Books
by Peter Ackroyd
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Charlie Chaplin |
From the shadow of the workhouse to the first man in history known by sight the world over, Ackroyd illuminates how Chaplin's genius for comedy and its choreography, first deployed on English stages, found its home in the new medium of cinema. Early deprivation was reflected in an isolated adult with a difficult and destructive personality which marred his relationships. But he often gave the best of himself uncompromisingly when it came to his art. An extraordinary story rivetingly told.
(Tony Pratt - bwl 80 Spring 2016) |
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London - the Biography |
Ackroyd argues that London's particular character sets it apart from any other big city. Mixing myth and legend with historical facts, he draws a compelling picture of a sprawling metropolis that, in its buildings and in its people, is unique. Frankly, much of the evidence he cites as quintessentially London could well apply to Paris, Berlin or Rio. You can't fault the depth of his research, though, only some of his conclusions. The narrative is vivid.
(Hugh Pearman - bwl 8 April 2001) |
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Shakespeare - The Biography |
This voluminous and highly readable biography, conveniently split up into short chapters, contains a mass of information resulting from wide-ranging research and enlightened supposition. Shakespeare, boy and family man in Stratford, playwright and actor in London is brilliantly pictured. So are the environments. Excellent on the theatre and the companies of players and how they acted. Interesting on Queen Elizabeth, religious persecution and social life. Above all the author brings Shakespeare to life.
(Jeremy Swann - bwl 33 February 2006) |
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