Joyce Grenfell (1910-1979) was a British institution and one of the country's best-loved entertainers, immortalized in roles such as the gym mistress, Miss Gossage (Call me Sausage), in The Happiest Days of Your Life, and Ruby Gates in the St Trinian's films. She achieved success as a writer and performer of songs and monologues on stage and radio at a time when it was unusual for a woman of her background to work at all. Joyce's mother was the daughter of an American railroad millionaire and her aunt was the MP Nancy Astor ...
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Joyce Grenfell (1910-1979) was a British institution and one of the country's best-loved entertainers, immortalized in roles such as the gym mistress, Miss Gossage (Call me Sausage), in The Happiest Days of Your Life, and Ruby Gates in the St Trinian's films. She achieved success as a writer and performer of songs and monologues on stage and radio at a time when it was unusual for a woman of her background to work at all. Joyce's mother was the daughter of an American railroad millionaire and her aunt was the MP Nancy Astor, so she grew up among the rich and famous, both at Cliveden and in Chelsea. She always claimed that her stage career began by accident, but this biography reveals that she nurtured her talent with dedication, ambition and discipline. During the war she sang to the troops in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East on long and exhausting tours. After 1945 she honed her skills in revues and went on to create solo shows which filled theatres in the West end and on Broadway.Joyce revealed little about her private life in her two autobiographies, and after her death her image was fiercely guarded by her devoted husband Reggie and her close friends, so that she came to be remembered as almost unnaturally perfect. No, at last, it is possible to show her with all her human failings as well as her humour, kindness and generosity. Janie Hampton grew up knowing Joyce as a family friend and has had access to unpublished letters and diaries, and to the memories of her surviving friends, relations and colleagues for this biography. She explores Joyce's intense relationship with her brother and her mother; her sadness over her childlessness; her love affair in Cairo with Prince Aly Khan; her mixed feelings about actors and the theatre; her moving acts of philanthropy and her faith in Christian Science which enabled her to endure the pain of cancer without medical treatment. The result is an affectionate portrait of a unique complex and lovable person.
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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.
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Very good. All orders are dispatched within 1 working day from our UK warehouse. Established in 2004, we are dedicated to recycling unwanted books on behalf of a number of UK charities who benefit from added revenue through the sale of their books plus huge savings in waste disposal. No quibble refund if not completely satisfied.
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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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Very good. **SHIPPED FROM UK** We believe you will be completely satisfied with our quick and reliable service. All orders are dispatched as swiftly as possible! Buy with confidence! Greener Books.
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Very Good in Very Good jacket. 8vo-over 7¾"-9¾" tall. Signed by Author 1st edition, large 8vo, 381pp, photo illustrations; upper hinge a little bruised in one spot, by and large though VG+ Copy in VG+ DJ; signed by Janie Hampton on the title page.
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Fine in fine dust jacket. 352 p. Contains: Unspecified. Includes Unspecified. Audience: General/trade. First edition UK hardback, 2002 John Murray. The book is in fine condition, the dustjacket is in fine condition. Not price clipped. Illustrated.
