What do you think?
Rate this book
Ricky Gervais Presents: The World of Karl Pilkington by Pilkington, Karl (October 10, 2006) Paperback
Excellent Book
Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
About the author
Karl Pilkington
17 books546 followersKarl Pilkington is a Sony Award-winning English radio producer, poet, podcaster, raconteur and author, best known for producing and co-presenting The Ricky Gervais Show on London radio station Xfm from 2001 to 2005 and later in the form of podcasts and a television show on HBO. In October 2006, Pilkington's first book The World of Karl Pilkington was published, featuring original ideas and drawings by Pilkington, based upon the subject matter discussed in the podcasts. His second book, Happyslapped by a Jellyfish, was published in October 2007, and he was the subject of the Comedy Lab episode "Karl Pilkington - Satisfied Fool", which aired in October 2007. His third book, Karlology, a musing on his views on his own intelligence, and attitude to learning, appeared on 1 October 2008.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 209 reviews
March 2, 2024
Features 'the best' conversations / world views of left field zany thinking / 'village idiot' Karl Pilkington on the Ricky Gervais Show Podcast. Karl's world view gets a bit repetitive after awhile, and it is the response to his 'conversational pieces' by Gervais and Marchant that gave me the most humour in this non-fiction read littered with Pilkington fictions! A 6 out of 12, Three Star read that I presume will be very much loved by fans of the Podcast.
2024 read
2024 read
May 12, 2008
so even though i had heard the podcasts (through alternate technology), reading this book caused me to laugh so hard that tears fell onto the book in little plips. bless this man.
January 5, 2019
Loved this book. I've been listening to the podcast now and then, and I can't get enough of it. Karl's logic is so interesting to read about. Aside from that, he is actually a good writer and he can draw very well. It was so much fun to read.
May 8, 2011
If you've heard the Ricky Gervais Show podcasts, then you've already heard the contents of this book. It's basically a transcript of bits of the show, sewn together by Karl's odd thoughts and drawings. If you're a fan of these shows, I think you'll still like it. It's a great plane read (if you're a nervous flyer like me), and it makes for a supplemental reading source in your bathroom when you get tired of old magazines. I'm not having a go at the book, I'm just telling it like it is. See my 3 out of 5 stars up there? Yeah, I liked it.
March 30, 2011
I am seriously obsessed with Karl Pilkington. His other books are for some reason out of print and can only be purchased used or supposedly new, but at high prices. This saddens me because I want to read everything that has his name associated with it. I love this book. I love this man. And I love Ricky Gervais for bringing him into my life.
October 8, 2015
I read this quite a few years ago and I'm laughing just thinking about it. This book is hilarious! After hearing some of the podcasts I just had to buy this! I worked in the city of London for many years, and my commute, like most peoples, was miserable. It was mainly miserable because 95 percent of people travelling into work via packed sardine can at 7am are miserable, and who can blame them! I bought this book to liven up my morning commute and it worked a treat. These crazy guys had me crying with laughter. I highly recommend it!
September 5, 2018
For what it is, it’s a very enjoyable read. I had watched the Ricky Gervais Show (animated version of his podcasts with Stephen Merchant and Karl Pilkington) and had also watched An Idiot Abroad, so their voices were running through my head as I read this. I could almost hear Ricky’s hysterical glee, Stephen’s always-steady presence, and the bewildering Karl. Karl has some very unique observations about the world. I can see why he is Ricky’s muse. I can’t figure out whether I think Karl is a genius, or just maybe from another planet. Either way, I like him.
With the podcasts, the animated tv show, and this book, they certainly squeezed everything they could out of the same material, but I don’t mind. I was happy to revisit some old favorites, like Monkey News. I laughed out loud several times while reading this book.
With the podcasts, the animated tv show, and this book, they certainly squeezed everything they could out of the same material, but I don’t mind. I was happy to revisit some old favorites, like Monkey News. I laughed out loud several times while reading this book.
July 25, 2010
This book is basically a collection of podcasts from the 'Ricky Gervais Show' along with original drawings and observations by the marvellous Karl Pilkington. Gervais describes Karl as a simpleton and an idiot, I'd tend to agree, and the questions he and Stephen Merchant put to Karl, which vary from very simple ones to deep philosophical ones, leads to nothing but hilarity.
I was looking for a light-hearted book to quickly pass some time, and that's exactly what I got.
I was looking for a light-hearted book to quickly pass some time, and that's exactly what I got.
January 10, 2024
I love Karl pilkington I have listened to the podcasts many times, I skim read.
