Billy Connolly Books In Order

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

About Billy Connolly

The Scottish author, actor, and comedian Billy Connolly is an institution in of himself, having mad a name for himself worldwide. A familiar face to many, he’s not only performed in numerous productions and films, he’s also written several books as well. Reaching readers far and wide, his work has resonated with countless readers and viewers, both nationally as well as internationally. Often speaking about his home-town in Scotland growing up in Glasgow, his performances were often semi-improvised, typically employing observational comedy.

Starting out in music and comedy, he would begin his career performing on-stage, playing the banjo, while telling jokes and stories in the interludes. Entertaining his audience with his fun and engaging insights, his fresh perspective soon captured the attention of many on a global scale. Unique and down-to-earth, he would become a trademark brand in of himself almost, using his wit and intelligence to craft compelling performances and pieces. He’s also well-known for his profanity, elevating it to poetry almost, as his language is carefully considered, making for a truly hilarious act.

Over time he’s also gone on to write a number of books, many of which have gone on to become hugely successful in their own right. Publishing novels and memoirs, his books have gone on to become a permanent fixture on the bookshelves of many around the world. Setting himself apart from other performers and writers, his idiosyncratic insights and perspectives have resonated with many regardless of where they’re from. With so much more to come still, he really isn’t stopping any time soon either, as his work will continue to be discovered by many for years to come.

Early and Personal Life

Born in 1942 on the 24th of November at 69 Dover Street, Sir William Connolly was born and raised in Anderston, Glasgow. His parents, Mary McLean and William Connolly, were Catholic, and he’d be raised by his father’s two older sisters, Mona and Margaret Connolly, along with his sister Florence. Dealing with many difficulties growing up, he’d later go on to become a welder during the early 1960s, specifically working as a boilermaker, and he’d be known locally by his nickname of the Big Yin.

He’d later head on from the Glasgow shipyards to performing in Edinburgh, becoming a folk-singer performing with the Scottish performer Gerry Rafferty. Staying with the band ‘The Humblebums’ until 1974, he would move into solo performances, as he would begin to perform more comedy during the early seventies during his acts. Living in Key West, Florida, he’s married to his wife Pamela Stephenson, he has five children, and he continues to write regularly and perform, along with featuring on television shows and in films.

Writing Career

Over the years Billy Connolly has written his own performances, while many of them are also semi-improvised as well. Publishing numerous books, he’s produced memoirs and tie-ins to shows and performances he starred in over the years. Many of his titles also focus on travelling, such as his 2011 book ‘Billy Connolly’s Route 66’ where he heads off on an American road-trip.

His other books, such ‘Journey to the Edge of the World’ in 2009, would also show clearly his love of travel abroad. Winning awards for his work, he’s received BAFTAs and honours, including being knighted in 2017 for the Birthday Honours, and often being cited as one of the greatest stand-ups. Continuing to put out work, many will continue to enjoy his performances for years to come, as more and more discover his work every day.

Windswept and Interesting

Going under the subheading of ‘My Autobiography,’ this does exactly what it says in the title, which is to provide an autobiography of Billy Connolly’s life. Originally published in 2021 on the 14th of October, it would come out through the ‘Two Roads’ publishing imprint to much acclaim. A stand-alone work of non-fiction, it isn’t a part of any overall series as such, with its own completely self-contained narrative.

Charting his life in fully up to that point, Billy Connolly looks back on his childhood growing up in Glasgow, making his way to the stage. Working as a welder in the River Clyde shipyards, he would go on to become a folk musician, playing the banjo, and telling stories and jokes. Later he would appear on the Michael Parkinson chat-show in 1975, making a name for himself with his hugely popular appearance. Providing plenty of digression and humorous asides, the book shows who he is as an individual and how he came to be as a comedy icon.

Hugely entertaining and constantly hilarious, Billy Connolly as a personality is a likeable presence right from the outset. Offering plenty of charisma throughout, his friendly wit and intelligence shines through upon the page, keeping the reader reading. A must for any fans of his work and comedy, it provides a unique insight into who he really is and where he’s come from.

Made In Scotland

With the subheading of ‘My Grand Adventures in a Wee Country,’ this would be another non-fiction title from Billy Connolly. First coming out in 2018 on the 18th of October, this would arrive through the ‘BBC Digital’ publishing imprint to a great deal of critical acclaim. Again it’s not a part of any long-running series, with it being a book that’s easy to pick-up, yet at the same time difficult to put down. It’s funny and insightful, giving the reader plenty to think about, as they put their own past into perspective alongside Billy’s.

Looking at the concept of roots and where people come from, Billy Connolly seeks to understanding his own cultural ancestry. Examining what it means to be Scottish, he provides insight into how it’s effected his own outlook and perspective on life. Offering plenty of humorous insights, he goes about answering ‘what do you come from?’ with his own signature brand of wit. There’s lots of comedy along the way, and the book is essentially a love-letter to his own roots, seeing how they made him the man he is today.