Individual actors Books

Book Synopsis'Destined to be a classic' Sunday Independent'Gabriel Byrne tells his story brilliantly' - Edna O'Brien'Dazzles with unflinching honesty' Washington Post'An absolutely marvellous book' - Colm TóibínBorn to working-class parents and the eldest of six children, Gabriel Byrne harboured a childhood desire to become a priest. Four years later, Byrne had been expelled from an English seminary and he quickly returned to his native Dublin. There he took odd jobs as a messenger boy and a factory labourer to get by. In his spare time he visited the cinema, where he could be alone and yet part of a crowd. It was here that he could begin to imagine a life beyond the grey world of ’60s Ireland.It was a friend who suggested Byrne join an amateur drama group, a decision that would change his life forever and launch him on an extraordinary forty-year career in film and theatre. Moving between sensual recollection of childhood in a now almost vanished Ireland and reflections on stardom in Hollywood and on Broadway, often through the lens of addiction. Hilarious and heartbreaking Walking With Ghosts is a lyrical homage to the people and landscapes that ultimately shape our destinies.Trade ReviewThe wonder of this memoir is its unembellished truth. It is written by a man whose amazing story is the stuff of literature -- Edna O'BrienSo beautiful, it seems extraordinary that [Byrne] has kept this light under a bushel all this time . . . Gorgeous -- Graham Norton, BBC Radio 2An absolutely marvellous book . . . beautifully written, poetic . . . it’s a really riveting read -- Colm TóibínGabriel Byrne has written the most beautiful memoir. This is haunting prose and wondrous, sad, uplifting, my book of the year -- Claire KeeganWalking With Ghosts is lavish with lyricism, but presents a pretty unvarnished version of its author . . . The book is also a conscious departure: stylistically ambitious, purposefully (and successfully) so * The Guardian *Thoughtful, moving and without a trace of self-indulgence, this honest and beautifully-written book reads more like a novel than a memoir, drawing the reader into a narrative that is full of courage, humour and above all, humanity. I really loved Walking with Ghosts and can't recommend it highly enough -- Christine Dwyer HickeyImagine Séamus Heaney's eye falling on Hollywood's glare . . . it really did remind me of Séamus Heaney, it seemed to have that very sharp focus and also that wonderfully lyrical way of expressing it -- Richard Coles, BBC Radio 4Make no mistake about it: this is a masterpiece. A book that will wring out our tired hearts. It is by turns poetic, moving and very funny. You will find it on the shelf alongside other great Irish memoirs including those by Frank McCourt, Nuala O'Faolain and Edna O’Brien -- Colum McCann, author of Let the Great World SpinThe allure of Gabriel Byrne's memoir is that it persuasively humanizes what it is to be a big deal movie star. Byrne is wonderfully without cant or bluster or phony humility. Instead he leads with felicity, candor, humor and empathy. In the end, he seems to be somebody you'd be glad to know -- Richard FordByrne arrives at a truth greater than an honest and sensitive memoir; he verges on a profoundly touching articulation of our short time on earth, time that will make of each of us nothing more or less than a ghost -- Mia Colleran * Irish Independent *A wry and warm, swirling poetic reverie of a memoir -- Colin BarrettA joy of a book - full of heart and humour, beautifully told -- Sinéad GleesonDestined to be a classic . . . What makes Gabriel Byrne a great writer is that he knows that whether we are wicked or good, few of us get what we deserve * Sunday Independent *Reading the book was a beautiful experience; it’s superb. It really is a very special book so if you love someone buy it for them for Christmas -- Eamon DunphyStructured around an imaginary, haunted visit to the Dublin of his youth, the book does offer sketches from the movie wonderland – John Boorman being bossy on Excalibur, testy encounters with Laurence Olivier in the 1980s – but it is more to do with conjuring up a now-vanished Ireland. The smell of the Guinness brewery. Early acting experiences in a nativity play. The church, everywhere the church * Irish Times *The writing is so vivid it’s as if we are by Gabriel Byrne’s shoulder through the sorrowful times and the joyous moments. He weaves an intimate and absorbing tapestry of the poignant and the funny -- Kirsty WarkA working-class family memoir as well as a meditation on fame and its discontents -- Sena O'Hagan * Observer *Walking with Ghosts is exquisite. This book feels like the culmination of a long literary career and not the debut of a famous actor. Byrne makes himself fully vulnerable while in total command of language and form. There is great truth and great beauty in this close examination of a life and the passage of time. I’ve never read a memoir so raw and honest and literary and absolutely, staggeringly brilliant -- Lily King[Byrne] writes with much more depth than the typical celebrity memoirist, accessing some of Seamus Heaney’s earthiness and James Joyce’s grasp of how Catholic guilt can shape an artist . . . A melancholy but gemlike memoir, elegantly written and rich in hard experience * Kirkus (starred review) *Mercurial, ferociously honest and moving . . . A poignant symphony of memories and dreams, longing and loss, in a search for the immigrants most elusive prize, home -- Karl Geary, author of MontpelierA poetic journey into those secret realms of memory which dominate our lives, but are rarely spoken about. By revealing himself with such courage, compassion, and exquisite poise, Gabriel Byrne gives readers that rare gift of being able to see themselves in the feelings of another person. This book is more than a memoir—it’s a mirror that reflects the deepest parts of us in exile -- Simon Van BooyA remembrance of the Ireland Byrne left behind, one which is no longer there * Hot Press, '2020 Books of the Year' *Dazzles with unflinching honesty, as it celebrates the exuberance of being alive to the world despite living through pain. [Byrne's] portrait of an artist as a young boy is steeped in nostalgia of the best sort, re-creating the pull of home . . . With this tender book — full of warm and often funny stories — Byrne shows us the depth of his true character * Washington Post *In emotional, evocative prose, Walking With Ghosts describes the town outside Dublin where [Byrne] grew up, the oldest of six children crammed into a small house, their father working as a barrel-maker for the Guinness brewery, everyone in each other’s business. They were steeped in Catholicism . . . In passages that are horrifying, then funny, then both, he describes, for instance, learning the story of Adam and Eve from a fire-and-brimstone nun, in a lesson that ends with God declaring to the fallen pair: 'And by the way, your children will be miserable as well.' ('That’s why the world is such an unhappy place,' the nun adds.) . . . Can you go home again? That is the tantalizing question raised by Walking With Ghosts -- Sarah Lyall * The New York Times *This is a book about grief, loss, the secrets that we keep and the joys of creativity. It's also about dealing with addiction and the vertigo of fame. We always knew Gabriel Byrne was an astonishing actor but now we also know what an elegant, intelligent and dignified writer he is -- Mariana Enríquez, author of Dangers of Smoking in BedByrne is very honest and interspersed with all of the beautifully evoked sadness [in Walking With Ghosts] are very funny moments . . . you know he has a very good sense of humour but he probably wouldn’t admit it -- Jane SmileyIn pared down prose both luminous and raw, Walking with Ghosts is about first things—parents, siblings, loves, heartbreaks, parts, failure, success, loss, but most of all it is a tender embrace of the past as Byrne discovers and accepts the truth of who he is in all his human struggle to be at peace with oneself and one’s imperfections. In a voice full of warmth, compassion, humor and wonder, Byrne steps into the role of writer with the same assurance, humility and intensity that he brings to his acting roles. More, this debut marks a welcome new voice that blends memory and imagination for an all-encompassing and wise memoir that reads like a novel -- Vanessa Manko, author of The Un-AmericanIt is at times a heartbreakingly tender excursion between the living and the dead. The actor is an artist of the written as well as the spoken word -- Tommy Condren * Sunday Independent *A beautifully judged blend of sparkling anecdotes spliced with the darkest of memories -- Sarah Halliwell * The Gloss Magazine *The diary of a poet who also happens to be a famous movie star -- Monique RoffeyActor Byrne channels his fellow countrymen and Ireland's literary masters - Beckett, Heaney, Joyce, Yeats - to create an exceptionally lyrical and expressive memoir about his childhood and early career . . . Bracingly revealing about his struggle with alcoholism, achingly passionate about the Ireland of his youth, and piercingly frank about his acting life, Byrne is a vivid, evocative, and sumptuously compelling memoirist * Booklist *

