This volume deals with Betjeman's zenith years. Now he wins fame not just for his poems but as a tastemaker opening eyes to the Victorian ages, as a battling conservationist and as a television personality, one of the Old Masters of a new medium. The book opens with the Betjemans' stormy married life (their German maid thought John's first name was Shutup). There are chapters on Betjeman as film critic for the Evening Standard ('Do you mind if I say you like English Perpendicular?', he asked Myrna Loy) and as editor of the ...
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This volume deals with Betjeman's zenith years. Now he wins fame not just for his poems but as a tastemaker opening eyes to the Victorian ages, as a battling conservationist and as a television personality, one of the Old Masters of a new medium. The book opens with the Betjemans' stormy married life (their German maid thought John's first name was Shutup). There are chapters on Betjeman as film critic for the Evening Standard ('Do you mind if I say you like English Perpendicular?', he asked Myrna Loy) and as editor of the Shell Guides with John Piper, whose wife Myfanwy - Goldilegs to Betjeman - became one of his enduring muses. When war came he was posted to neutral Ireland as a diplomat - some thought, a spy. An IRA officer was sent to shoot him; luckily Betjeman was on leave at the time. Betjeman's loves and longings are described, as well as the beginning of his close and enduring friendship with Lady Elizabeth Cavendish. The inspirations of favourite poems are discovered.His love of Metroland, or remote churches, dim peers and obscure clergyman poets, his antipathy to business bishops and to Pevsner, the Herr Professor Doktor, together with an enormous range of his friends, including Nancy Mitford, Osbert Lancaster and James Lees-Milne. Here too are his hitherto unpublished diary entries about W.H. Auden, his skirmishes with Evelyn Waugh over religion and his anguish when his wife became a Roman Catholic. The narrative is crowned by the huge success of his Collected Poems in 1958, a really thrilling moment of triumph.
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Seller's Description:
Dispatched, from the UK, within 48 hours of ordering. This book is in good condition but will show signs of previous ownership. Please expect some creasing to the spine and/or minor damage to the cover. Aged book. Tanned pages and age spots, however, this will not interfere with reading. Inscription on the first page, typically just a name but may include a dedication or a brief personal message.
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Very good. Simply Brit – welcome to our online used book store, where affordability meets great quality. Dive into a world of captivating reads without breaking the bank. We take pride in offering a wide selection of used books, from classics to hidden gems, ensuring there's something for every literary palate. All orders are shipped within 24 hours and our lightning fast-delivery within 48 hours coupled with our prompt customer service ensures a smooth journey from ordering to delivery. Discover the joy of reading with us, your trusted source for affordable books that do not compromise on quality.
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This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside. This book has hardback covers. In good all round condition. Dust jacket in good condition. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item, 1250grams, ISBN: 9780719550027.
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Good. Good condition. Very Good dust jacket. A copy that has been read but remains intact. May contain markings such as bookplates, stamps, limited notes and highlighting, or a few light stains. Bundled media such as CDs, DVDs, floppy disks or access codes may not be included.