The Pen is Mightier: Autobiography of a Punk Rocker

A fascinating behind-the-scenes account of the punk rock world, a career in show business and a lifetime spent on stage, written by legendary musician and one-time Sex Pistol and Henry VIII descendant Edward Tudor Pole.

Whether housesharing with Philip Pullman, trading one-liners at RADA with Ralph Richardson, shooting the breeze with Clint Eastwood, partying with Jerry Hall, acting in Edwardian comedy with Rex Harrison or dodging fights with Sid Vicious, Edward Tudor Pole has proved himself equal to many a challenge. In a series of amusing, nostalgic and sometimes outrageous stories, told with candour and wit, Tudor Pole recounts his fascinating youth pre-punk and during the time of Vicious and The Clash before fronting 80s band Tenpole Tudor. After the horrific implosion of the group, Tudor Pole was enticed into the acting world, appearing in numerous films and plays including Sid & Nancy, Absolute Beginners, a long term association with cult film director Alex Cox, cameo appearances in Harry Potter and Game of Thrones and a stint presenting The Crystal Maze.

The Pen is Mightier tells of how a troubled start can lead to a happy ending. Tudor Pole writes a fast-paced account of a life spent exploring every avenue of show business before finding out where you belong, taking the reader through his eclectic career as a punk rock band leader, hit songwriter, top 10 pop star, movie actor, TV presenter, West-End leading man and long-term touring musician.

'If I had to be abandoned on a desert island with an actor, I can think of no better co-castaway than Ed. His book is tremendous - particularly when he writes about the early days of punk. He was there, man! He lived it, and his storytelling is vivid and exciting' - Alex Cox

© 2025 Oldcastle Books (Ebook): 9780857306067

Release date

Ebook: 22 April 2025