Read more less

Book SynopsisA candid, honest memoir from one of the most recognisable, influential, and beloved cinematic personalities in the world.Trade Review"The legendary action star gets candid telling his life story – in particular, recounting his many brushes with death both on and off screen. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a Hollywood memoir with this much blood and (broken) bone. Chan’s stories are too fascinating to ignore." —Entertainment Weekly"This life story, as told in the star's impossibly colorful memoir Never Grow Up, (Gallery Books, 333 pp., 3 stars out of four), would have Charles Dickens speed-dialing Chan's film agent for movie rights—with tales of Chan's impoverished youth (from age 6, enrolled in the abusive China Drama Academy), lost loves, undying ambition fueled by his insecurity over his upbringing, true bravery and eventual glory." —USA Today"Like Chan's best films, his memoir is engaging and entertaining." —Shelf Awareness"The book is definitively warts (and cracked skulls and broken bones and gallons of blood) and all… but Chan also reveals a soulful, thoughtful side—just one you wouldn't want to mess with." —Kirkus Reviews"Undeniably fun... winningly upbeat... it provides a heck of a lot of entertainment." —Publishers Weekly"This is a worthy addition to library collections not only because of Chan’s worldwide fame but also for the value of a non-Western Hollywood success story." —Booklist"With 200-plus films, an honorary Oscar, and countless mind-blowing stunts to his credit, the martial arts master reflects here on his remarkable acting career. Chan shares how through the ups and downs, he was able to keep his grace, poise, and humility." —CBS Watch! Magazine"A legendary life, with many fascinating stories waiting for you to discover." —Jet Li"I was always a big fan of Jackie and working with him was like a dream come true. His innovative and creative ability was unmatched." —Chris Tucker"Jackie reminds me to make every summer count and to think with my heart, he leads by example and lights the way." —Adrien Brody"Working with Jackie Chan is maybe the most fun I've ever had working on movies." —Owen Wilson"Jackie Chan is one of the great and iconic movie stars of our time." —Jeffrey Katzenberg"Jackie Chan is my favorite person to duet with." —Kenny G"If you’re a fan of Jackie and even if you’re not, it’s a great look at the man’s life and the entertainment industry. And he is brutally honest, which is refreshing from someone in his field." —Red Carpet Crash

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe term ''national treasure'' has seldom been more appropriate. Richard Briers was not only the nation''s favourite next-door neighbour thanks to his work in the iconic BBC sitcom The Good Life, he was an actor you felt like you really knew, despite having only seen him on stage or screen.While his role as Tom Good might be considered the pinnacle of Richard''s sixty-year career, it sits atop a mountain of roles that combined represent one of the most productive and varied careers in British entertainment history. Indeed, Richard''s television work alone makes up a not insignificant portion of our country''s best endeavours on the small screen, from Jackanory and the anarchic Roobarb and Custard through to Dr Who, Inspector Morse, Ever Decreasing Circles, Extras, and the long-running comedy drama, Monarch of the Glen. On the big screen Richard appeared alongside Raquel Welch, Robert De Niro, Denzel Washington, Kathy Bates and MicTrade ReviewA charming biography of Richard Briers, spotlighting the rich diversity of the much-loved actor's career * Choice *This lively biography reveals a modest, self-deprecating and likeable person * Irish Times *Packed with anecdotes * Reader's Digest *

Read more less

Book SynopsisACTRESS. ICON. ACTIVIST. Her story, in her voice, for the first time. In this honest, layered and unforgettable book that alternates between storytelling and her own poetry, Pamela Anderson breaks the mould of the celebrity memoir while taking back the tale that has been crafted about her.Her blond bombshell image was ubiquitous in the 1990s. Discovered in the stands of a football game, she was immediately rocket launched into fame, becoming Playboy''s favourite cover girl and an emblem of Hollywood glamour and sexuality. But what happens when you lose grip on your own life - and the image the notoriety machine creates for you is not who you really are?Growing up on Vancouver Island, the daughter of young, wild, and unprepared parents, Pamela Anderson''s childhood was not easy, but it allowed her to create her own world-surrounded by nature and imaginary friends. When she overcame her deep shyness and grew into herself, she Trade ReviewA revelatory and fascinating dive beyond the usual bimbo clichés -- Alexander Larman * The Spectator *Pamela Anderson tackles her journey from small-town girl to one of the icons of the 90s, terrorised by the LA paparazzi who were obsessed with her personal life . . . this is a chance for her to tell her story in her own way. * Stylist *Reveals the woman behind the iconic image in this intimate and well-written journey of self-discovery, uncovering the layers that make up her complicated past and sharing her lifelong thirst for knowledge. Anderson fully takes control of her own story, addressing the salacious aspects but also sharing inspiring tales of survival, motherhood, and activism. * Library Journal *A page-turner . . . throughout her account of this kooky, messed-up, enviable, and often thrilling life, her humility . . . never fails her. * Kirkus *This pensive and free-spirited narrative reflects both Anderson's naivete and her wild spirit. * Publishers Weekly *The most disappointing thing about Love, Pamela is that it doesn't come in a form that can be injected directly into your viens . . . Dazzling. * The New York Times *The iconic Anderson uses a mixture of poetry and prose to present an impressionistic view of a fascinating life . . . the book paints a picture of a wild spirit, a proud mother, and a seeker that will draw in fans and those who have misunderstood this complicated woman. * Booklist, starred review *Anderson reveals the woman behind the iconic image in this intimate and well-written journey of self-discovery, uncovering the layers that make up her complicated past and sharing her lifelong thirst for knowledge. Anderson fully takes control of her own story, addressing the salacious aspects but also sharing inspiring tales of survival, motherhood, and activism. * Library Journal *

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

Read more less

Book Synopsis''Coveney is the only writer who could get under Smith''s skin, capturing her steeliness and vulnerability'' INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAYFrom her days as a star of West End comedy and revue, Dame Maggie''s path has led to international renown and numerous accolades including two Academy Awards. Recently she has been as prominent on our screens as ever, with high-profile roles as the formidable Dowager Countess of Grantham in DOWNTON ABBEY, as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the HARRY POTTER movie franchise and as the eccentric Miss Shepherd in the film version of THE LADY IN THE VAN by Alan Bennett. Paradoxically she remains an enigmatic figure, rarely appearing in public and carefully guarding her considerable talent. Drawing on personal archives, interviews and encounters with the actress, as well as conversations with immediate family and dear friends, Michael Coveney''s biography is a captivating portrait of the real Maggie Smith.Trade ReviewFrom early days in the theatre to Miss Jean Brodie and Downton's formidable Dowager, Maggie Smith has endeared herself to millions. This engaging and fascinating biography reveals the life and career of one of our finest actresses * WOMAN & HOME *Dame Maggie Smith - now 81 - is a national treasure, her unforgettable asperity a delight in every role ... [Coveney's] knowledgeable, elegant biography examines the qualities of the woman in the spotlight ... But he also gently probes Smith's closely guarded privacy, with revealing anecdotes from friends, fellow thespians and Smith's sons, the actors Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens -- Jane Shilling * DAILY MAIL *A satisfying read ... [P]leasantly gossipy and a very valuable addition to the history of British theatre -- Mary McEvoy * IRISH INDEPENDENT *[A] solid and admiring portrait of a beloved actor's craft and career -- Patricia Nicol * INDEPENDENT *Michael Coveney's affectionate [biography] provides the best account we are likely to get of this reserved grand dame, who surely stands alone in having her 'witty' elbows and wrists so often singled out for praise * EVENING STANDARD, Books of the Year *The conundrum of what Smith does haunts Coveney's Maggie Smith: A Biography, on a brilliant journey from Shakespeare's Viola to J.K. Rowling's Professor McGonagall. Coveney's admiration is never in doubt, being of a rare critical type that cares for the actor's craft with infectious enthusiasm -- Michael Joseph Chance * TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT *Coveney has written a magnificent book that beautifully illuminates the talent and the irreducible personality of a great artist -- Peter Craven * THE AUSTRALIAN *Inspiring stuff - BOOK OF THE WEEK * NEW magazine *BOOK OF THE WEEK * DAILY MAIL *[A] revealing biography of the sublime life and loves of Maggie Smith -- Gerald Isaaman * CAMDEN NEW JOURNAL *Wonderful insight into the life of a wonderful actress - READERS' CHOICE FOR BEST MEMOIR OF THE YEAR * WOMAN & HOME *Michael Coveney isn't afraid to elucidate on her reputation for being difficult, but there's much more here, from a revelatory Hedda Gabler to The Lady In The Van. Coveney is the only writer who could get under Smith's skin, capturing her steeliness and vulnerability. -- Christopher Fowler * INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY, Cinema Books of the Year *Steeped in theatre history, and with full cooperation from Smith; her husband, actor Beverley Cross; family and colleagues, including her close friend Judi Dench, Coveney seamlessly melds Smith's personal and professional lives into an engrossing narrative ... An authoritative and perceptive portrait. * KIRKUS REVIEWS *Coveney enticingly lists and quotes from her most remarkable roles, and forbears to intrude on Smith's determinedly private life. Hers is a fascinating story, a true swan hatched from the unlikely nest of a dour Methodist accountant mother and a lab technician father who moved to Oxford during the war. -- Christina Hardyment * THE TIMES *

Read more less

Book SynopsisLife advice from a screen legend Arguably one of the most recognisable actresses of all time, this unauthorised collection of inspirational quotes demonstrates the spirit of a true style icon, and reflects on charity, fashion, elegance, humanity, beauty and beyond. ---'Every day, you should have one exquisite moment.''Elegance is the only beauty that never fades.''You have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.''Life is a party. Dress for it.'

