A boat approaches; a lantern hung on its prow is the only light in this dark, cold world. The boat reaches the edge of the lake. The boatman has a kindly face. He calls out to me. “Mr Dowie?” “Yes,” I reply. “Not any more,” he says. And I step into his boat.

John Dowie, proto-alternative comedian and quixotic cyclist, has a few last things to get off his chest. Join him in this funny and poignant memoir as he tells a story from pre-cradle to post-grave with musings on parenthood, Batman and showbiz along the way.

“Beautifully honest, poignant and laugh out loud funny. Another slice of uniqueness from a true original.”
Mark Thomas

“A funny, clever and alarmingly wise man”
Julian Clary

“The archaeopteryx of alternative comedy … the fossil record makes no sense without him.”
Alan Moore

“One of those figures from the comedy world who is both hugely important and somewhat marginalised … A master of the striking image”
Bruce Dessau, Beyond the Joke

“A beautiful meditation on life, death and childhood – with the odd sideways glance at his hugely influential career”
Entertainment Now