JOHN GIELGUD, DISTINGUISHED COMPANY

HEB 1972, 123 pp, medium octavo.

In this book one of our greatest actors recalls with affectionate nostalgia the renowned theatre figures in the early decades of this century, many of whom he knew and acted with in later life. Sir John’s ‘distinguished company’ includes Mrs. Patrick Campbell Sir Charles Hawtrey, Marie Tempest, Sir Tempest, Sir Cedric Hardwicke, Charles Laughton, Gertrude Lawrence, not forgetting – among his own famous relatives – the legendary Ellen Terry, her brilliant son Edward Gordon Craig, and many more ‘immortals’. He recalls their artistry, their wit, and eccentricity (tragic or comic) with a sure instinct for revealing intimate detail, and, in doing so, richly evokes the flavour of the period and the magic of it’s artistic life. The author’s infectious warmth for his subjects is evident throughout, making this a highly entertaining and absorbing book. The text is perfectly matched with sixteen pages of photographs.

 This is an ex-library copy and has a protective film and the usual stamps and scars associated with the same. The book is slightly cocked and has an odd page with a light stain or fingerprint. Overall the condition is good and the item is a good reader copy. A rare insight into the world of one of Britain’s greatest actors