Read more less

Book SynopsisRomesh Ranganathan is a comedian, actor and writer. A former maths teacher, he is now known for his award-winning series The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan, his weekly topical show The Ranganation, his sitcom The Reluctant Landlord and the BAFTA nominated Asian Provocateur, which features Romesh's mum. Amongst all of this, he still manages to squeeze in time to record his award-winning podcast 'Hip Hop Saved My Life', to write his regular Midlife Crisis column for the Guardian, and to pen his bestselling autobiography, Straight Outta Crawley. DJ Muffin drops the Mic is his first children's book and gave him an excuse to write about two of his favourite things - hip hop and cake.Trade ReviewVery, very funny. I can’t recommend it highly enough. * Jonathan Ross *His ability to produce bitingly fresh gags marks him out from the crowd. * The Guardian *Frank and very funny. * The Daily Telegraph *Delivered with consummate skill... totally original. * Evening Standard *Irresistible gags with stink-bomb impact. * The Guardian *

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisTHE SUNDAY TIMES TOP TEN BESTSELLER WITH EXCLUSIVE NEW MATERIAL 'I want to be Sheila Hancock when I grow up' - Lorraine Kelly 'Wise, witty, kind and true' – Sunday Times 'A sparkling memoir as funny and insightful as it’s moving' – Daily Mail 'A captivating memoir' – Mail on Sunday In 2016, Sheila Hancock sat down to write a book about a serene and fulfilled old age. This is not that book. In Old Rage, one of Britain’s best-loved actors opens up about her tenth decade. Funny, feisty, honest, she makes for brilliant company as she talks about her life and takes an uncompromising look at a world so different from the one of her wartime childhood. And yet – despite age, despite rage – she finds there are always reasons for joy. 'The much-loved actor candidly shares the fear, joy and frustration she has found in her ninth decade' Guardian, Books of the Year 2022 'Sheila Hancock reflects upon her life and career with all the winning candour and warm-heartedness we have come to expect from the legendary actress' WaterstonesTrade ReviewThe much-loved actor candidly shares the fear, joy and frustration she has found in her ninth decade * GUARDIAN, BOOKS OF THE YEAR 2022 *This book should be required reading for EVERYONE! I was belly laughing but also reduced to tears. Sheila is the wisest of women ... I want to be Sheila Hancock when I grow up -- LORRAINE KELLYSheila Hancock reflects upon her life and career with all the winning candour and warm-heartedness we have come to expect from the legendary actress * WATERSTONES *Sheila Hancock’s memoir Old Rage promises to be funny, feisty and honest * IRISH INDEPENDENT, BOOKS OF THE YEAR 2022 *A warm and thoughtful memoirist ... Hancock discovers many reasons for joy and optimism - and you're quite likely to find yourself nodding in agreement with her. * WOMAN & HOME, The best non-fiction books to read in 2022 to inspire and enthral *Entertaining * SPECTATOR *

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis*** The Hilarious Number One Sunday Times Bestseller! ***The follow-up autobiography to one of Britain’s best loved actors and national treasures*As seen in David and Jay’s Touring Toolshed on BBC Two*In his first book David Jason told us about himself from his early years training as an electrician through to making it as one of Britain's greatest actors.This autumn, in a follow up autobiography, he tells us about the many other lives he has lived – his characters. From Del Boy to Granville, Pop Larkin to Frost, he takes us behind the scenes and under the skins of some of the best loved acts of his career.And in the process he reflects on how those characters changed his life too. The result told with his characteristic charm and wit is both funny and poignant, honest and heart warming.Trade ReviewA terrific storyteller … An essential purchase. * On: Yorkshire Magazine *A genuinely funny man - 5 Stars * Sunday Sport *Told with candour and wit, a fascinating insight into some of television’s most memorable creations. * Choice *A memoir that's as entertaining and warm as Only Fools and Horses * Daily Mail *Deserves a huge round of applause -- Steve Wright * BBC Radio 2 *

Read more less

Book Synopsis Fondly remembered as Spike Dixon in Hi-De-Hi, Jeffrey Holland is one of our best-loved situation comedy actors. An invaluable member of the repertory company of writer and director David Croft, his many other television credits include Are You Being Served?, Dad?s Army, It Ain?t Half Hot Mum, Oh, Doctor Beeching!, and You Rang, M?Lord? Written in collaboration with Britain?s foremost comedy historian, Robert Ross, producer and presenter of the hugely successful touring show Jeffrey Holland: Comedy Friends and Heroes, this unique memoir reveals the hilarious tales from Holland?s long and illustrious career, through the comedy greats that have inspired him, to the comedy colleagues with whom he has worked. There will be heart-warming stories from his twenty-year association with Paul Shane and Su Pollard: BBC?s comedy ?A? Team of sitcom. There will be poignant and deep reflection on his all-time favorite comedian, Stan Laurel, and revealing stories of working with the great and good of variety theatre ? from understudying Frankie Howerd in pantomime, to unforgettable encounters with Ben Warriss, the no-nonsense straight man of Jewel and Warriss fame, via many happy years as part of Russ Abbot?s Madhouse. Not to mention blissful thoughts on the joy of The Goon Show, and the thrill of stepping into the huge shoes of Peter Sellers, when the crazy characters were resurrected for Goon Again! Filled with the enthusiasm and affection, The First Rule of Comedy..! is a life told through the eyes of one of the true greats of the genre.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA gripping, painfully honest and ultimately inspirational, New York Times bestselling memoir from global superstar and creator of the Red Table Talk series Jada Pinkett Smith.''It's a shame that Pinkett Smith''s marriage has taken up so much attention because, as Worthy shows, it's far from the most interesting thing about her' Sunday Times MagazineIn a media driven landscape that crafts narratives for our celebrities, Smith recounts her story in an intimate conversation with readers. Along the way, she explores her path to accepting her power as a woman, and her discovery that a strong sense of self is every woman's right and saving grace.An impactful and rare memoir that engages and educates, Worthy is a courageous love song to self, to family, to life, and to the world.From an unconventional upbringing in Baltimore, to an unconventional marriage to one of the most famous men in the world, adhering to the status quo has never been a familiar road for Jada Pinkett Smith. In Worthy, SmTrade Review'Worthy is at its best when it’s sparky and spiky with self-doubt and humour' i NEWS ‘As a teen, she was a mid-level drug dealer on Baltimore’s streets, repeatedly mugged at gunpoint for whatever she held on her. Surviving such ordeals, and her more recent battles with alopecia, have given her a steely armour’ Daily Telegraph 'It’s a shame that Pinkett Smiths marriage has taken up so much attention because, as Worthy shows, it’s far from the most interesting thing about her’ Hadley Freeman, Sunday Times Magazine

Read more less

Book SynopsisTHE SUNDAY TIMES-BESTSELLING BOOK BY ONE OF BRITAIN'S BEST-LOVED COMIC WRITERS**Pre-order now: David Mitchell's new book Dishonesty is the Second-best Policy**There are many aspects of modern life that trouble award-winning comedian David Mitchell, such as: Why is every film or TV programme a sequel or a remake? Why are people so f***ing hung up about swearing? Why do the asterisks in that sentence make it ok? Why do so many people want to stop other people doing things, and how can they be stopped from stopping them?Join Mitchell on a tour of the absurdities of our times - from Ryanair to Richard III, Downton Abbey to phone etiquette, UKIP to hotdogs made of cats. Funny, provocative and shot through with refreshing amounts of common sense, Thinking About It Only Makes It Worse celebrates and commiserates on the state of things in our not entirely glorious modern world.'Mitchell is an exceptionally clever, eloquent and spot-on commentator. We should be grateful for him.' Daily Mail, Books of the Year

Read more less

Book SynopsisCome along backstage and peek inside the spectacular and sometimes scandalous world of musical theatre.See the world''s most-loved musical productions come to life in this lavishly illustrated book!This show-stopping reference book includes:- A chronological structure that makes the book work as a history of musicals- Includes a 20-page reference section with key details on over 100 additional musicals- Neat timelines summarise the plot, characters, and songs for 20 top musicalsFrom The Wizard of Oz and The Sound of Music to Mamma Mia and Les Misérables, fall in love all over again with the songs, stories, characters, creators, and legendary stars from every era of musical theatre. Take a journey through the years and immerse yourself in the behind-the-scenes world of musical theatre! From the dance halls and vaudeville to the silver screen and sensational Broadway shows, this go-to musical guide has all the glitter and glamour of the West End. It''s Showtime! Delve into profiles of successful creators such as Andrew Lloyd Webber and Lin-Manuel Miranda. Packed with profiles of musical icons and fun infographics that summarise the plot, characters and songs, Musicals: The Definitive Visual Guide is the perfect way to embrace your inner theatre geek. With a foreword by Elaine Paige, this updated edition gives greater coverage on the smash-hit Hamilton and includes mention of new and popular stage and movie musicals. It''s a must-have or the ultimate gift for musical theatre fans.Complete the Series:If you enjoyed this illustrated celebration of musicals, look out for more titles in this series from DK. Uncover the most mesmerising moments in ballet history in Ballet: The Definitive Illustrated Story.

