James Holland studied history at Durham University. He writes articles and reviews for Daily Telegraph, Sunday Times, The Times, Sunday Express and New Statesman on twentieth Century social history and the second world war. He has also worked in the publicity departments for major publishing houses most recently responsible for the publicity on Anthony Beever's number one bestseller 'Berlin'. Al Murray is one of the most successful comics in the UK with his alter-ego The Pub Landlord and has had four previous bestselling books, The Pub Landlord's Book of British Common Sense, The Pub Landlord Says Think Yourself British, Great British Pub Quiz Book and Watching War Films with my Dad. One of the most popular live comedy acts in the country, Al has sold out arenas nationwide, including London's O2 Arena. He has earned numerous awards and accolades, such as the British Comedy Award for his ITV1 series Al Murray's Happy Hour, the Perrier Award and two Olivier Award nominations.