To mark the thirtieth anniversary of the first pilot episode of The Black Adder this is the complete history of the series with the co-operation of writers Richard Curtis and Ben Elton, producer John Lloyd, cast and crew. Including hitherto unseen material including extracts from a previously unseen and unproduced Christmas special.

"a rather elegant overview of Eighties British TV comedy. If you have any interest in comedy, you will love this book . [Roberts'] research has been assiduous, his judgments are sound and his puppyish enthusiasm encouraged his interviewees to give their best. Unlike Baldrick's cunning plans, this one seems to have worked" -- Marcus Berkman Daily Mail "This really is the full history. for true buffs, this is not to be missed" Press Association "lively, warm-hearted" TLS "The True History of the Black Adder is a brilliant read for any fan of Edmund Blackadder, as well as a great introduction into the history of the contemporary comedy scene" BookGeeks "An almost perfect history of the greatest British sitcom there has ever been" comedy.co.uk

Jem Roberts is a life long fan Blackadder and author of the acclaimed Authorised History of I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue. He lives in Bath, where he runs the comedy sketch troupe The Unrelated Family, and plays the ukulele very badly.