Read more less

Book SynopsisStephen Fry invites readers to take a glimpse at his life story in the unputdownable More Fool Me.''Oh dear I am an arse. I expect there''ll be what I believe is called an intervention soon. I keep picturing it. All my friends bearing down on me and me denying everything until my pockets are emptied. Oh the shame''In his early thirties, Stephen Fry - writer, comedian, star of stage and screen - had, as they say, ''made it''. Much loved in A Bit of Fry and Laurie, Blackadder and Jeeves and Wooster, author of a critically acclaimed and bestselling first novel, The Liar, with a glamorous and glittering cast of friends, he had more work than was perhaps good for him. What could possibly go wrong?Then, as the 80s drew to a close, he discovered a most enjoyable way to burn the candle at both ends, and took to excess like a duck to breadcrumbs. Writing and recording by day, and haunting a never ending series of celeb

Read more less

Book SynopsisDavid Mitchell, who you may know for his inappropriate anger on every TV panel show except Never Mind the Buzzcocks, his look of permanent discomfort on C4 sex comedy Peep Show, his online commenter-baiting in The Observer or just for wearing a stick-on moustache in That Mitchell and Webb Look, has written a book about his life.As well as giving a specific account of every single time he''s scored some smack, this disgusting memoir also details:the singular, pitbull-infested charm of the FRP (Flat Roofed Pub')the curious French habit of injecting everyone in the arse rather than the armwhy, by the time he got to Cambridge, he really, really needed a drinkthe pain of being denied a childhood birthday party at McDonaldsthe satisfaction of writing jokes about suicidehow doing quite a lot of walking around London helps with his sciaticatrying to pretend he isn't a total **** at Robert Webb's weddingthat he has fallen in love at LOT, but rarely done anything about itwhy it would be worse toTrade Review‘One of the best celebrity memoirs of last year…his outsider geek personality translates just as well on the page as it does on TV.’ Metro ‘It livened up about half way through with the appearance of me. But enough of David's life. The book is wonderful from beginning to end.’ Robert Webb 'David Mitchell is an extremely funny man on screen, in person, in print and very probably underwater.' Sam Bain, co-writer of Peep Show ‘He can write’ Evening Standard ‘Fluent, discursive, intelligent.’ Evening Standard ‘If you like Mitchell on television, you will like him in this book.’ Shortlist

Read more less

Book SynopsisHe''s one of America''s most recognisable and acclaimed actors-a star on Broadway, an Oscar nominee for The Aviator, and the only person to ever win Emmys for acting, writing, and directing during his eleven years on M*A*S*H. Now Alan Alda has written a memoir as elegant, funny, and affecting as his greatest performances. ''My mother didn''t try to stab my father until I was six,'' begins Alan Alda''s irresistible story. The son of a popular actor and a loving, but mentally ill mother, he spent his early childhood backstage in the erotic and comic world of burlesque and went on after early struggles to achieve extraordinary success in his profession.Yet Never Have Your Dog Stuffed is not a memoir of show business ups and downs. It is a moving and funny story of a boy growing into a man who then realizes he has only begun to grow. It is the story of turning points in his life, events that would make him what he is - if only he could survive them.From the momentTrade Review'I couldn't put it down and I couldn't stop laughing' -- Brian Greene, author of The Elegant Universe'Alda dips and weaves through his life story with bracing unpredictability, dwelling with wry humour on the ups and downs.' * Mail on Sunday *Alda's account is affecting and amusing ... An infinitely more profound and stimulating study than the standard luvvie's autobiography * Spectator *'[An] entertaining autobiography tempered with humility and a depth rarely found in celebrity memoirs' * Publishers Weekly *'An entertaining and profound read with a strong sense of the ridiculous' * Ireland on Sunday *

Read more less

Book SynopsisSteve Coogan is an English actor, writer, comedian and producer. He is the co-creator and star of Alan Partridge, and has appeared in numerous films including 24 Hour Party People, Minions, Night at the Museum and the BAFTA Award-winning Philomena. He lives in Sussex.Trade Reviewfascinating read...disarmingly honest * The Independent *Absolutely fantastic, honest and candid * Chris Evans, TFI Friday *Coogan's childhood vignettes are both touching and hilarious...Coogan covers his one-time appetite for cocaine and alcohol with as much frankness as he does everything else but such is the warmth of the book, his excesses are the least interesting part of this very funny man...A-ha, indeed * Evening Standard *a wonderful insight into a man who has lived it all * Yorkshire Post *Written with distinctive humour and an unexpected candour, Coogan's autobiography travels from a noisy childhood surrounded by foster kids via his attention-seeking teenage years to his emergence as a household name with the birth of Alan Partridge. * Gransnet *

Read more less

Book SynopsisWilliam Mann charts the journey by which Kathy Hepburn of Hartford, Connecticut, became the star who dazzled audiences for decades in the company of such luminaries as Cary Grant, Jimmy Stewart, and, most memorably, Spencer Tracy, with whom she made nine movies and conducted a long off-screen romance. Hepburn won her fourth Oscar aged 74 and across seventy years in the public eye, she was a cut above the usual screen queen. Now William Mann looks beyond the legend to consider apart the life and the persona of Katharine Hepburn, from her movies, her loves, her bisexuality and her extraordinary life in the golden age of film-making.Trade Review"'A significant biography.' Gore Vidal"

Read more less

Book Synopsis''I''m so glad you had the life you did, Barbara. I''m sorry you can''t remember, but my God, what a life! You haven''t wasted a minute of it...''In December 2020, while the world was gripped with news of an imminent third lockdown, Scott Mitchell was visiting the care home where his partner and wife of 27 years - Dame Barbara Windsor - was being looked after. At the age of 83, after a career spanning seven decades and a seven-year battle with the debilitating effects of dementia, she was slipping away.Barbara''s illness meant she could no longer remember her magical career, and so Scott sat by her bedside in her final days, telling her tales from their extraordinary life together. From the unlikely moment they met to the challenges they faced, and the highs and lows of a life shared in the limelight. For theirs was an incredibly passionate relationship, but also a turbulent one - and along with a life of love and laughter, together they endured the pressures

Read more less

Book SynopsisNicholas Ray's 1955 film Rebel Without a Cause is a globally recognised landmark of post-war American cinema. The film follows twenty-four hours in the life of troubled teen Jim Stark (James Dean), the new boy in town, who becomes drawn into a maelstrom of shifting social allegiances, emotional turmoil, and violence. Rebel tackled head-on the thorny political issue of juvenile delinquency from the perspective of the adolescents, contributed to the genesis of the teen movie, and was pivotal in bringing The Method acting style to wider audiences. Dean's nuanced and dextrous performance as the film's lead character was paramount in establishing the actor's iconicity.In his study of the film, Glyn Davis foregrounds the concept of rebellion, exploring in detail what it meant to be a rebel in the 1950s, the role that cinema has played in articulating rebellion and providing a haven for rebels, and why James Dean's archetypal depiction of a teenage rebel has endured. Combining sharp close analysis with perceptive contextualisation, Davis scrutinises Nicholas Ray's status as a maverick director, the challenges that The Method presented to calcified standards of performance in Hollywood, and the ways in which Rebel contributed to the shaping of new articulations of masculinity and sexuality. Ray's film, Davis ultimately argues, has an ambiguous stance on rebellion, depicting both the lure and the terror of rejecting conformity.Davis examines the significant contributions to Rebel Without a Cause made by an array of cast and crew members: from screenwriter Stewart Stern to composer Leonard Rosenman, from production designer Malcolm Bert to costume designer Moss Mabry, from lead actors such as Dean and Mineo to secondary players such as Marietta Canty and Edward Platt. Highlighting the film''s shifting critical reception, he unpacks its legacy and the reasons that it continues to resonate with contemporary audiences.

