Spike Milligan is one of Britain's best-loved comedians. In private, he is an extraordinary man who has dealt with a number of challenges in his personal life - sometimes leading to a reputation for being difficult - yet a man who is renowned for kindness and an overwhelming generosity of spirit. Maxine Ventham, a friend who often experiences Spike's affectionate nature first-hand, was chatting with Spike's wife one day about what it is that makes so many people fall under Spike's spell. She then came up with the idea of creating a 'living biography' of Spike. Spike agreed that this was an excellent idea and gave her permission to contact his friends and acquaintances for their thoughts about him and recollections of their times together. Spike Milligan: His Part in our Lives presents those experiences - often amusing, sometimes startling and sometimes poignant. Over 40 celebrities and public figures have contributed to this book's, ranging from Michael Palin, Bill Wyman, Joanna Lumley and Michael Parkinson to Michael Winner and Dennis Norden.