What a Bobby Dazzler: David Dickinson: The Duke

By David Dickinson

Book Overview

David Dickinson's bestselling autobiography now in paperback. David Dickinson is a household name, the king of the catchphrase, undisputed darling of daytime TV and a rising star. He's a respected antiques expert and exudes a taste for the finer things in life. But the road to his success has not been as smooth as his patter and he's learnt a lot at the school of hard knocks. In his autobiography David tells how he grew up in a working class district of Manchester, and reveals how he discovered at age 12 that he was adopted. David also describes his early foray into wheeling and dealing in the garment industry in Manchester, as well as his stint in Manchesters notorious prison, Strangeways. David was first introduced to showbiz when he travelled the world as the manager of his international cabaret star wife, Lorne. In his book David describes some of the remarkable people they met on their travels, and discloses the dark and dangerous side of showbiz he had no idea existed. Finally, after building himself a reputation as an antiques dealer to the rich and famous with an eye for treasures, a chance meeting with a TV exec at a barbecue began Davids journey to primetime TV on Bargain Hunt, and in his autobiography David shares some of his experiences of sudden celebrity.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0563521473
• ISBN13: 9780563521471
• Release Date: March 2004
• Publisher: BBC Books
• Length: 288 Pages

Customer Reviews

Cheap as Chips, Cheap as Chips

A great biography about one of Britain's most talented antigue dealers and "showman". He is real and very much a character. His has facets to his personality that make him unique in today's business world. Great read!

David is a real Bobby Dazzler, all right

I have been watching David D. on BBC America for over a year and I am a real fan of his show, Bargain Hunt. I greatly enjoyed reading his book and learning more about him. He has taken what life has brought him and made a great success out of his experiences, good and bad. I wish I could meet him and be a contestant on Bargain Hunt. Here's to the Duke!

Bargain Hunt on BBC America

This is a wonderful autobiography by the host of the great BBC America TV show - "Bargain Hunt"! David Dickinson has had a varied life from his childhood, his strict but wonderful "Nanny", finding out he was adopted, talking to and writing to his birth mother but never meeting her and his time spent in prison! Some passages are humorous, compassionate, and serious! He values those mistakes he made because he learned from them and he speaks to groups about this. As an agent for his wife Lorne, an entertainer, he has met extaordinary people and in his business as an antique dealer! Throughout this book you get to know him and you'll wish you could meet him and be his friend! I highly recommend it to every reader whether you've seen the show or not!