Examining Monty Python’s enduring status as an unconventional, anti-authoritarian comedy touchstone, this book reappraises Python’s comedy output from the perspective of its 50 years of cultural circulation. Reconsidering the group’s originality, impact and durability, a range of international scholars explores Python’s influences, production contexts, frequently controversial themes, and the cult status and forms of fandom associated with Python in the present day. From television sketches, including
The Funniest Joke in the World, Hell’s Grannies, Dead Parrot
and
Confuse-a-Cat
, to the films
Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Life of Brian
The Meaning of Life
, to songs from the albums and live shows, this book is a ground-breaking critical analysis of the Monty Python phenomenon.