Product Description
A Positively Final Appearance offers a glimpse into the life of a beloved actor. These journal entries-written from the summer of 1996 through 1998-are filled with off-the-cuff observations and careful reflections. Sir Alec Guinness gives his view of Britain during the tumultuous times of Princess Diana's death and the election of Tony Blair, and comments on his quintessentially English country life with his wife. These are frank (and surprising) reflections on the effects of appearing in the Star Wars films, and both hilarious and poignant memories of such well-known performers as Humphrey Bogart and Noel Coward. This delightful, humorous journal is a worthy successor to My Name Escapes Me and a wonderful legacy from a master of the stage and screen.Amazon.com Review
Alec Guinness begins his most recent memoir, a sort of sequelto his bestselling MyName Escapes Me, with what he calls an apology for a"ramshackle book": "It states it is a Journal and yet it doesn't quiteaspire to that and it isn't a diary. Not many dates are to be found init." What is in it are as charming a collection of memories,readings, observations, and anecdotes as could be imagined from anactor whose genius for self-effacement is legendary. Now in his 85thyear, the celebrated Sir Alec has made a major contribution to a minorbut much-loved literary form, the notebooks of an Englishgentleman. (It's no surprise to learn in these pages that SamuelButler, author of TheWay of All Flesh and his own published Notebooks, isone of Guinness's favorite authors.) Considering his age and virtualretirement, Guinness's life is an astonishingly active and full one,and for all the reminiscing, much of A Positively FinalAppearance is taken up in describing his present-day doings withhis beloved wife Merula (married 61 years), their dogs, and theoccasional forays they make to visit friends and family. There aretrips farther afield as well, to a spa in Baden-Baden and to films andtheater, including a hilarious attempt to see the controversial WestEnd hit Shopping and F***ing (with Guinness suggesting severalsubstitutes for the supplied asterisks). His omnivorous reading issimply staggering, and a lifelong love affair with Shakespeare isevidenced not only by his memories of favorite performances but alsohis readings of scenes from the Bard, which reveal an imaginativescholarship infused with a lifetime's theatrical experience.

One ofthe strangest paradoxes of this superb actor (and equally fluent prosestylist) is that he seems destined to be remembered primarily for hisbecloaked performance in the original Star Wars trilogy asObi-Wan Kenobi. There's a priceless story included about Guinness'sencounter with a child who claimed to have seen the first film over100 times, and the request he made of the boy: "Do you think you couldpromise never to see Star Wars again?" The result of thisrequest, along with much else in this entirely captivating memoir,will amuse and delight. --John Longenbaugh ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

A wonderful book
I picked up this book because I like Alec Guinness' work in "Lawrence of Arabia" and his other David Lean films (not because of "Star Wars" which I can take or leave). To be honest, I was worried it might be kind of boring.

Well, it was not boring -- it was delightful. The man was full of many profound observations about life that he communicated by writing about everyday things such as the birds in his yard or the weather. His vivid memories of his stage career and the people he knew were vastly entertaining. I was surprised to find him to be a humble, not-too-well-off everyday kind of man, not some fabulously rich egomaniac as I had supposed him to be.

Even though I could not be more different from him politically, I still enjoyed reading his views on politics. It was like talking to a dapper, well-bred older gentleman you bumped into on the street. His writing was assertive, yet polite and genteel.

If you miss reading this book, you've missed a simple pleasure that will make you smile. It's worth buying!

The swansong of a quiet giant
As previously said, this isa very well and beautifully writen errr... memoir. The cover tells you the whole story of what to expect inside. At first glance Alec dancing appears as a comical figure almost, but as you look closer you can see he is in some sort of agony. And as the book moves on, it is hard for him to not show his melancholy.
Despite being a bit of a emotional downer, this is still a very worthwhile read for any of his fans.

