Pictures in My Head [Paperback]

Gabriel Byrne (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1997

From the executive producer of the Academy Award-nominated In the Name of the Father, Byrne's memoir is a frank, intimate account that captures the spirit of our times as it reveals the man behind this actor's many faces. "Delightful memoir . . . a fine . . . reminiscence that will have the reader calling for more."--Publishers Weekly. 39 b&w illustrations.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Byrne is internationally known for his acting in numerous films, such as Into the West and Miller's Crossing, and for being the producer of the Oscar-nominated In the Name of the Father. Now he will be known as a writer of memoirs as well. His book begins as the story of his boyhood in 1950s Dublin, with vivid descriptions of his home, the pubs, and the streets, as well as of his stint as a novice at a seminary in Wales. He also writes of his first love, his beginnings as an actor in Dublin's vibrant theater scene, and the birth of his two children. In each chapter, Byrne's voice comes across like the voiceover in a film. His descriptions of Hollywood, of a big-budget production in Eastern Europe, and of his return to Ireland for a break are particularly engaging. Byrne has many stories to tell, and his readers will hope for more in the near future. This absorbing autobiography is recommended for both public and academic libraries. Lisa N. Johnston, Sweet Briar Coll. Lib., VA
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 168 pages
• Publisher: Roberts Rinehart Publishers (October 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570981523
• ISBN-13: 978-1570981524
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,299,460 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #98 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Arts & Literature > Theatre

More About the Author

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

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pictures In My Head, January 28, 2000

By 

Cindy Rayne Jones (Mason, Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pictures in My Head (Hardcover)

An amazing work. Clear and simple, pulls no punches and yet holds back nothing. The good and the bleak, the beauty of Ireland's people and their amazing will to thrive. If you buy this book, get the hardback copy- you'll turn back to it again and again. The darling Irish boy, who lives in the man that wrote this book will make your soul bleed and sing.

Mr. Byrne's words to his daughter should be read by every woman who doubts the depth of a man's heart. He is a profoundly intelligent and beautiful soul.

You will laugh out loud, you will cry and mostly you will wonder at the life and the spirit of this Irish man.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Vivid, April 3, 2001

By 

"tabbreathe" (FL, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pictures in My Head (Hardcover)

I get the impression that Mr. Byrne is superbly sensitive to his surroundings and absorbs everything. I envy his photographic memory and ability to live completely in the moment. :o) This is the perfect book to curl up with under your favorite green soft blanket.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fascinating glimpse into the life of a fine actor..., August 19, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Pictures in My Head (Hardcover)

Not only do we see into the life of the actor, but we get a glimpse of the fine man behind the characters he has portrayed. As a child seeking himself, as a young man seeking his path and as an adult seeking his place in contemporary life with his (now former) wife and his children, we have the rare opportunity to meet, know and love a fine man. If his future writings live up to the potential shown here, Gabriel Byrne will be one of the best storytellers to come on the scene in many years. I am eagerly looking forward to Gabriel's next venture and will cherish this one. Would that I could have the chance to meet him, not just through this book but in real life!!