Parcel Arrived Safely : The Autobiography of Michael Crawford (Abridged ed)

This is the long awaited autobiography of one of Britain's most internationally successful stars, Michael Crawford.

By turns funny, charming and sad, here is his vivid account of a war torn childhood -of a loving mother, a violent stepfather and the painful truth about his absent father.

His early memories include being taught to sing by Benjamin Brittan, hilarious anecdotes involving his budding love of girls, and the beginning of a lifetime's habit of hilarious pratfalls that he would later turn to good use in the character of Frank Spencer in Some Mothers Do 'Ave Em.

His early years in showbusiness led to friendships with David Hemmings, John Lennon and Oliver Reed - as well as the chance to take the mickey out of Michael Winner on set! - and then, as his career began to reach the heights there are stories of Michael making a fool of himself in front of idols Gene Kelly and Barbra Streisand while filming Hello Dolly! in Hollywood. Starring in Barnum and The Phantom of the Opera he became one of the world's biggest stars, but his behind the scenes anecdotes both professional and personal show the honest and self-deprecating quality that have given him a unique place in the affections of the British public.