This book is literally the most popular conversations written down, with some fun illustrations which I enjoyed looking at
This book is literally the most popular conversations written down, with some fun illustrations which I enjoyed looking at
March 25, 2013
First thing first - I love Karl Pilkington, I think he's brilliant. He has a way of looking at the world which just brings a smile to my face. That's why when I first heard that a book containing his wonderful rambling thoughts was going to be released I immediately pre-ordered it. Picture then my disappointment when this arrived. It is not so much that it's not very good - it's just that everything in it is simply warmed up leftovers. The book consists of transcripts of the podcasts (which themselves are brilliant) and very little new material. In other words, if you've listened to the podcasts then you will have already heard everything here. The material itself is very good (and that's why I resisted the temptation to give it a single solitary star) but I can't help shake the feeling that this is simply a shameless cash-in by Gervais. If you want a book by Karl Pilkington then I would recommend getting any of the others he has written - they contain far more original material and work far better as actual books.
September 30, 2012
Enter the mind of Karl Pilkington, Beware it is filled with amazing theories and thoughts that mere man has not the time or inclination to ponder.
I must say I am a HUGE fan of The Ricky Gervais Show, I love An Idiot Abroad, and the Idiot II - so I am familiar to Karl's thought process. A man who says that if he was a slug that he would just end his life flinging himself into salt.
Most of the book it popular podcasts written, but there are some little tidbits strictly of Karl - such as the 5 Animals We Don't Need, Jellyfish is number 1.
I laughed so loud reading this book, I know I will reread this quite often.
I must say I am a HUGE fan of The Ricky Gervais Show, I love An Idiot Abroad, and the Idiot II - so I am familiar to Karl's thought process. A man who says that if he was a slug that he would just end his life flinging himself into salt.
Most of the book it popular podcasts written, but there are some little tidbits strictly of Karl - such as the 5 Animals We Don't Need, Jellyfish is number 1.
I laughed so loud reading this book, I know I will reread this quite often.
July 9, 2009
Truly a great read, not to be taken too seriously... its hilarious. It provides you a unique insight into the mind of a man without logic who provides you with the insight into the mind of a complete idiot. Very, very funny.
April 8, 2015
This book was a good laugh. Karl is such an odd character. Karl is a top writer too. For those who enjoyed an idiot abroad, this is a good place to start to find out about Karl's other work.
September 30, 2016
Nowt new if you've heard the show.
January 16, 2019
Karl is one of my favourite comedians, ever. So I read everything he writes! This book is, as all the others, super funny. Loved it!
October 9, 2019
Aight'?
January 3, 2021
This book was in my bookcase for years. I was about to donate it as part of a clear out when I started reading it. I have very mixed feelings about the book. On the one hand, I don't like the way Steve and Ricky treat Karl. The are quite condescending, and seem to enjoy pointing out to him that he is stupid. But he does have some amazing ideas. My favourite part of the book is the last section which is Karl's diary from a holiday in Gran Canaria. I think I like it because it's just Karl's observations. None of the criticism and put downs from Steve and Karl.
July 19, 2018
I just really really really want to hang out with Karl Pilkington!
May 24, 2020
Is funny and can read in an a few hours but might as well just listen to the radio show as it’s just a transcript of that but with a few extra pieces from Karl.
January 17, 2019
Fucking hilarious. Always enjoyed the podcast, and this was amazing as well. All the illustrations are top notch as well!
October 31, 2021
Really great and funny book for anyone who has watched An Idiot Abroad or any other stuff with Karl Pilkington in it.
Liked all of Karl's parts and thought they were funny and classic Karl but I didn't find Ricky and Steve all that funny in book form, slightly too brutal I thought. It might come across differently listening to the actual podcasts.
Recommend An Idiot Abroad though it's super funny
Liked all of Karl's parts and thought they were funny and classic Karl but I didn't find Ricky and Steve all that funny in book form, slightly too brutal I thought. It might come across differently listening to the actual podcasts.
Recommend An Idiot Abroad though it's super funny
July 18, 2017
Astoundingly hilarious. It's really best if you've listened to at least *some* of their podcasts (this book is largely a transcript of their popular podcast) so you get a feel for how this stuff actually sounds -- the accents, the timbre of their voices, how they interact, the delivery. I have listened to some of the casts, and I absolutely had their voices in my head as I read through the end of the book. Glorious.