More than a journal
The late Sir Alec Guinness was a lovely writer, and with this, his final memoir, he improved vastly over his previous gift to us, MY NAME ESCAPES ME.Whereas the latter was strictly a selection from his diary, with this Guinness moves beautifully from journalistic descriptions of day-to-day events (from eye surgery to walks with his wife, Merula, to the indignities of moving slowly in an ever fast-paced and impolite world) and wry reflections on current events to anecdotes spanning his entire career in theatre and film.Each chapter is arranged by a theme, mostly seasonal, but they meander charmingly.

Those interested in his encounter with the church and his beginnings as an artist should find his autobiography, BLESSINGS IN DISGUISE.Those who might want reflections on STAR WARS will be disappointed.When one gentleman asked Guinness for an autograph from Ben Kenobi immediately after mass, Guinness admonished him, "Not in front of the parishioners!" and disappeared as nimbly as a young Jedi.

A Positively Marvelous Book
Alec Guinness is undeniably one of the most gifted actors of our times, and now, with his offering of "A Positively Final Appearance," we get to know something of the man behind the mask.This journal, kept between thesummer of `96, and 1998, is chock full of insightful musings, reminiscencesand anecdotes that are a delight.He shares his love of the theater,discussing many of the plays he attended during this period, and givescomments on recent movies, as well.An avid reader, he talksenthusiastically of favorite authors and books; his love of literature isunmistakable.The stage is his first love, however, and he speaks fondly,and frankly, of many of the plays he's done, and of his experiences withmany of the actors and directors with whom he has had the privilege ofworking.He invites you into his private life, discussing the love of hislife, Merula, and discoursing on their life at home, as well as their manytravels.You learn what the greatest regret of his life is, who some ofthe people are he admires most, and a few of whom he could do without.Heexplains his negative attitude toward the "Star Wars" phenomenon, andaddresses many of the events, large and small, that have in some wayaffected his life, and helped mold his perspectives. His concern over worldevents and the human condition is poignantly evident. Guinnesswrites so fluently, you can almost hear that distinct, familiar voice; youseem to be listening, rather than reading.There is a dignity and charm tohis words that reveal, to some degree, the man behind them.That he valueshis privacy is apparent, and it becomes very clear that he is not the mostaccessible person, yet without any rancor; he holds his fans in highesteem, but there is a sincere humility to the man, who simply doesn't feelworthy of all the fuss.In a world seemingly rife with crasssensationalism and indifference, "A Positively Final Appearance" is like atonic to the soul; it is so refreshing to discover that somewhere eleganceand refinement still exist.My positively, final word on this book is thatit is a joy, and should not be missed.

A great man
The journal of an extraordinary gentleman, one of the greatest actors ever to grace stage or screen. His reflections on his career are moving and perceptive, totally lacking in self-aggrandisement. His thoughts on thewhole "Star Wars" phenomenon are particularly witty but smack ofthe desperation of being hounded by that film's fans. It's tragic that thisgreat man may only be remembered by modern generations for his appearancein that opus instead of for his work in the Ealing comedies, "TheBridge on the River Kwai", his lengthy stage career and hismagnificent turn on TV as George Smiley. ... Read more

Product Description
The memoirs of the actor Sir Alec Guinness. The tape includes accounts of Guinness's film career, religious beliefs and war experiences. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Very Dissapointing
If you are looking for a biography on Alec Guinness then this is not for you its full of small stories about early meetings and does not cover any films that we all know and love.
On the whole a very disapointing book

Great Reading for Alec Guinness fans
As a fan of Alec Guinness, it gave me additional insight to this great actor's life.It made me want to learn more and more about him, read books on him and see his movies againA great actor.

A beautiful tale of a life well-lived
Sir Alec writes beautifully and simply about the his life through the lives that affected him.Funny, honest, and thought provoking.He's not at all the stereotypical stuffy Englishman, but a regular person with ahuge amount of talent and alot of great stories to tell.This book shouldbe back in print!

