Applause Books
4 total works
A witty sensitive and exemplary biography on Sir Ralph Richardson a prominent acting figure of the 20th Century. Proof-read and edited by Richardson himself this provides an otherwise unknown insight into Sir Ralph's background and acting career.
The author of this book uses the plays and poems, as well as drawing on original material from leading contemporary figures, to create impressions of the many aspects of Shakespeare's life. This book draws together many of the facets of Shakespeare's literary genius to provide the reader with an overall view of his life and times. Other books by this author include "The Mahabhara", "Darling of the Gods"and "Sean O'Casey: A Life" and O'Connor is the editor of "Oliver: In Celebration".
The first biography of Paul Scofield, one of Britain's finest classical actors who has even been described as the greatest actor in the world.Paul Scofield has been acting for sixty years but still constantly surprises and wins the admiration of critics. In December 2000 he was awarded the Companion of Honour in recognition of his outstanding contribution to film and theatre. Of the same generation as Redgrave, Gielgud and Olivier, Scofield too won international acclaim. He was awarded an Oscar for his portrayal of Sir Thomas More in A Man For All Seasons in 1966 - and was nominated for best supporting actor for his role as Ralph Fiennes' father in Quiz Show in 1995. He has played all the great stage roles - Tynan described his Hamlet as the best he'd ever seen and he won a Bafta in 1997 for The Crucible.Garry O'Connor has spoken to the famously reclusive Scofield himself, as well as to many of the actors and directors he has worked with, including Simon Callow, Trevor Nunn, Richard Eyre and Peter Hall. The result is a masterly biography that paints a revealing portrait of a man who, for the serious film and theatre-goer, is more of an icon than any other living actor.
Garry O'Connor's biography creates a vivd impression of Shakespeare's family life, his marriage and sexuality, the intimate details of his background, and his relationships with the theatre, his audiences and the towering political figures of his time such as Queen Elizabeth and the Earl of Essex. It captures the darkness and confusion of his religious feelings, and his painful search for identity as well as his continuous commitments to change and development. O'Connor imaginatively and persuasively reconstructs the playwright's life and career.