Idle in Provence
A Brief History of Thyme
Will be published approx. on 8. September 2026
Book
Hardback
256 pages
978-1-4002-5676-1 (ISBN)
Description
In 1971, at the beginning of Monty Python mania, Eric Idle bought a crumbling ruin in the hills of Provence. With no electricity, no water, no road, and no plan, he set out to transform the neglected stone shack into what he lovingly calls a shackeau.
Idle in Provence is the story of the transformation of both the place and the man. Against the sun-drenched backdrop of southern France, Idle penned iconic songs and scripts, hosted a revolving door of eccentric and brilliant friends-George Harrison, Robin Williams, Paul Simon, and others-and found a rare kind of peace far from the madness of showbiz. Equal parts memoir, travelogue, and comedy masterclass, the book is filled with laugh-out-loud moments, tender reflections, and the kind of sharp, self-deprecating wit only Idle can deliver.
As he reflects on love, loss, friendship, and joy, Idle paints a vivid portrait of a place that became more than a home-it became a sanctuary. The story spans decades. It's a love letter to France, to old friends, and to the wild, unpredictable journey of being alive.
Along the way, readers are treated to behind-the-scenes glimpses of Eric Idle's creative output, candid memories of fame, and thoughtful meditations on life, purpose, and the legacy of laughter.
Charming, cheeky, and unexpectedly moving, Idle in Provence is Eric Idle at his best-hilarious, candid, and unforgettable.
Idle in Provence is the story of the transformation of both the place and the man. Against the sun-drenched backdrop of southern France, Idle penned iconic songs and scripts, hosted a revolving door of eccentric and brilliant friends-George Harrison, Robin Williams, Paul Simon, and others-and found a rare kind of peace far from the madness of showbiz. Equal parts memoir, travelogue, and comedy masterclass, the book is filled with laugh-out-loud moments, tender reflections, and the kind of sharp, self-deprecating wit only Idle can deliver.
As he reflects on love, loss, friendship, and joy, Idle paints a vivid portrait of a place that became more than a home-it became a sanctuary. The story spans decades. It's a love letter to France, to old friends, and to the wild, unpredictable journey of being alive.
Along the way, readers are treated to behind-the-scenes glimpses of Eric Idle's creative output, candid memories of fame, and thoughtful meditations on life, purpose, and the legacy of laughter.
Charming, cheeky, and unexpectedly moving, Idle in Provence is Eric Idle at his best-hilarious, candid, and unforgettable.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Publishing group
HarperCollins Focus
Product notice
With dust jacket
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-4002-5676-1 (9781400256761)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Eric Idle is a comedian, actor, author, and singer-songwriter who found immediate fame on television with the sketch-comedy show Monty Python's Flying Circus. Following its success, the group began making films that include Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Monty Python's Life of Brian, and Monty Python's The Meaning of Life. Eric wrote, directed, and created The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash, the world's first-ever mockumentary, as well as the Tony Award-winning musical Spamalot. His memoir Always Look on the Bright Side of Life was a New York Times bestseller.