Breadcrumbs
We invite you to spend an evening with Eric Idle for a hilarious, candid, and unforgettable event on his new book, "Idle in Provence: A Brief History of Thyme." Eric Idle will be joined in conversation by Dave Eggers, the author of "Contrapposto".
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.
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.
Dave Eggers is the author of many books, among them "The Circle," "The Monk of Mokha," "A Hologram for the King," "What Is the What," and "The Museum of Rain." He is the cofounder of 826 National, a network of youth writing centers, and Art + Water, a nonprofit visual arts hub on San Francisco’s waterfront. A member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters, Eggers has been a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Award, and the National Book Critics Circle Award, and is the recipient of the Dayton Literary Peace Prize for "Zeitoun" and the Newbery Medal for "The Eyes & the Impossible."
Eric Idle - photo courtesy of the publicist