Kenneth Branagh [Hardcover]

Mark White (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 3, 2005

From humble beginnings, Kenneth Branagh drove himself to dizzy heights of accomplishment. By twenty-one he had starred in a West End hit. At twenty-three he was playing Henry V for the Royal Shakespeare Company. By twenty-six he had established his own theatre company. Shortly after that he directed and starred in a movie version of "Henry V", the start of a series of Shakespeare films that resulted in him being viewed by many as the leading interpreter of Shakespeare in the world. No actor of his generation achieved so much so rapidly. And yet no actor of his generation received such relentless criticism. Based on extensive research in previously untapped archival materials and on numerous interviews, Mark White's new biography traces the vicissitudes of Branagh's career, examining his meteoric rise and the backlash that accompanied it.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"'An authoritative account of the actor - director's career, which pays tribute to his achievement in popularising Shakespeare on screen.' Independent 'White's energetic narrative explores Branagh's career from his Irish working-class origins to his recent return to the British stage, along the way making suggestive observations about his subject's temperament and the nature of acting.' Sunday Telegraph" --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Mark White holds a doctorate in history, has taught at six universities in Britain and North America, and is currently a Reader in History at the University of London. This is his fifth book.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: Faber & Faber (November 3, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0571220681
• ISBN-13: 978-0571220687
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,564,245 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A terrific read, June 19, 2009

By 

RonAnnArbor (Ann Arbor, MI United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

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This review is from: Kenneth Branagh (Paperback)

This is a terrific read about Kenneth Branagh, that doesn't mind looking from a critical point of view from time to time as well.

I read it in one sitting -- he's my favorite actor and director -- and recommend it to anyone serious not only about the man's biography, but about theatre directing as well.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating, February 8, 2011

By 

Stancy Merwin "writer's helper" (Charleston, South Carolina) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Kenneth Branagh (Paperback)

The chapter on why there was such a backlash in England against him and his success is truly fascinating and that is just one chapter. He's an interesting personality with a compelling story, whether you are a theatre or Shakespeare lover or not......very few people have that much confidence AND that much energy AND that much talent that they can wear multiple hats so well. Even fewer people have such daring and confidence at such a young age!

Of course, Shakespeare lovers and "history of theatre" lovers will find it especially interesting. Branagh's also been brilliant in some very good films that got little attention, such as HOW TO KILL YOUR NEIGHBOR'S DOG. See that movie and then read about it in the book. And he's done a lot of good work in televised plays and TV series, some of which will be famliar to the reader. It is fun to read the background behind some of these. Branagh can play FDR with polio, daring adventurer Ernest Shackleton, and an incredibly cold Nazi officer and master planner,all with aplomb. His versatility is amazing. This book is a fair look at one of the most interesting people of our time. A real "rags to riches" show business volume about a larger than life person who, it turns out, is also a nice guy-- Kenneth Branagh.