The Antipope - Robert Rankin

I’ve never been to Brentford but I’m sure it’s very nice. Certainly the picture Robert Rankin paints of it in his novel, “The Antipope”, depicts an extremely interesting place to visit - full of places of interest and colourful (to put it mildly) local characters. I’m guessing the book is set in the very early seventies, the only clue we get is that two pints of “Large”, the preferred local draught, costs 10/6 (10 shillings and sixpence – ask your Grandpa). Not that it matters much of course, given that one of the central characters has ... more

A great introduction into the surreal world of Robert Rankin. A mysterious figure from the mists of time taking up lodging at the local seamen's mission, a handful of magic beans, and horrible demons. Of course we are all left waiting for a galant hero to save the day. Mr. Rankin of course does not provide, instead it is left for a couple of down and outs from the local pub to save the world! Robert Rankin has a flair for creating a world so mad that it is impossible to put down this book until you've finished and then only to reach for the next in the series. ... more

This was the first Rankin book I ever read. Although brought to the author by a friend telling me about talking sprouts, I decided to start his books in chronological order. This as it turned out was the best way to start. Included is a fantastic story, which is very funny, well paced, a great to read in short bursts either on the tube or as a way to escape a rainy Sunday. Written in the early eighties, it shares some similarities with the Hitch Hikers Guide. His later books often reference each other and have a lot of running gags, that, unless your already in the know, can leave you feeling ... more

The first thing I thought when I saw the cover of this book in the Bookstore, was, what an odd title. I picked it up and then started browsing through. Rankin brings alot of his Brentford life into his books, but he does it in a most amusing way. His characters are so funny and yet real. Jim Pooley and John O'Mally, I can only but smile at the mention of their names. The ideas behind the story are not just entertaining, they're intriguing in a most silly way. Do read the trilogy, it's fabulous. I think it's one of Rankins best novel sets. ... more

Ah, Robert Rankin... Definitely one of my favourite authors, and certainly one of the, shall we say, quirkiest? I would love to hand this to an American and see how much of it they got. Set in Rankin's beloved Brentford, this story concerns the rise to power of, well, the Antipope (bet you didn't see that coming?). The two main characters and lovable layabouts, Pooley and Omally (these two make appearences in many of Rankin's books), are more concerned with getting drunk than doing anything like saving the world from the Antipope. The rest of the cast of characters are all equally strange ... more