Blessings in Disguise [Paperback]

Alec Guinness (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 2001

The memoirs of the actor Sir Alec Guinness. The book includes pen portraits of such characters as Ralph Richardson, Sybil Thorndike and John Gielgud, as well as accounts of Guinness's film career, religious beliefs and wartime experiences.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Not strictly autobiography, this is more a series of vignettes that center on some of the outstanding actor's bizarre and delightful friends. Although the work is entertaining, "there is disappointingly little of the inner Guinness," PW stated.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

The late, great Guinness penned several autobiographies before his 2000 death, all of which were quite well received by critics. This first of his reminiscences was released in 1985. Though he is known to American audiences through his popular film work with David Lean in the 1950s and 1960s up through his latter years as Obi-Wan Kenobi in the original Star Wars trilogy, Guinness here concentrates on his British theater experiences, recalling various productions and the people he worked with, many of whom were equally famous (John Gielgud, Noel Coward, etc.). Guinness was a class act both on and off the stage and screen, and his charm shines through in these pages. For all theater/acting collections.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Akadine Pr (November 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1585790311
• ISBN-13: 978-1585790319
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #833,097 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful tale of a life well-lived, December 24, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Blessings in Disguise (Hardcover)

Sir Alec writes beautifully and simply about the his life through the lives that affected him. Funny, honest, and thought provoking. He's not at all the stereotypical stuffy Englishman, but a regular person with a huge amount of talent and alot of great stories to tell. This book should be back in print!

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful autobiography by a truly gifted, truly modest man, October 8, 1999

By 

R. B. Bernstein "R. B. Bernstein, Adjunct Pro... (Brooklyn, New York USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Blessings in Disguise (Paperback)

BLESSINGS IN DISGUISE stands out in my reading as one of the most enjoyable autobiographies I've ever encountered. Unlike so many actors, Alec Guinness is a truly modest man, and his wry humor and ability to laugh at himself are extraordinarily refreshing. Guinness is worth reading even if you've never seen one of his movies or plays or television appearances. It is a damn shame that this fine book is apparently out of print.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Reading for Alec Guinness fans, June 24, 2008

By 

Audre Jones "Audre" (Wisconsin) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Blessings in Disguise (Paperback)

As a fan of Alec Guinness, it gave me additional insight to this great actor's life. It made me want to learn more and more about him, read books on him and see his movies again A great actor.