Kenneth Williams: Born Brilliant
The Life of Kenneth Williams
Format:Paperback
Publisher:John Murray Press
Published:7th Jul '11
Should be back in stock very soon
This biography offers an in-depth look at the life of Kenneth Williams, revealing his complexities as both a comic genius and a troubled individual.
The biography delves into the life of Kenneth Williams, a comic genius whose talent shone brightly in various mediums. As a standout comic actor, he was adored for his roles in the beloved Carry On films and was a captivating presence on television chat shows. Williams's versatility extended beyond comedy, as he also received acclaim for his serious performances on stage, showcasing a depth that many may not associate with his comedic persona.
Kenneth Williams: Born Brilliant offers readers an intimate glimpse into his life through previously unseen material from his candid daily journal. The book also incorporates rare in-depth interviews with friends and colleagues, painting a comprehensive picture of Williams's complexities. The exploration of his personal and professional lives reveals the contradictions that characterized his extraordinary journey.
Since the release of edited extracts from his diaries, Williams's life has been a subject of much controversy. This biography aims to unravel those complexities, presenting the first full portrait of a man who was not only a brilliant performer but also a deeply troubled individual. Through this detailed account, readers can appreciate the multifaceted nature of Kenneth Williams, a star who was truly born brilliant.
Christopher Stevens's diligent biography offers illuminating insights into Kenneth Williams's work and inner life. Underpinned by a warm sympathy, Born Brilliant is often revealing and . . . well-written * Sunday Telegraph *
The book does something interesting and necessary. There is a danger with any book on Williams of just further nailing down the received wisdom: that he was entirely morbid, socially inadequate and consumed by guilt. What Stevens manages to do, even as he throws out all the examples of The Fear, is retune the accepted facts a little and tell the story not just of the melancholia but also of the happiness * Herald *
Christopher Stevens has written a solid, workmanlike, authorised biography of this least solid or workmanlike or authorised of figures * Mail on Sunday *
Stevens adeptly captures the mercurial temperament and frequent malice. For all his flaws, however, Williams remains lovable, to his devoted friends and fans, as well as to Stevens' readers * Metro *
Stevens has done a grand job of reconciling the public and private Williamses * Daily Telegraph *
Williams gets the biography he deserves: impeccably researched, compelling and, despite everything, sympathetic * Scotsman *
a portrait far more sympathetic than the ascerbic one conjured by Williams' edited diary extracts in l993 * Independent *
Excellent biography * Choice *
Stevens has unearthed a great deal of new material * TLS *
ISBN: 9781848541979
Dimensions: 198mm x 129mm x 30mm
Weight: 326g
464 pages