November 25, 2015
Karl Pilkington serves as the centerpiece in this collection of conversations with Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, writers for “The Office.” Pilkington muses on society, culture, and history from his own unique perspective while being prodded by Gervais and Merchant. Conversations cover topics such as what Pilkington would do if he was an animal, the life of a lonely astronaut, population control, monkey news, and even excerpts from Pilkington’s travel diaries. Witness the de-evolution of a homo sapien as Pilkington attempts to reason with Gervais the meaning behind common philosophical thoughts such as “a stitch in time, saves nine” and the fallout of Pilkington’s thought processes. Best described as Merchant as being a “typical Englishman,” Pilkington represents the type of person who is complacent with the here and now and is not motivated to explore and learn about the world.
These conversations were recorded prior to 2006. In the last decade, Pilkington has gained some international success including publishing several books and starring in two different travel documentary series. People unfamiliar with Pilkington or were introduced to him by way of his televisions series question whether or not he is actually just character. I’ve been a fan of his for years and have listened to not only the podcasts, but also the Sky radio shows that were produced at the turn of the millennium. Pilkington has managed to stay consistent in his thinking and remains as authentic as a television personality can be. He is not a character. And that is what makes him so amazing.
These conversations were recorded prior to 2006. In the last decade, Pilkington has gained some international success including publishing several books and starring in two different travel documentary series. People unfamiliar with Pilkington or were introduced to him by way of his televisions series question whether or not he is actually just character. I’ve been a fan of his for years and have listened to not only the podcasts, but also the Sky radio shows that were produced at the turn of the millennium. Pilkington has managed to stay consistent in his thinking and remains as authentic as a television personality can be. He is not a character. And that is what makes him so amazing.
March 18, 2018
It’s very rare that a book actually makes me laugh out loud, not just once but repeatedly. This one did it, even though it’s basically just a transcript of The Ricky Gervais Show podcast featuring Karl Pilkington, Stephen Merchant and Ricky Gervais. That meant that I was already familiar with a bunch of the jokes, if you can call them that, inside of it, but it still made me laugh even though in some cases it’s the third of fourth time I’ve heard them.
But can you call them jokes? No, not really. It’s more like comic dialogue, except it’s unscripted and accidentally genius. Or perhaps it’s total idiocy, it’s always difficult to tell with Karl. Here, we get to see the best of the best, from Monkey News to Karl’s thoughts on controlling the earth’s ever-growing population. It’s pretty typical of Pilkington and the sense of humour that this book appeals to that when he said he’d invented a watch that tells you how long you have left until you die and Gervais asked him how it works, he said, “You just strap it to your wrist.”
All in all then, this was pretty fun, but it’s mostly good for giggles. Works for me.
But can you call them jokes? No, not really. It’s more like comic dialogue, except it’s unscripted and accidentally genius. Or perhaps it’s total idiocy, it’s always difficult to tell with Karl. Here, we get to see the best of the best, from Monkey News to Karl’s thoughts on controlling the earth’s ever-growing population. It’s pretty typical of Pilkington and the sense of humour that this book appeals to that when he said he’d invented a watch that tells you how long you have left until you die and Gervais asked him how it works, he said, “You just strap it to your wrist.”
All in all then, this was pretty fun, but it’s mostly good for giggles. Works for me.
August 27, 2014
This book is largely transcripts of the podcasts supplemented with a few drawings and writings from Karl. If I was to rate the source material it would definitely be 5 stars, but having heard the podcasts a hundred times and there being very little new material I am bumping it down to 4.
If you haven't heard the podcasts or watched the HBO animated show, go now and watch it. It may well be the best thing you have seen this year. Definitely the funniest.
Ricky Gervais starts off in his foreword by calling Karl an idiot, and then he calls those who think Karl is a genius a bunch of idiots.
But Karl is a genius. He is an idiot savant, his genius lies in the fact that he is a honest, gullible, kind, simple fool with outlandish ideas and very little formal education. The things that he says sometimes! Its impossible to describe him in words - you have to listen to him. Imagine a few characters who are scripted for television or movies - characters whose very existence is funny. Well Karl is like that except he is real.
If you haven't heard the podcasts or watched the HBO animated show, go now and watch it. It may well be the best thing you have seen this year. Definitely the funniest.
Ricky Gervais starts off in his foreword by calling Karl an idiot, and then he calls those who think Karl is a genius a bunch of idiots.
But Karl is a genius. He is an idiot savant, his genius lies in the fact that he is a honest, gullible, kind, simple fool with outlandish ideas and very little formal education. The things that he says sometimes! Its impossible to describe him in words - you have to listen to him. Imagine a few characters who are scripted for television or movies - characters whose very existence is funny. Well Karl is like that except he is real.