Read more less

Book SynopsisWriter, producer, actor, and former teen star Avan Jogia delivers a glimmering, no-holds-barred poetry collection on the intricacies, challenges, and oddities of fame, for readers of Lana Del Rey and Jennette McCurdy.

Read more less

Book SynopsisHe was one of the world's true superstars, and the silver screen's most beloved James Bond. Sir Sean Connery - a proud Scotsman born in 1930 to a working-class family - died at home in the Bahamas on 31 October 2020. He left behind him a legacy to rival any actor. Connery bestrode Hollywood like a Colossus. He commanded some of the highest fees in the industry and was lauded by critics and the public alike. In July 2000, his unique contribution to the world of film was recognised when he was accorded a knighthood. John Parker traces the astonishing rise to stardom of a tough street kid from Edinburgh. The part of 007 became a monster that threatened to kill Connery as an actor; he escaped to establish himself as one of the world's most magnetic and commanding character actors, winning an Oscar for his role in iconic crime drama The Untouchables. The author has drawn on reminiscences of famous friends and colleagues, including Honor Blackman, Robert Hardy and Eric Sykes, to create an authoritative and entertaining portrait of a talented, complex actor - and, above all else, a magnificent man.

Read more less

Book Synopsis ''Uproarious and unflinching'' Mail on Sunday ''A truly incredible life story'' The Sun''Most memorable . . . told in a voice as distinctive as his spoken one'' Independent''Brims with his gift for genial anecdote'' The Sunday TimesOne of ''the top 25 most compelling Hollywood autobiographies'' -Guardian* * *From the author of the bestselling Blowing the Bloody Doors Off, the original, definitive autobiography of British screen icon and legend Sir Michael Caine. It''s been a long journey for Maurice Micklewhite - born with rickets in London''s poverty-stricken Elephant & Castle - to the bright lights of Hollywood. With a glittering career spanning more than five decades and starring roles which have earned him two Oscars, a knighthood, and an iconic place in the Hollywood pantheon, the man now known tTrade Reviewuproarious and unflinching * Mail on Sunday *uproarious and unflinching * Mail on Sunday *Mr Caine is a charming raconteur....he writes with a quality that has grown rare among memoirists: good cheer * New York Times *Mr Caine is a charming raconteur....he writes with a quality that has grown rare among memoirists: good cheer * New York Times *Michael Caine's second work of memoir brims with his gift for genial anecdote, but this time there's a hint of sadness as he looks back * Sunday Times *Michael Caine's second work of memoir brims with his gift for genial anecdote, but this time there's a hint of sadness as he looks back * Sunday Times *To read Caine is to be in the company of an amiable, sentimental man who has achieved great success - and happiness - without appearing to be in the least smug. * Daily Mail, John Preston *To read Caine is to be in the company of an amiable, sentimental man who has achieved great success - and happiness - without appearing to be in the least smug. * Daily Mail, John Preston *A truly incredible life story. * The Sun *A truly incredible life story. * The Sun *Not much mileage in discussing warm receptions then, unless it's to wonder if a literary festival crowd has ever sounded more fulfilled than when Michael Caine finally said "you're only supposed to blow the bloody doors off" and "not a lot of people know that" halfway through his appearance in Cheltenham last weekend. * The Times *Not much mileage in discussing warm receptions then, unless it's to wonder if a literary festival crowd has ever sounded more fulfilled than when Michael Caine finally said "you're only supposed to blow the bloody doors off" and "not a lot of people know that" halfway through his appearance in Cheltenham last weekend. * The Times *you can hear his distinctive voice throughout, his fans will enjoy the ride. * Choice *you can hear his distinctive voice throughout, his fans will enjoy the ride. * Choice *a gold standard celebrity who makes the modern sort look cheap * The Times *a gold standard celebrity who makes the modern sort look cheap * The Times *most memorable... This follow-up might have seemed over-indulgent were it not for his self-deprecating vignettes, told in a voice as distinctive as his spoken one, that led to critical comparisons with David Niven's classic, The Moon's a Balloon. * Independent *most memorable... This follow-up might have seemed over-indulgent were it not for his self-deprecating vignettes, told in a voice as distinctive as his spoken one, that led to critical comparisons with David Niven's classic, The Moon's a Balloon. * Independent *Michael Caine fans will love his 'blow the bloody doors off' autobiography. * Fabulous *Michael Caine fans will love his 'blow the bloody doors off' autobiography. * Fabulous *uproarious and unflinching * Mail on Sunday *a gold standard celebrity who makes the modern sort look cheap * The Times *To read Caine is to be in the company of an amiable, sentimental man who has achieved great success - and happiness - without appearing to be in the least smug. * Daily Mail, John Preston *A truly incredible life story. * The Sun *you can hear his distinctive voice throughout, his fans will enjoy the ride. * Choice *most memorable... This follow-up might have seemed over-indulgent were it not for his self-deprecating vignettes, told in a voice as distinctive as his spoken one, that led to critical comparisons with David Niven's classic, The Moon's a Balloon. * Independent *Michael Caine fans will love his 'blow the bloody doors off' autobiography. * Fabulous *Michael Caine's second work of memoir brims with his gift for genial anecdote, but this time there's a hint of sadness as he looks back * Sunday Times *A jolly amble from the Elephant & Castle to international stardom...there's plenty of satisfying name-dropping from a gold-standard celebrity who makes the modern sort look cheap. * Saturdays Times, Christmas Round-Up *the peeks behind the silver screen make the book light up * New Statesman *Most compelling autobiography since David Niven's The Moon's A Balloon... he has brought this fascinating story up to date. * RTE Guide, Ireland *warm-hearted and well written autobiography. Despite his fame this celebrity has always kept his feet firmly on the ground and this enjoyable book shows how he did it. * Sunday Express *a gold standard celebrity who makes the modern sort look cheap * The Times *To read Caine is to be in the company of an amiable, sentimental man who has achieved great success - and happiness - without appearing to be in the least smug. * Daily Mail, John Preston *A truly incredible life story. * The Sun *Not much mileage in discussing warm receptions then, unless it's to wonder if a literary festival crowd has ever sounded more fulfilled than when Michael Caine finally said "you're only supposed to blow the bloody doors off" and "not a lot of people know that" halfway through his appearance in Cheltenham last weekend. * The Times *Mr Caine is a charming raconteur....he writes with a quality that has grown rare among memoirists: good cheer * New York Times *He's a natural storyteller as well as the Oscar winning actor we admire, and we bowl along happily...How one longs to have met him, which is the best thing one can say about any autobiography * Seven, Sunday Telegraph *

Read more less

Book SynopsisPulitzer Prize-winning author Richard Rhodes delivers a remarkable story of science history: how a ravishing film star and an avant-garde composer invented spread-spectrum radio, the technology that made wireless phones, GPS systems, and many other devices possible. Beginning at a Hollywood dinner table, Hedy's Folly tells a wild story of innovation that culminates in U.S. patent number 2,292,387 for a secret communication system. Along the way Rhodes weaves together Hollywood’s golden era, the history of Vienna, 1920s Paris, weapons design, music, a tutorial on patent law and a brief treatise on transmission technology. Narrated with the rigor and charisma we've come to expect of Rhodes, it is a remarkable narrative adventure about spread-spectrum radio's genesis and unlikely amateur inventors collaborating to change the world.

Read more less

Book SynopsisJerzy Grotowski created the Theatre Laboratory in 1959 in Opole in south-west Poland. His work since then, with a small permanent company, has become a source of interest to many modern directors. This is a record of the ideas that have motivated the work of the Theatre Laboratory.

Read more less

Book SynopsisWinner at the 2022 Parlimentary Book AwardsBaroness Floella Benjamin is an inspiration, an actress and much-loved children’s television presenter who is a member of the House of Lords. But how did the girl from Trinidad end up lunching with the Queen?In What Are You Doing Here? Floella describes arriving in London as a child, part of the Windrush generation, and the pain caused by the racism she encountered every day. It was offset by the love of her parents, who gave her the pride in her heritage, self-belief and confidence that have carried her through life. From winning a role in groundbreaking musical Hair (while clearly stating she would not take her clothes off) to breaking down barriers on Play School, from refusing to be typecast in roles to speaking out for diversity at the BBC and BAFTA, she has remained true to herself.She also reveals how she met husband Keith, became a mother of two, was befriended by Kenneth Williams, hugged President Obama, and found a purpose that would underpin everything she did – campaigning for the needs of children. Sharing the lessons she has learned, imbued with her joy and positivity, this autobiography is the moving testimony of a remarkable woman.