Wonderful autobiography by a truly gifted, truly modest man
BLESSINGS IN DISGUISE stands out in my reading as one of the most enjoyable autobiographies I've ever encountered.Unlike so many actors, Alec Guinness is a truly modest man, and his wry humor and ability to laughat himself are extraordinarily refreshing.Guinness is worth reading evenif you've never seen one of his movies or plays or television appearances. It is a damn shame that this fine book is apparently out of print. ... Read more

Product Description
This is Alec Guiness' journal of the eighteen months after the summer of 1996, tumultuous times for the nation - the death of Diana, the arrival of New Labour, Hale-Bopp planet and local events in Hampshire - the dying plane tree, the vulnerability of the hassocks in Steep Church . ... Read more

Product Description
This eighteen-month diary, from January 1995 to June 1996, from one of the most distinguished--and beloved--actors of stage and screen, reveals the octogenarian spryness of a civilized mind and a beguiling mixture of the meditative and the hedonistic. Sir Alec Guinness's interests and preoccupations recur: theater and film, of course, but also books and paintings; the church, sometimes held up for amused observation; food and drink, from fish'n'chips gatherings with fellow actors in Cambridge to solitary repasts at the Connaught; and the delights of being at home with his wife in the English countryside. Although the entries are written with a keen eye on contemporary events and culture, they also open to a past replete with fascinating memories and anecdotes from his long career. Inevitably, there is a strand of poignancy as friends die and memorial services are attended, but the pleasures and fun to be had with close friends such as Alan Bennett, Irene Worth, and Lauren Bacall form a strong backbone to this marvelously entertaining diary, which offers a glimpse of the private side of Guinness's often very public life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

useless, irrepressible
I don't know what to tell you about this book.I enjoyed it thoroughly (Guinness somehow turns out effortless engrossing prose), but I take nothing of value away from it (the prose is often directed at the weather, the dog, the mail...).The distinct impression of Guinness is of someone around whom you would want to tread carefully.He judges quickly and harshly, but I tend to agree with his judgements, and he seems humble, in a way, making them.The introduction by John le Carre is an odd addition--a short character sketch describing a man of very conservative tastes.The best thing is take some excerpts and let them speak for themselves:

"The tele-box then led us to the calm waters of the House of Lords... Some of their lordships had their eyes closed and I assumed them to be asleep until old mottled hands began to fumble with hearing-aids when Lady Thatcher rose to speak.I can't think why anyone in this country wants to get rid of the Upper House.They are amusing to look at and sensible, and they manage to discuss issues without shouting or finger-pointing... Far better to diminish the House of Commons than constitutionally to damage the Lords.Of course it should be occupied only through inheritance and not topped up with temporary titles."

"The Oscars have come and gone, and I forgot about them in spite of the hype and speculation.I liked Emma Thompson's acceptance speech for her script of Sense and Sensibility as reported in the press; and I was delighted that Wallance and Gromit got an Oscar..."

"At six this evening there was a violent hailstorm accompanied by thunder and lightning.The dogs immediately sought human comfort and the protection of cushions on the sofa.The storm only lasted fifteen minutes but three hours later the grass is still pitted with hailstones.And there is a curious site: dense mist, about ten feet high, is trapped in every fall of the land. A couple of deer moved slowly into the mist when it rose."

If you are a Star Wars fan, you are likely to be disappointed if you liked the Obi-wan of Ewan McGregor.However, if your favorite part of the Star Wars series is the stretch between C3PO and R2D2 being picked up by Jawas and the Millenium Falcon leaving the Mos Eisly space port, then you may find you love this book despite Guinness' withering comments about Star Wars fans.

A fine actor admires the twilight
Where BLESSINGS IN DISGUISE and A POSITIVELY FINAL APPEARANCE are more organized as memoirs, this is simply a sequence of diary entries prepared for publication.They show a great actor, the dean of Ealing comedies and (to his chagrin) the great Jedi Master, admiring the twilight in his retirement.This is a gentlemanly, sensitive, yet vibrantly witty writer who once described heaven as sitting with one or two friends, sharing a drink and savoring the silence.There are no peekaboo stories about celebrities or iconoclastic commentaries on the state of the world; just an appreciation for an interesting life well-lived, deliciously and intimately inscribed for us in these daily entries.

