This critically-acclaimed biography, written by Paul Thompson and John Watterson, reveals that Jake's life was as extraordinary as his writing: the hard childhood in the terraces of Leeds, strict Catholic education and formative experiences in France and war-torn Algeria; the first career as an inspirational, unorthodox, highly creative teacher; the meteoric development as a writer and performer, and discovery by the BBC; the Abbey Road recordings and impact on The Beatles; the friendship with Georges Brassens; the fame and fortune brought by a remarkable television career… and Jake’s rejection of it. It is the story of a complex, charismatic, self-effacing man whom many loved, but few understood.
 
Beware of the Bull was written with the full support of Jake’s family. With exclusive access to his personal papers, it includes a wealth of previously unpublished letters, poetry and lyrics, and is illustrated with rare photographs and memorabilia. Through it all, Jake’s voice is heard afresh, and his life and work better understood.
 
The book was included in the Daily Telegraph’s pick of the best music books of 2022.
 
The paperback edition includes a foreword written by comedian Jon Richardson, and an extended interview with Neil Gaiman.
 
Beware of the Bull is also available on Kindle and as an audiobook.