Read more less

Book SynopsisDenise Van Outen, original 90s 'ladette', West End star and primetime TV favourite, reveals for the first time the true story of grit and graft beneath the famous Essex sparkle.In this refreshingly candid memoir, Denise speaks openly and sensitively about her rollercoaster career, her struggles in a past high-profile relationship and the betrayal she suffered at the hands of those once closest to her, with the hope that in doing so, she can help empower others to avoid and overcome any similar difficulties they may face.Denise shot to fame on The Big Breakfast in her early twenties. After a decade grafting through theatre jobs and children's TV shows, she was finally living the dream. However her life soon turned into a nightmare off-screen and behind the headlines as her heart was broken in a very public relationship, whilst her every move was printed in the tabloids thanks to her phone being tapped. After receiving a panning by the critics for her late night TV show aimed at the post-pub crowd, she then auditioned for and accepted an offer to play Roxie Hart in Chicago, which turned out to be a life-changing experience. The role took her to Broadway, where she caught the eye of one Andrew Lloyd Webber, eventually landing a judging role on Any Dream Will Do, which saw her rise back to primetime and the career that she loves, where she has stayed and flourished. Now, in her first memoir, Denise tells her story with disarming candour, unafraid to reveal vulnerabilities beneath the cheerful exterior. Tackling difficult subjects of corrosive self-doubt, betrayal, invasions of privacy and professional struggles, interjected with the familiar humour that we all know and love, A Bit of Me is personal, at times raw, often mischievous and always compelling. Denise has lived the life, learned the lessons, and Basildon to Broadway and back is a hell of a journey.

Read more less

Book SynopsisUNLOCK THE MAGIC OF THEATRE THIS CHRISTMAS - GO BEHIND THE CURTAIN WITH WEST END LEGEND, MICHAEL BALL IN HIS FIRST MEMOIR 'Love, laughter and tears abound in this warm, entertaining read' Woman and Home 'Glittering' Daily Mail'Wonderful' The SunIn 1989, a young Michael Ball landed the lead role in the musical Aspects of Love. It was a moment that changed his life forever. It was the first time he worked with legends of the stage like Andrew Lloyd Webber and Trevor Nunn; the show featured his smash hit song, Love Changes Everything, which rode high in the charts for 15 weeks; it was then, also, that he first met his long-term partner Cathy McGowan and battled back against the stage fright that had threatened his career. Over three decades later, Michael returned to a new production of the same show where he made his name, and with a lifetime's worth of stories to tell.In Different Aspects, Michael takes us backstage inside the making of a West End hit, while also diving back into his memories to share untold anecdotes and explore a glittering career that has made him a household name - from his first stage experiences in Les Misérables and Phantom of the Opera, to delighting and shocking his audiences in equal measure in Hairspray and Sweeney Todd, as well as his chart-topping musical success (and some howlers too!). Exploring Michael's life, career and relationships alongside the pitfalls and pratfalls of modern theatre, Different Aspects is the story of a life lived on the stage. There will be laughter, tears and an abundance of heart. There's even some Roger Moore, though, famously, not quite enough.Take your seats ladies and gentlemen, the lights are dimming, the performance is about to start.Readers are loving Different Aspects...'A very funny, insightful glimpse of the highs and lows of a musical theatre star''If you love Michael Ball, you'll love this''His story made me smile''Filled with wonderful little stories''Interesting, honest and revealing'Trade Review'This wonderful memoir is an insight into the world of theatre and Michael's life.' * The Sun *'There is much to enjoy about Different Aspects as Ball is such an unaffected, enthusiastic ambassador for musical theatre.' * Daily Mail *'Love, laughter and tears abound in this warm, entertaining read' * Woman and Home *

Read more less

Book Synopsis1971 was a great year for cinema. Woody Allen, Robert Altman, Dario Argento, Ingmar Bergman, Stanley Kubrick, Sergio Leone, George Lucas, Sam Peckinpah, Roman Polanski, Nicolas Roeg and Steven Spielberg, among many others, were behind the camera, while the stars were also out in force. Warren Beatty, Marlon Brando, Michael Caine, Julie Christie, Sean Connery, Faye Dunaway, Clint Eastwood, Jane Fonda, Dustin Hoffman, Steve McQueen, Jack Nicholson, Al Pacino and Vanessa Redgrave all featured in films released in 1971.The remarkable artistic flowering that came from the New Hollywood' of the '70s was just beginning, while the old guard was fading away and the new guard was taking over. With a decline in box office attendances by the end of the '60s, along with a genuine inability to come up with a reliable barometer of box office success, studio heads gave unprecedented freedom to young filmmakers to lead the way.Featuring interviews with cast and crew members, bestselling author Robert Sellers explores this landmark year in Hollywood and in Britain, when this new age was at its freshest, and where the transfer of power was felt most exhilaratingly.

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn It’s Not a Proper Job, TV legend Chris Tarrant regales the reader with hilarious and heart-warming stories from his stellar 50-year career in television and radio. With trademark wit and self-mockery, Chris not only recalls his behind-the-scenes capers with fellow celebrities, but also shows us how, as a man of the people, he has relished rubbing shoulders with ordinary folk on his way to becoming one of the nation’s favourite TV faces. A former teacher and ATV newsreader, Chris soon established himself at the forefront of trailblazing telly as the host of Tiswas, and here recounts this 1970s, anarchic, flan-flinging children’s show that spearheaded a fresh format and a new era for Saturday morning TV packed with pranks, full of fun, and which remains a benchmark to this day. For later audiences, Chris will be more familiar as the face of yet another groundbreaking show, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? which he presented for sixteen gripping years, and which grew into a global phenomenon exported to over one hundred countries. Here Chris remembers the joyous highs of contestants’ life-changing winnings, the frustrating lows of loss, the cringing embarrassment of ignorance, and the infamous cheating of the ‘Coughing Major’. Spanning five decades, Chris’s television credits are the envy of aspirational TV stars, but reading his laugh-out-loud anecdotes – akin to having a chat with the man himself over a pint, or listening to one of his entertaining, after-dinner speeches – reveals a man still amused by life, by the people he meets, and by his own humble assertion that none of his glittering career can, in any way, be called ‘a proper job’.

Read more less

Book Synopsis''The book is filled with that most distinctive of all her qualities: her voice'' The TimesHome Work, the second instalment of Julie Andrews'' internationally bestselling memoirs, begins with her arrival in Hollywood to make her screen debut in Walt Disney''s Mary Poppins. It was closely followed by The Sound of Music, and the beginning of a movie career that would make her an icon to millions all over the world.With her trademark charm and candour, Julie reveals behind-the-scenes details and reflections on her impressive body of work - from the incredible highs to the challenging lows. She shares her professional experiences and collaborations with giants of cinema and television, and also unveils her personal story of adjusting to a new and often daunting world. This included dealing with unimaginable public scrutiny, being a new mother, embracing two stepchildren, adopting two more children, and falling in love with the brilliantTrade ReviewHome Work is written with a warm heart and a generous spirit . . . an honest attempt to make sense of an often chaotic life * Sunday Express *With typical candour and a storyteller's skill . . . Julie Andrews is a reliable narrator and an entertaining guide through a second memoir that brings her career from Marry Poppins to Victor/Victoria (1982) -- Donal O'Donoghue * RTE Guide *Andrews's tone is measured but realistic. The book is filled with that most distinctive of all her qualities: her voice. For many, hearing the struggles with domestic despair will be life finding a tender hand in the dark. Her honesty is not self-indulgent. There's a sense that she wants to give comfort to those whose domestic lives are also filled with struggle. As such, Mary Poppins may appear only briefly here, but her spirit is alive and well * The Times *An intimate and heart-warming memoir * Woman & Home *An enjoyable glide through Andrews' stellar career -- Pat Fitzpatrick * Irish Examiner *

