DAVID NIVEN - THE MOON'S A BALLOON/BRING ON THE EMPTY HORSES IN SOUTH AFRICA

Book in good condition but dustcover has creases and a bit worn around spine.  By Ned Middleton TOP 500 REVIEWER on May 2, 2007 If had to recommend two books to anyone seeking an excellent read which will make them laugh, I would look no further than "The Moon's a Balloon" and "Bring on the Empty Horses!" These are two of the funniest and most satisfying books I have ever read. There were several different aspects to David Niven's life. Having arrived in Hollywood, he was required to learn his trade in "B" movies before being allowed to enter the big time from where he eventually won an Oscar. Unlike some of the greats of Hollywood, he also put his entire acting career on hold whilst he served as a British officer in a fighting unit throughout WW2. "The Moon's a Balloon" recounts the first half of his life's story in which we meet some of the rich and famous stars of that Hollywood of yester-year and learn a little about each of these people and their various relationships. In "Bring on the Empty Horses" Niven confirms his credentials as an ingenious writer as he pours his own brand of humour onto each and every encounter he describes in this sequel. Not once does he stoop to the level of cheap gossip, not once does attack the person he is describing. Instead, we have a first hand account of that golden age of Hollywood written by a master wordsmith who has also mastered the art of humour. Only a writer who had also been a central part of that glorious cast of characters and real-life people could possibly have produced this work. I promise, you will not want either book to end - they really are so enjoyable. There is something about the way in which David Niven writes about other people you just know they would approve of what he has said. As an actor, David Niven was the good guy, the dashing hero, the sort of character to whom we would all wish to aspire. As an author, he writes about his fellow personalities from the Hollywood of yester-year with whom he worked and came into contact without exposing their shortcomings. Instead, he simply makes us laugh and, as I say, those of whom he writes would, therefore, approve. If you are a fan of the olden days, the golden days of Hollywood, you will enjoy these two books. If you simply want a damned good read, you will enjoy them even more. Truth is, I cannot imagine anyone not enjoying either product. What more can I say except I know you will not be disappointed.