Exploring the life and career of a remarkable actor, this biography delves into Paul Scofield's extensive body of work, highlighting his versatility across stage and screen. It examines his notable performances, including his acclaimed role in "A Man for All Seasons," and reflects on his artistic philosophy and dedication to the craft. The narrative also offers insights into his personal life and the influences that shaped his career, providing a comprehensive portrait of a celebrated figure in the world of acting.
Great men deserve a new biography for every generation, and this look at Shakespeare's life and character, for the '90s, is conceived in the modern spirit. A theater man, O'Connor sets the greatest English writer in the context of his times. He has tried to answer by pulling together all aspects of Shakespeare's myriad-minded genius the crucial question: how did such an extraordinary being as Shakespeare ever come to exist, and go on changing and developing in such a remarkably productive way?
Garry O'Connor has written a riveting historical novel, which brings out the passions of that paradoxically refined and savage age -- it rekindles our fascination not only with the author of the bawdy and most erotic of the 'Canterbury Tales' as well as of the rarefied love allegories of mediaeval chivalry, but also with Prince John of Gaunt, the historic sisters Philippa Chaucer and Katherine Swinford, and Scriven, the ever complaining antagonist. Authentic in background and based on close research, 'Chaucer's Triumph', in its investigation of married love and the practice of adultery, is highly relevant to the modern world.
Delving into the life of Ralph Richardson, this biography explores the illustrious career of one of Britain's most celebrated actors. It highlights his remarkable versatility on stage and screen, showcasing his collaborations with prominent playwrights and filmmakers. The narrative captures his personal struggles and triumphs, providing insights into his artistic philosophy and the evolution of his craft. With anecdotes and reflections, the book paints a vivid portrait of Richardson's impact on the theatrical world and his enduring legacy.
"The definitive biography of Sir Ian McKellen from an acclaimed biographer In 2001, Ian McKellen put on the robe and pointed hat of a wizard named Gandalf and won a place in the hearts of Tolkien fans worldwide. Though his role in the film adaptation of Lord of the Rings introduced him to a new audience, McKellen had a thriving career a lifetime before his visit to Middle Earth. He made his West End acting debut in 1964 in James Saunders's A Scent of Flowers, but it was in 1980 that he took Broadway by storm when he played Antonio Salieri in Peter Shaffer's Tony-Award-winning play Amadeus. He has starred in over four hundred plays and films and he is that rare character: a celebrity whose distinguished political and social service has transcended his international fame to reach beyond the stage and screen. The breadth of his career-professional, personal and political-has been truly staggering: Macbeth (opposite Judi Dench), Iago, King Lear, Chekhov's Sorin in The Seagull and Becket's tramp Estragon (opposite Patrick Stewart) in Waiting for Godot. Add to all this his tireless political activism in the cause of gay equality and you have a veritable phenomenon. Garry O'Connor's Ian McKellen: A Biography probes the heart of the actor, recreating his greatest stage roles and exploring his personal life. Ian McKellen will show readers what makes a great actor tick. His life story has been a constantly developing drama and this biography is the next chapter"-- Provided by publisher
A mysterious and potentially dangerous erotic book, possibly authored by the Marquis de Sade, incites fierce competition among those seeking to possess it. Its allure is compounded by a troubling history linked to the deaths and suicides of young women in France, raising questions about its true nature and the dark secrets it holds. The book's small size belies its lethal impact, making it a coveted yet perilous object of desire.
Exploring the life and times of one of history's greatest playwrights, this biography delves into Shakespeare's personal experiences, influences, and the cultural landscape of Elizabethan England. It highlights his rise from modest beginnings to becoming a celebrated figure in literature, while also examining the themes and innovations in his works. The narrative is enriched with anecdotes and insights, making it accessible for both casual readers and scholars interested in the man behind the masterpieces.
This biography of Karol Wojtyla explores his early life marked by love and loss, including the deaths of his mother, brother, and father. Author Garry O'Connor delves into Wojtyla's passions, friendships, and experiences under occupation, while analyzing his literary works for deeper insights, creating a vivid portrait of the future Pope.