Read more less

Book SynopsisFilm historian and acclaimed New York Times bestselling biographer Scott Eyman has written the definitive, “captivating” (Associated Press) biography of Hollywood legend Cary Grant, one of the most accomplished—and beloved—actors of his generation, who remains as popular as ever today.Born Archibald Leach in 1904, he came to America as a teenaged acrobat to find fame and fortune, but he was always haunted by his past. His father was a feckless alcoholic, and his mother was committed to an asylum when Archie was eleven years old. He believed her to be dead until he was informed she was alive when he was thirty-one years old. Because of this experience, Grant would have difficulty forming close attachments throughout his life. He married five times and had numerous affairs. Despite a remarkable degree of success, Grant remained deeply conflicted about his past, his present, his basic identity, and even the public that worshipped him iTrade Review"The most entertaining and enlightening star biography in years . . . A captivating look at a captivating star." -- Douglass K. Daniel * Associated Press *"[An] estimable and empathetic biography . . . Eyman rightly homes in on [Grant's] inner chiaroscuro, that never-resolving oscillation between dark and light — or, if you like, between Archie Leach and the man he became." -- Louis Bayard * The Washington Post *"That gap between the sublimely charming screen invention and the real man born Archie Leach is at the center of Scott Eyman's new biography, Cary Grant: A Brilliant Disguise, a complex portrait of Hollywood's original leading man." -- Maureen Lee Lenker * Entertainment Weekly *"Replete with meticulous research, perceptive observations, and sharp critiques, this account of the actor’s life consistently engages and illuminates. . . . Top-shelf film history." * Kirkus Reviews (starred review) *"Eyman’s best and most heartfelt book . . . Eyman’s biographical insights show that [Grant's] jauntiness was a mask covering insatiable unease." -- David Thomson * The London Review of Books *“A richly detailed portrait of the man whose greatest performance was the one that fooled moviegoers for decades: the belief that Archie Leach was just like the movie star we knew as Cary Grant." -- Leonard Maltin, film critic and historian“Was there ever a more fabulously charming, witty, stylish and seductive movie star than Cary Grant? Scott Eyman’s biography peers under the hood of Hollywood’s most self-invented persona to explore the anxious, self-pitying, needy and depressed narcissist lurking within. Eyman does so with empathy, critical admiration and a deeply historical perspective that bring to life not just this remarkable performer but the golden age of Hollywood that he dominated.” -- Glenn Frankel, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of The Searchers and High Noon"Riveting . . . In examining Grant's incredible feat of self-invention and the steep price the actor paid for his extraordinary success, Eyman once again demonstrates why he is one of our finest biographers." -- Mark Griffin, author of All That Heaven Allows: A Biography of Rock Hudson

Read more less

Book SynopsisFilled with stunning photographs, this fascinating tribute illustrates and illuminates Hepburn's life. From her early years as an ingénue to her status as an international icon of elegance, it reveals how her unique beauty made her a dream subject for designers and photographers alike. Featuring her collaborations with Givenchy, and stills from the sets of her most famous Hollywood films, The Little Book of Audrey Hepburn takes the reader on a journey through the actress's career and reveals just how powerfully her image resonates across the globe - even so long after her death. Table of ContentsIntroduction • A Star is Born • A Roman Holiday: Italian Style • Funny Face: Beauty and Makeup • Breakfast At Tiffany's: The Making of an Icon • My Fair Lady: The Photographer's Muse • Little Black Dress: The Style Staples • Romance and Marriage • Humanitarian Work • Legacy • Index • Acknowledgements.

Read more less

Book SynopsisStephen Fry is an award-winning comedian, actor, presenter and director. He rose to fame alongside Hugh Laurie in A Bit of Fry and Laurie (which he co-wrote with Laurie) and Jeeves and Wooster, and was unforgettable as General Melchett in Blackadder. He has hosted over 180 episodes of QI, and has narrated all seven of the Harry Potter novels for the audiobook recordings. He is the bestselling author of four novels - The Stars' Tennis Balls, Making History, The Hippopotamus and The Liar - as well as three volumes of autobiography - Moab is My Washpot, The Fry Chronicles and More Fool Me. Mythos and Heroes, his retelling of the Greek myths, are both Sunday Times bestsellers.Trade ReviewOne of the most poignant, funny, intelligent, frank and horribly addictive books you're likely to read all year * Sunday Telegraph *A remarkable, perhaps even unique, exercise in autobiography ... that aroma of authenticity that is the point of all great autobiographies: of which his, I rather think, is one * Evening Standard *Stephen Fry is one of the great originals ... This autobiography of his first twenty years is a pleasure to read, mixing outrageous acts with sensible opinions in bewildering confusion ... That so much outward charm, self-awareness and intellect should exist alongside behaviour that threatened to ruin the lives of innocent victims, noble parents and Fry himself, gives the book a tragic grandeur and lifts it to classic status * Financial Times *He writes superbly about his family, about his homosexuality, about the agonies of childhood ... some of his bursts of simile take the breath away ... his most satisfying and appealing book so far * Observer *This is one of the most extraordinary and affecting biographies I have read . . . Stephen is . . . painfully honest when trying to grapple with his ever-present demons, and often, as you might expect, very funny * Daily Mail *The writing is rhapsodic, intoxicated and very touching * Mail on Sunday *[A] wonderful, self-lacerating autobiography * Humphrey Carpenter, Sunday Times *He has produced a remarkable autobiography . . . It makes gripping, sometimes unbearably sad, sometimes confusing reading . . . exhilarating, humane, zany, literary * Spectator *No one can make you feel quite like Stephen Fry can . . . Funny and tormentedly frank * Time Out *Hugely enjoyable . . . compulsively readable . . . Fry is excellent on the details of memory, too, and always able to embellish them with effortless erudition . . . this engaging, engrossing read is as honest a portrait of a young liar as one could hope to read * Scotsman *He is bubbly, funny and charming, and he gives his fans plenty of material if they want to speculate on why he is both so gifted and so wayward * The Times *The jokes . . . transcend the complexes of the joker, turning the Stephenesque into a national as well as a family treasure * Guardian *Not so much an autobiography, more a way of life; discursive, funny, sometimes almost unbelievably sad, opinionated, nostalgic and very infectious * Claire Rayner, New Statesman *Fry can be funny about anything * Good Book Guide *So charming and so acute that one cannot help forgiving him * Daily Express *

Read more less

Book SynopsisDaily Mail Showbiz Memoir of the Year''A beautiful book'' Chris Evans''Terrifically entertaining'' Mail on Sunday''An arresting photographic voyage through the life and loves of this enigmatic English star'' S magazine''Though not a conventional autobiography, we learn what makes the national treasure tick'' Daily ExpressIn the early days of my career, I didn''t think I stood a hope in hell. Look at me: I''m short, stocky, slightly overweight, deep of voice, passionate, dark haired, olive skinned, hardly your typical Englishman. What chance did I have, going into the world of British theatre?David Suchet has been a stalwart of British stage and screen for fifty years. From Shakespeare to Oscar Wilde, Freud to Poirot, Edward Teller to Doctor Who, Harold Pinter to Terence Rattigan, Questions of Faith to Decline and Fall, right up to 2Trade ReviewTerrifically entertaining . . . Behind the Lens sees the real David Suchet step forward at last -- Cole Moreton * Mail on Sunday *His career is fascinating, with tales of mortifying sex scenes and obsessive perfectionism. This unconventional book still shows us what makes this national treasure tick -- Sharon Wright * Daily Mirror *A clear impression of a man who knows exactly who he is . . . Suchet proves charming company . . . his reflections on life are gentle, good-natured and generous * TLS *Most fascinating is his relationship with the Poirot role. This is a series of intense scenes from an extraordinarycareer. Though not a conventional autobiography, we learn what makes the national treasure tick * Daily Express *A very unique autobiography . . . stunning . . . a beautiful book -- Chris Evans * Virgin Radio *An arresting photographic voyage through the life and loves of this enigmatic English star -- Sharon Wright * S magazine *Bursts with images . . . with which any working photographer would be delighted . . . the book offers more insight into the mind and philosophy of this remarkable man than a more conventional biographical approach could have achieved -- Jack Watkins * Country Life *Beautifully packaged memoir -- Hannah Stephenson * Press Association *A beautiful and engaging read * Woman's Way *Beautiful . . . revealing * Radio Times *A series of autobiographical sketches, written in an amiably informal style . . . generously illustrated * Spectator *David Suchet's book Behind the Lens reveals his considerable talent as a photographer and takes an interesting path, seeking to show us his life and experience through his eyes. The correspondence between his words and his pictures (the book is lavishly illustrated) is never less than interesting and often revealing. He has a seriously good eye for an image, which reflects back on his feeling for character and situation. He takes us through his career and life and world view * Graham Cowley *

