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Good Biographies - Anyone, like me, still read them?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/nov/14/victoria-glendinning-biographies-publishers
Comments
Far better read about someone who has been there for a while and actually has a tale worth telling. I read autobiographies of Norman Wisdom (ghost written) and Eric Sykes and they were far more interesting than anything Ant & Dec or that Jordan woman could put out. I also read a biography of Peter Sellers, which opened my eyes to what an awkward man he was to work with.
But I would highly recommend Eric Sykes's 'If I Don't Write It Nobody Else Will' as an interesting life story that reveals (among the many stars he worked with) a sad childhood, a memorable war and the fact that those spectacles he wears are not specs at all but a hearing aid.
It's written by his son, based on diaries and letters.
George Melly was wonderful- saw him performing at Newstead Abbey one summer. :)
I think the only one I've actually bought new is Stephen Fry's.
If I see one in a charity shop I think will make an interesting read, like Alan Bennett's, then I buy it.
Keith Waterhouse also talks of Leeds in City Lights, the story of his childhood (sorry if you already know this).
Not sure if that's relevant.
I don't really care where his daughter goes to school BB.
Sorry, forgot.
[quote=Liz!] he sat and ate his tie. [/quote]
Why? I imagine he wouldn't enjoy watching himself.