© TopFoto

A book signing from December 1986

Reviews

This is my favourite of Spike's Memoirs and tells of his romance with a lovely Italian ballerina. This book changed my life - because of it I visited Capri, and begun a lifelong love of Italy. The saddest thing is that the place he describes has gone now. The book is full of life and colour, and is such a great read that you don't want it to end...I - extraordinary man and talent - this book will be a real delight for all new readers.

This is the 6th in Spike Milligan's war memoirs, and really it focusses on the immediate post war period, when he was being de-mobbed and working his way up Italy to Austria. All this is happenning amidst his great love affair with Toni, a petit Italian woman who travels with him most of the journey, until their final break-up. It is also the time that Spike can begin his entertainment career for which has has become so well-known and influencial.

The man is truly unique, and here you can see his wit and Goon sided view of the world developing as he works. It may surprise some that Spikes first ventures in the entertainment world where musical, as an accomplished trumpet player. In this period the comedy starts taking over, alongside the music and emerges to the fore in hios stage acts. However, this is Spike writing what seems to be form a crystal clear memory, as the details are so precise that it seems hard to believe he could remember so much.

Whether that is true or not does not affect the enjoyment of this book. Spike Milligan can only bear his soul, with all its totured views on life, God, love and war. For those, like me, who are confirmed "Goonatics" it will delight as all Spike's work does. For those with a passing interest it will introduce the foundation of the mans talent which later produced a revolution in comedy that the world has never recovered from. Basically, you will laugh!

Spike at a book signing for Goodbye Soldier

The photos below belonged to Bob "Dipper" Dye and are from a Goodbye Soldier Promotion held at the War Museum in London on the 3rd November 1986. Bob had written comments on the back of the photos, which I have included.

"Goodbye Soldier Promotion at War Museum. No doubt about it, Spike's got his admirers, lots of 'em"

"Goodbye Soldier Promotion." The Sergeant Major wouldn't say "Wipe that smile off your face" to any of 'em, but Spike was saying why his A.B.64. was getting tatty, so he had reason to be serious. Sorry Ken, only kidding. 

Same Promotion "Goodbye Soldier" A good snap of Spike giving his autograph.