Read more less

Book SynopsisJohn Wayne died more than thirty years ago, but he remains one of today''s five favorite movie stars. The celebrated Hollywood icon comes fully to life in this complex portrait by noted film historian and master biographer Scott Eyman. Exploring Wayne''s early life with a difficult mother and a feckless father, Eyman gets at the details that the bean-counters and myth-spinners miss…Wayne''s intimates have told things here that they''ve never told anyone else (Los Angeles Times). Eyman makes startling connections to Wayne''s later days as an anti-Communist conservative, his stormy marriages to Latina women, and his notorious-and surprisingly long-lived-passionate affair with Marlene Dietrich. He also draws on the actor''s own business records and, of course, his storied film career. We all think we know John Wayne, in part because he seemed to be playing himself in movie after movie. Yet as Eyman carefully lays out, ''John Wayne'' was an invention, a persona createTrade Review“[An] authoritative and enormously engaging new biography. . . . [Eyman] takes you through Wayne’s life, his death and his legend in a detailed, remarkably knowledgeable yet extremely readable way.” -- Peter Bogdanovich * The New York Times Book Review *“A spirited portrait of John Wayne and the Hollywood he worked in. . . . Traces his transition from the eager, boyish roles he played in early movies to confident leading man.” -- Michiko Kakutani * The New York Times *“No Wayne biography until now has ridden the defile between the reverential and the tendentious with quite the graceful equilibrium of this one. . . . Eyman gets at the details that the bean-counters and myth-spinners miss. . . . Wayne's intimates have told Eyman things here that they've never told anyone else.” -- David Kipen * The Los Angeles Times *“Deeply researched and totally absorbing.” -- Clive Sinclair * The Wall Street Journal *“We all think we know John Wayne, in part because he seemed to be playing himself in movie after movie. Yet as Eyman carefully lays out, ‘John Wayne’ was an invention, a persona created layer by layer by an ambitious young actor.” -- Glenn Frankel * The Washington Post *“Scott Eyman has taken a legend and a statue and given us an odd, decent, muddled but deeply likeable man. That’s what makes this book so readable and so touching.” -- David Thomson, author of The New Biographical Dictionary of Film and Moments That Made the Movies“[An] exemplary biography. . . . Eyman appears to have had broad access to Wayne’s business and family life, and the result is a book with a compelling claim to being definitive.” -- Robert Horton * Film Comment *“In comprehensive detail, this new biography chronicles a great star at work. . . . Like a cinematographer, Mr. Eyman offers readers Wayne from many angles, in his own words and the words of those who worked with him. . . . An engrossing record of how the Duke stayed top dog for so long.“ * The Economist *“One of the greatest movie star biographies ever written.” -- Allen Barra * Salon.com *“A comprehensive and compelling examination of The Duke. . . . Insightful, exhaustive and engrossing—a definitive portrait of the man and the legend.” * Kirkus Reviews *“Drawing deeply on interviews with family and friends, acclaimed biographer Eyman colorfully chronicles Wayne’s life and work. . . . Compulsively readable.” * Publishers Weekly (starred review) *“Eyman’s exhaustively informative biography is, in essence, a tribute. One ends it liking Duke a lot more.” -- John Sutherland * The Times (London) *"Full of historical detail and fan facts, John Wayne tracks shy Marion Robert Morrison's path to the screen hero who got scant credit for his own craft in creating the John Wayne that rallied audiences." -- David D'Arcy * The San Francisco Chronicle *“It would be hard to find a more complete picture of a public figure’s life and legend than Eyman gives us of the Duke.” -- Larry Thornberry * The American Spectator *

Read more less

Book SynopsisA charming, illustrated gift book combining two timelessly stylish subjects - Audrey Hepburn and the city of Paris.Both classic, both inimitable, both fashion icons - Audrey Hepburn and Paris are a match made in heaven. Falling in love with the city at a young age, Audrey returned to Paris again and again in some of her most celebrated films (Sabrina, Funny Face, How to Steal a Million, Charade) wearing outfits from her favourite Parisian couturier, Hubert de Givenchy, and creating some of the most significant fashion moments of the twentieth century.Audrey in Paris brings together over 100 stunning photographs of her most iconic moments in the city, from film stills and behind-the-scenes shots to candid images of Audrey enjoying the city as a visitor. The book also includes a bespoke illustrated map showing her favourite spots. While dozens of successful books on Audrey have been published, this will be the first to document her time in the city of light.Tapping into Audrey's status as a fashion idol, which spans across the generations, as well as Paris's status as the world's capital of elegance, Audrey in Paris combines the gifty charm of How to be Parisian Wherever You Are with Audrey's forever appeal as a fashion muse.Gorgeous finishes will make this a stylish gift book to be treasured for years to come.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Feisty Feminist. The Hot Lesbian. The Desperate Cougar. The Deranged Mother. Doon Mackichan is best known for her comedy characters, but throughout her career there are parts she''s refused to take and stereotypes she''s continually defied.In My Lady Parts, Doon shares her experience on stage, screen and in real life, examining how our culture still expects women to adhere to certain stereotypes - and punishes those who don''t. This is a courageous, vulnerable and empowering account of being a woman in an industry that has been exposed for its deep-rooted sexism.

Read more less

Book SynopsisTHE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER*The long-awaited return of the comedy national treasure*Blockbusters, Baywatch Mastermind, Moonlighting Porridge, Parkinson Peter Kay takes you on a journey into the wonders of TV back to the days when Dusty Bin was a household name, Robin of Sherwood was a pin-up and the Brookside siege was the event of the year. For a young telly-loving Peter growing up in Bolton, TV meant Sunday bath nights with a black-and-white portable, the unbridled excitement of the new Christmas TV guide and his elderly neighbour's inconvenient hearing problem.Here, for the first time, he collects his TV memories and adventures together in this brilliant book. Join Peter as he finds success on the small screen, leaving his own unique footprint in the golden age of TV: from making tea at Granada Studios and marching along to (Is This the Way to) Amarillo' to hanging out in the Rovers Return, having run-ins with Bernard Manning and starring in possibly the worst Doctor Who episode of all time. You'll go behind the scenes of the legendary Phoenix Nights, take The Road to Nowhere with Max & Paddy and discover how Peter created his BAFTA-winning performance in Car Share.So sit back and enjoy a journey through the wonderful world of television. Endearing, sidesplittingly funny and utterly unforgettable T.V. sees Peter Kay at his vivid, nostalgic and hilarious best.

Read more less

Book SynopsisRudolph Valentino was the silver-screen legend who for ever changed America''s idea of the leading man: a frightened young fellow who became the cinematic sex-god of his day. In this definitive retelling of Valentino''s short and tragic life - the first fully documented biography of the star - Emily W. Leider looks at the Great Lover''s life and legacy, and explores the events and issues that made him emblematic of his time. Valentino was reviled in the press for being too ''feminine'' a man; yet he also brought to the screen the alluring, savage lover who embodied women''s darker, forbidden sexual fantasies. In tandem, Leider explores notions of the outsider in American culture as represented by Valentino''s experience as an immigrant who became a celebrity: the silver screen''s first dark-skinned romantic hero.Trade Review"'Emily Leider scores a bull's eye with this perceptive and compassionate treatment of the star who "helped deflower post-war America".' Sunday Times; 'Brilliantly evocative... brings to life all that was exciting and decadent about the so-called Jazz Age.' Film Review"

Read more less

Book SynopsisBetween 1935 and 1938, Stanislavski did his final work in Moscow with a group of 11 young actors and directors trained in his special system. This volume contains a full translation of verbatim transcriptions of Stanislavski's notes and practical exercises from these sessions.

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrom one of the stars of C4's Banged Up, this is Sid Owen's entertaining and poignant autobiography, as the troubled kid heading towards a life of crime found success in EastEnders.Sid Owen is best known for playing the hapless but loveable EastEnders character Ricky Butcher, one of Britain’s most enduring soap icons. What people don’t know is that Sid’s early life saw more drama than anything his character endured. His father was an armed robber who was sent to prison when Sid was very young. Sid went out 'on the rob' from an early age, breaking into shops and seeing it as a big adventure.Sid lived happily with his mum and siblings on a sprawling north London council estate until he was seven, when his mum died and the brothers were split up. Feeling confused, unloved and unhappy, Sid was heading towards a life of crime. Acting offered an escape from his troubled home life and his teen years played out between extremes – at thirteen he was working with Al Pacino and Donald Sutherland on the movie Revolution; at sixteen he was living in an Islington squat with his brothers when his work brought him to the attention of the EastEnders producers.From Rags to Ricky is Sid’s moving, unforgettable account of his north London childhood during the late 1970s and 80s. His natural storytelling skills, authentic voice, ear for dialogue and sharp eye for detail transform this story of loss and deprivation into a timeless tale of one individual’s struggle to defy the hand fate dealt him and come out winning.

Read more less

Book SynopsisSpecial edition of Defying Gravity by Jordan Mooney, with Cathi Unsworth.Withher white beehive and Mondrian make-up, Jordan's look helped shape arevolution on the King's Road and has become an iconic part of pop culture.Withcommentary from key players, including Vivienne Westwood, Paul Cook and herpartner behind the SEX counter Michael Collins, Defying Gravity is therevealing story of a life at the eye of punk's storm.Deluxebox-set edition - Limited to 500 copiesAcopy of the book hand signed by JordanAspecially designed poster featuring Graham Humphreys' jacket designAT-shirt designed by Graham HumphreysAcertificate of authenticity

Read more less