The long-awaited autobiography from one of Britain's most talented writers.

The instant Sunday Times bestseller and critics' pick of the best biographies and memoirs published in 2025

‘What Have I Done? snaps, crackles and pops with wit, bravado and glorious Ben-ness. A triumph’ – Stephen Fry

‘A big life chronicled by truly the Upstart Crow of our generation’ – Dawn French

Ben Elton has done everything and worked with everybody. Now, in this frank, forthright, and hugely entertaining book, he tells the whole story.

Discover the truth behind iconic hits like The Young Ones, Blackadder, and We Will Rock You. Relive the pioneering stand-up of Saturday Live that birthed a comedy revolution. From being the BBC’s youngest-ever sitcom writer to his most recent, critically acclaimed stand-up tour, Ben reveals unique insights into his groundbreaking work.

He talks honestly about his relationships with brilliant friends, inspiring contemporaries, and occasional foes. His life off-screen has been just as challenging and funny as it has been on, and he unpacks it all with wit, insight, and of course, a ‘little bit of politics’.

For decades, Ben’s been making people laugh, think, and getting on plenty of wicks – these are the uncensored stories.

‘Funny and fascinating, it’s a story of triumph and disaster and is the closest you’ll get to understanding where great comedy comes from’ – David Mitchell

'Bloody marvellous' – Jo Brand

_{What Have I Done? was a Sunday Times top ten bestseller w/e 11/10/2025.}

"It’s a miracle Ben Elton managed to fit such an incredibly full life into one volume, but that’s testament to the fact that he is one of the most creative, inventive and prolific writers of the last fifty years. This book and his life are a triumph!" - Between the Covers

"What Have I Done? is easily one of the most honest, thoughtful celebrity memoirs of the decade" - The Daily Express

"This exhaustive yet never dull memoir reminds us why he remains one of the giants of British comedy over the last four decades" - Daily Mirror

"He has plenty of . . . superpowers. This hugely enjoyable book reminds you of all of them" - The Times

"A fascinating tale of coincidences, the right people turning up at just the right time, and cunning plans" - The Saturday Age

"Timely as well as nostalgic" - The Australian Review of Books