An Actor and His Time - Paperback [Paperback]

John Gielgud (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2000

John Gielgud tells the story of his life in the theatre, from the time of the great actor/managers like Tree and du Maurier and star actresses like Sarah Bernhardt and his own great aunt Ellen Terry, to his famous partnerships with Laurence Olivier and Ralph Richardson.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This month, Applause is releasing biographical studies of two of the modern theater's most important?and famous?stars (along with a reprint of a work on Ralph Richardson). The simultaneous printing is appropriate, as they were friends, collaborated on several productions, and set a standard of theatrical acting (some fortunately preserved on video) that will influence future generations. The Gielgud book is an autobiography, and the actor proves himself to be a storyteller of the highest order, making this essential reading for theater lovers. Lewis's book, written in a nonscholarly style at times bordering on the idiosyncratic, was first published in England last year. While readers may not agree with Lewis's opinions, they will certainly not be bored. Lewis enjoys exploring the details that make up such a rich life?Olivier seemed to have met everyone, known everyone, and played every major role in existence. The indexing and photographs are quite good; indeed, this book has many more photos than Gielgud's, and Olivier's makeup and costume are so incredibly diverse that he often doesn't look at all like himself. Both books are recommended for public and academic libraries.?Susan L. Peters, Emory Univ. Lib., Atlanta
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 250 pages
• Publisher: Applause Books (February 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1557834156
• ISBN-13: 978-1557834157
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,720,414 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Moderately interesting autobiography, but too much on his early career, May 10, 2007

By 

Blaine Greenfield "eclectic reader" (Belle Meade, NJ) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: An Actor and His Time - Cloth (Applause Books) (Hardcover)

Heard the taped version of AN ACTOR AND HIS TIME, written
and read by Sir John Gielgud.

Gielgud, arguably the greatest Shakespearean actor of the 20th
century, is perhaps best known by modern audiences for his
starring role in ARTHUR . . . however, he appeared in well over
120 other movies and TV productions--in addition to his stage work.

While I found AN ACTOR AND HIS TIME moderately interesting,
I was disappointed that most of its emphasis was on Gielgud's
work on the English stage . . . I would have much preferred
more emphasis on his latter work.

In addition, I enjoyed hearing about such modern performers as
Laurence Olivier and Ralph Richardson . . . that said, tales of his
own great aunt Ellen Terry (also a star actress) were of little interest
to me.

The fact that AN ACTOR AND HIS TIME was narrated by Gielgud,
who still had a magnificent voice at the time of taping, helped maintain
my interest.