Dave Farnham: 19 books

Joan Rivers is without a doubt the most fearlessly outspoken and controversial comedienne in the world. She has delighted or outraged millions with her biting, sometimes savage wit which is frequently turned against herself. Her one-liners are often devastatingly funny, even when she is being offensive....

Oscar Wilde was one of the most creative writers, a brilliant wit and a much sought-after personality in late nineteenth century London and Paris Society. His flamboyant style of dress and his way with words made him stand out as a true individualist in a Victorian era that preferred uniformity. His...

When we look back on the 20th Century a few statesmen stand head and shoulders above the rest, marked out by their total commitment to their cause, their humanity and their oratory.  Among them are to be found Nelson Mandela, and Mohanda (also known as Mahatma – ‘Great Soul’) Gandhi.  ...

There is probably no comedian so instantly recognisable, either by voice or appearance, than Billy Connolly.  His heavy Glaswegian accent, which might have made him a regional figure, has added to the appeal of this multi-talented performer.  For over forty years he has both entertained...

Jeremy Kyle is a very silly man who should be hit over the head with a brick. At least that’s what some people think. Others see the outspoken talk show host as a beacon of light in an otherwise mundane daytime TV schedule. This difference in opinion has perhaps helped to fuel Jeremy Kyle’s...

A few times in a generation a footballer’s name rises into the public consciousness and becomes familiar to everyone, even those not interested in sport. George Best, David Beckham, Bobby Charlton are among those few. To them can be added Paul John Gascoigne, better known as Gazza - an outstanding...

History has portrayed Marilyn Monroe as a ‘dumb blonde’.  In fact she was neither dumb nor naturally blonde.  The popular image created of her is a consequence of the parts she played in her popular films and the childlike innocence she often displayed in public. However, there...

Over the years, Boris Johnson has become one of the best known faces in British politics, with his unorthodox style and regular blunders. To some he is a loveable buffoon who can’t help but keep putting his foot in it; to others he is an evil genius, strategically playing the fool in an effort to...

In a long and productive life, Lord Richard Attenborough (‘Lord Dickie’as he was affectionately known) was notable for many achievements. As an actor his face became familiar in such films as Private's Progress, The Great Escape and Jurassic Park. As a director he achieved widespread acclaim for...

Benjamin Franklin led an astonishing life.  His work as a scientist would in itself have preserved his name for posterity.  But add to that his genius as an inventor (he invented, among other things, bifocal glasses) and his fame as a diplomat, writer , political leader and philanthropist,...

Love him or hate him, Nigel Farage is one of those rare breeds of politician you can’t help but pay keen attention to, always wondering what will come out of his mouth next. Not one to mince his words, Farage has risen from the political shadows to become a household name. Wonderful or blunderful?...

Of all human motivations the most powerful and obsessive is love.  It has been written about, sung about, acted and painted... but never fully explained despite the best efforts of scientists, philosophers and psychologists. And would we want to explain it all anyway?  It has a magic...

The day Barack Hussein Obama was elected to the highest office in the United States of America as its 44th President, a major part of Martin Luther King’s famous dream was realised.  Obama was the first African American to hold that position and his Presidency marked a new direction for American...

Is jealousy a significant factor in your life? Are you jealous of someone or is there someone who is jealous of you? Often referred to as the Green-Eyed Monster, jealousy is one of the less pleasant emotions of human beings. It has caused untold damage in the form of wars and crimes, yet it...