As an avid follower of comedy, I have been waiting what seems like an eternity for a biography of Sid Caesar and this book not only satisfied my expectations but surpassed them by some distance. David Margolick has produced a most readable and certainly the definitive biography of a comedian who was light years of his time in terms of invention and creativity when it comes to humour. Sadly it is not a story of consistent success, far from it. Like any number of comedians, Caesar was beset by his own demons and his fall from grace was as spectacular as it was sad, though it should not necessarily have happened. He did suffer over exposure, but crucially the networks lost faith in him and that in turn meant sponsors pulled the plug as the American stations turned to bland entertainment shows, far removed from what Caesar’s unique comedic gift was all about. Margolick gives a thorough, highly readable account, including the famed writers’ room, who helped hone Caesar’s talent, people like Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner, Woody Allen and Neil Simon, The author also touches on Caesar’s many foibles and addictions, but despite that he was a true comedy genius. The book is loaded with insight - Caesar hated the use of canned laughter. He wouldn’t countenance it. He compared it to artificial insemination….Love that line. In conclusion it was one of those books that you feel a bit lost after it’s finished, which is the best tribute of all.