williams, The Morecambe & Wise Tribute Site (please click here to visit website)
Promising a 1000 questions and a sprinkling of surprise facts, this neat little book covers every aspect of Eric and Ernie's life and is packed full of facts and figures that would be ideally suited as a coffee table book.
With a foreword from Galton & Simpson, the great script writers of such classics as Hancock and Steptoe & Son, this book quickly settles down to delivering question after question in various categories.
A fact-packed, informational Morecambe & Wise fest that makes an ideal 'dip in and enjoy' read.
Eric & Ern: The Morecambe & Wise Tribute Website
Paul Burton is no novice to writing quiz books; he co-compiled The Official Carry On Quiz Book in 2007 and has now moved onto the national treasures that are Morecambe & Wise; he is also a well recognised film and television historian.
Step up and test your knowledge with this The Morecambe & Wise Quiz Book. Crammed with more than 1,000 questions you'll have to really know your stuff to find this book a breeze. Each question will take you on a tour of the incredible journey of their comedy careers. All of the questions relate to their appearances on TV, radio, film and the stage, so you'll relive all of their greatest moments. Along with the questions you also get added extra Morecambe & Wise facts so even if you're not having a quiz, you won't be able to put this book down.
Throughout there are breaks in the text so you can stop and reminisce about their funniest hours and read through memories of other stars who have worked with the comedy duo. If you want to keep their legacy alive and laughing in your house then this book will be a hit.
Cambridgeshire Journal
It's a wonderful, nostalgic read and should bring back lots of happy memories...
The Morecambe & Wise Quiz Book test fan' knowledge as well as providing some fascinating facts and figures about the much-loved double act.
Choice Magazine
Fans will love this neat little book filled with loads of quiz questions, facts and snippets about the comic entertainers who brought us so much sunshine.
Teeside Evening Gazette & gazettelive.co.uk
Perfect stocking-filler for fans of Eric & Ernie.
The Sunday Post
This is a great book Paul and you should be very proud of it.
Bernie Keith, BBC Radio Northamptonshire
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Paul Wilder: My Quest For TV FameBy Paul Wilder
Written with Paul Burton
I wish Paul Wilder the very best of luck with this book and all who sail in her!
Derek Martin, Charlie Slater, EastEnders
I wish I knew Paul Wilder's secret. He's had a longer running media career than me and been on more shows. Read his book. I know I will.
Kaye Adams, TV presenter
Meeting Paul Wilder totally inspired me. He's a fantastic bloke. This book should be turned into a movie or a sitcom. I'll play him!
Keith Lemon (Leigh Francis), Celebrity Juice, Let's Dance for Comic Relief
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