May 27, 2016
Karl Pilkington is perhaps one of the stupidest people in the world, according to British comedian Ricky Gervais. The book gives the reader a more detailed look at the podcasts that Karl, Ricky as Steve Merchant. The three converse about everything from the origins of words to arguments about the death of Plato. Karl's outlook on life is often ridiculed by his peers, while others consider Karl a genius. I give the book five out of five stars. Although I've listened to all the podcasts before reading this book, I still found it hilarious, with the extra details of Karl's drawings enhance the stories. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes British comedy and those who are interested in other people's outlook on the world. "But what we don't need to know the Latin bit. It was ages ago." This quote is hilarious because Karl is talking about how people are always talking about the Latin roots of words, but, according to Karl, if anything is more than a few years old, it really has no purpose.
November 30, 2013
Karl Pilkington is an idiot.
Let me begin by saying I am a huge fan of An Idiot Abroad, Idiot 2, and his character on Derek. I am no stranger to his roundabouts of logic or his sideways look at the world. I am on the fence between declaring him outright your garden variety idiot or something more uniquely savant in the sense that you almost follow his backroads to odd and interesting conclusions...almost.
While, KP is an endearing and charming curmudgeon in the podcasts and on tv some of that charm is missing from the book. Many of the pages of the book are just straight transcripts of the podcasts while even losing the charm of hearing it directly from the players. The original illustrations and journal entries make the book worthwhile.
Ricky Gervais is right to spotlight KP's ramblings but this book felt just a little warmed over and not as original as I had hoped.
Looking forward to more.
Let me begin by saying I am a huge fan of An Idiot Abroad, Idiot 2, and his character on Derek. I am no stranger to his roundabouts of logic or his sideways look at the world. I am on the fence between declaring him outright your garden variety idiot or something more uniquely savant in the sense that you almost follow his backroads to odd and interesting conclusions...almost.
While, KP is an endearing and charming curmudgeon in the podcasts and on tv some of that charm is missing from the book. Many of the pages of the book are just straight transcripts of the podcasts while even losing the charm of hearing it directly from the players. The original illustrations and journal entries make the book worthwhile.
Ricky Gervais is right to spotlight KP's ramblings but this book felt just a little warmed over and not as original as I had hoped.
Looking forward to more.
October 6, 2022
To read this book you should be familiar with the works of Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant and have possibly see any episode of ‘An Idiot Abroad’ to understand who you are dealing with here. You’ll be able to hear their voices when you read their conversations in this book and I kid you not, you can be in the darkest place in your life and this book will still make you laugh. It’s just that good.
January 26, 2016
Gotta love this man and his many adventures, not much else to say...read the book or listen to the audiobook and see for yourself! It's sarcastic and intelligently funny which makes it hard to put down!
October 1, 2020
My wife knows that I loved the show An Idiot Abroad so when she saw this in a charity shop for 50p she picked it up for me.
All this stuff is several years before the show, but of the same vein. What's interesting is in the show I thought Karl came off a bit sheltered and naive, but not all his ideas were entirely... out there. I found his thought process fascinating and hilarious. After reading this though, I can see why they call him an idiot. He never knows the facts of anything and just goes on about nonsense. And it was still hilarious. What I find most fascinating about Karl is that he is so satisfied with his own life. He doesn't want anything more. He likes to sit at his house and look out the window. He doesn't want fame or money or to do fancy things. He wants it simple. Perhaps it's a character for the show, but if true I still admire that about him.
I assume it would be much better to listen to than to just read the transcripts, so maybe I need to look up some of the old podasts so I can hear them in real life. I also wish I could watch An Idiot Abroad again. I do have the book of the show, so I'll just have to be satisfied with reading that for now.
All this stuff is several years before the show, but of the same vein. What's interesting is in the show I thought Karl came off a bit sheltered and naive, but not all his ideas were entirely... out there. I found his thought process fascinating and hilarious. After reading this though, I can see why they call him an idiot. He never knows the facts of anything and just goes on about nonsense. And it was still hilarious. What I find most fascinating about Karl is that he is so satisfied with his own life. He doesn't want anything more. He likes to sit at his house and look out the window. He doesn't want fame or money or to do fancy things. He wants it simple. Perhaps it's a character for the show, but if true I still admire that about him.
I assume it would be much better to listen to than to just read the transcripts, so maybe I need to look up some of the old podasts so I can hear them in real life. I also wish I could watch An Idiot Abroad again. I do have the book of the show, so I'll just have to be satisfied with reading that for now.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 209 reviews