James Acaster 2 Books Collection Set (James Acaster Classic Scrapes and Perfect Sound Whatever)

This two-book collection brings together James Acaster Classic Scrapes and Perfect Sound Whatever by James Acaster. Across both titles, Acaster recounts personal stories drawn from his life in comedy, including episodes first shared on Josh Widdicombe’s radio show and expanded here in book form.

The set moves from the mishaps and awkward encounters that became known as “Classic Scrapes” to a memoir centred on music and the way it shaped one particular year for him. The second book opens in January 2017, with Acaster in New York after a relationship ends, reflecting on comedy and returning to new music after a long break.

Included titles

• James Acaster Classic Scrapes
• Perfect Sound Whatever

Key details

• Two-book collection set by James Acaster
• Includes stories originally told on Josh Widdicombe’s radio show
• Classic Scrapes includes never-before-heard stories
• Classic Scrapes includes self-penned drawings

Synopses

James Acaster Classic Scrapes

James Acaster, a five-time Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee with appearances on prime-time TV shows including Taskmaster, Mock the Week, Live at the Apollo and Would I Lie to You, recounts a series of misadventures and embarrassing situations. The stories range from mishaps mid-skydive to hiding from thugs in a bush while wearing a bright red dress, alongside encounters involving the Kettering Board Games club, a didgeridoo-playing conspiracy theorist and some bemused Christians.

First popularised on Josh Widdicombe’s radio show as “James Acaster classic scrapes”, these tales are collected here with additional, previously untold stories and Acaster’s own drawings.

Perfect Sound Whatever

Described as a brand new memoir, this book is presented as a love letter to the healing power of music and an obsessive quest shaped by the contrast between two years. It also includes a series of comic incidents, from befouling himself in a Los Angeles steakhouse to stealing a cookie from Clint Eastwood and giving unsolicited pep talks to strangers.

Beginning in January 2017, Acaster wakes up heartbroken and alone in New York after his relationship ends. With music as a constant comfort, he realises that while 2016 was grim for many reasons, it also appeared to be an iconic year for music.