Writing Home

Bringing together the hilarious, revealing, and lucidly intelligent writing of one of England’s best known literary figures, Writing Home includes the journalism, book and theater reviews, and diaries of Alan Bennett, as well as “The Lady in the Van,” his unforgettable account of Miss Shepherd, a London eccentric who lived in a van in Bennett’s garden for more than twenty years. This revised and updated edition includes new material from the author, including more recent diaries and his introduction to his Oscar-nominated screenplay for The Madness of King George . A chronicle of one of the most important literary careers of the twentieth century, Writing Home is a classic history of a life in letters. Publishers Weekly Previously a bestseller in England, this eclectic collection of book reviews, essays and diary excerpts by screenwriter (The Madness of King George) and playwright (Single Spies) Bennett is a delightful blend of wit and intelligence. Bennett's writing career began in 1960, when he collaborated with Peter Cook, Dudley Moore and Jonathan Miller on the successful satiric review Beyond the Fringe. Diary excerpts from 1980-1990 document other theatrical and cinematic adventures and also describe, with Bennett's typical self-deprecating humor, his experiences in New York (he was mugged on the Lower East Side) and his trip to Russia with other writers. Bennett's social commentary on British politics and his critical articles about poet W.H. Auden, actor John Gielgud and playwright John Osborne are informed and perceptive. Also included is a memoir of his childhood during WWII, when he first became acquainted with books, and a moving account of a woman who lived in a van in front of his home in Camden, a borough of London. Photos. Author tour. (Aug.) Already A Bestseller, This Is A Wonderfully Entertaining Collection Of Alan Bennett's Prose Writings. Writing Home Brings Together Diaries, Reminiscences And Reviews To Give Us A Unique And Unforgettable Portrait Of One Of England's Leading Playwrights. As A Memoir It Covers The Production Of His Very First Play, Forty Years On, Which Starred John Gieldgud. His Television Series 'talking Heads' Has Become A Modern-day Classic; As Part Of The 1960s Revue 'beyond The Fringe' Bennett Helped To Kick-start The English Satire Revolution, And Has Since Remained One Of Our Leading Dramatists, Most Recently With The History Boys At The National Theatre. At The Heart Of The Book Is The Lady In The Van, Since Adapted Into A Radio Play Featuring Dame Maggie Smith. It Is The True Account Of Miss Mary Shepherd, A Homeless Tramp Who Took Up Residence In Bennett's Garden And Stayed For Fifteen Years. This New Edition Also Includes Bennett's Introduction To His Oscar-nominated Screenplay For The Madness Of King George And His More Recent Diaries. A collection of articles, reviews, essays, and diaries from the celebrated writer: “A wonderful book, the wit of which spills over even into the index” (The Times, London).Bringing together the hilarious, revealing, and lucidly intelligent writing of one of England's best known literary figures, Writing Home includes the journalism, book and theater reviews, and diaries of Alan Bennett, as well as “The Lady in the Van,” his unforgettable account of Miss Shepherd, a London eccentric who lived in a van in Bennett's garden for more than twenty years.This revised and updated edition includes new material from the author, including more recent diaries and his introduction to his Oscar-nominated screenplay for The Madness of King George. A chronicle of one of the most important literary careers of the twentieth century, Writing Home is a classic history of a life in letters. "Writing Home brings together the Diaries for 1980-1990 for the first time, together with his thoughts on many literary figures, including John Osborne, W.H. Auden and Philip Larkin. At the heart of Writing Home is Bennett's story 'The Lady in the van, ' the true account of Miss Mary Shepherd, a homeless tramp who took up residence in his garden and stayed for fifteen years."--Jacket flap. A collection of autobiographical works by prominent English writer Alan Bennett is comprised of his occasional journalism, his criticism, and, predominantly, his diaries, which consider such areas as the theater, famous actors, and politics. Reprint. Autobiographical and idiosyncratic, this is a collection of Alan Bennett's prose writings, assembled by Bennett himself from 25 years of diaries, reminiscences, broadcasting and reviews. 'What you want to be', Mam said to my brother and me, 'is gentlemen farmers. A Poetry Book Society autumn choice, 1985.