In fact, the book is the work of Terry Jones and Michael Palin, who adapted a range of material from scripts written for the television comedy series Monty Python's Flying Circus.

The first edition was sold bearing a sticker on the front cover which read "A Monty Python Educational Product".

His bloodthirsty, psychopathic character is depicted in constant conflict with the publishers, as they attempt to raise the moral tone of the book and censor violent content.

Recurring jokes throughout the book include a number of parody advertisements for exotic household gadgets, appearances by the sinister West Bromley Fighting Haddock, and passing references to "the Bournemouth Killings".

Python writers Terry Jones and Michael Palin wrote the content, with artwork provided by several British illustrators.