For a more organized and literary memoir, the two titles mentioned above come highly recommended.

This Will Only Interest the Most Dedicated Fans.
"My Name Escapes Me" is a book of actor Sir Alec Guinness' personal diary entries from January 1995 to June 1996, which he wrote with publication in mind. I have to give Sir Alec credit: His diary is not as tedious as most people's would be. His writing has a nice pace, and the book is mercifully short. But there simply isn't anything interesting about it. Sir Alec was 82 years old and retired when he wrote this diary. He spent most of his time relaxing at his country home. If he were working, he might have had more interesting anecdotes to relate or perhaps some insight into the process of putting on a play or making a movie to share. But it takes a more talented writer to make something interesting out of the mundane. Sir Alec mentions music that he likes, plays that he sees, books that he reads, art in various forms, but he never expounds on these subjects, so we don't learn anything about the subjects or about him. He doesn't seem to be an opinionated person. Opinions, however trying, might make for better reading. All in all, "My Name Escapes Me" gives the impression of a man of moderate writing talent and moderate intelligence. It's really too bad that no publisher asked Alec Guinness to write a diary for publication earlier in his life. His style is both literate and easy-going. If it had been applied to the life of a working actor, an insightful and highly readable book might have resulted. But as it is, I think only obsessively curious fans of Alec Guinness will find anything of interest in "My Name Escapes Me".

wonderful and charming
sir alec must have been a kind and gentle man.i found in this book thathe was charming and witty and deliberately effacing. it takes us on ajourney to his many memories of movies,tv,politics, and a great cast ofcharacters that he's met over the years.it's a quiet and calm book.avery relaxing and entertaining read.and what a since of humor!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book
I haven't hear the audio version of Sir Alec's diary: don't need to since I can hear his voice in my head as I read.Gracious to a fault about his fellow actors, prickly about fans who invade his privacy (whether spyinghim at a museum or appearing in the back garden), exasperated at the StarWars fame, he is a truly eccentric Englishman and proud of it.I love itwhen he admits he probably went on and on while telling a story; a commonfault of the loquacious and the aging.Pokes fun at himself and endearshimself all the more.Delightful. ... Read more

Product Description
Sir Alec Guinness was one of the greatest actors of the twentieth century. With a talent recognised by discerning critics from his very first appearance on the stage, he gained a world-wide reputation playing roles on the screen such as Fagin in Oliver Twist and Sidney Stratton in The Man in the White Suit. His performance as Colonel Nicholson in The Bridge on the River Kwai won him an Oscar and, in his later years, he captivated a new generation of admirers as George Smiley in Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy and Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars.

Guinness was a man who vigorously guarded his privacy and, despite publishing an autobiography and two volumes of his diaries, he remained an enigma to the general public and a mystery even to his family and closest friends.

After his death in August 2000, his widow, Merula, asked the author Piers Paul Read, who had been a friend of her husband, to write his authorised biography. Given full co-operation by the Guinness family and free access to Sir Alec's papers, including his private and unpublished diaries, Read has written an enjoyable, yet penetrating and perceptive account of an intriguing and complex man.

Read shows how Guinness's quirks of character and genius had roots in the circumstances of his early life. His marriage to Merula Salaman, a young actress of great promise, is chronicled by the many hundred letters Guinness wrote to her when serving in the Navy during World War II, while his post-war diaries reveal that readjustment to civilian life was traumatic, with doubts about his talent and a confusion about his sexual nature leading to bouts of severe depression.

Guinness's conversion to Catholicism in 1956 partly exorcised his demons, but he never wholly escaped the contradictions of his life -- his domestic ties vying with wayward passions, a yearning for holiness with an intolerance of constraint, a raw sensitivity to the feelings of others with an irascible and domineering nature. Yet from the diaries and letters to his friends quoted extensively in this biography, there emerges a man of great compassion, generosity, wit and charm -- intellectually curious, a talented writer, a great gossip, bon viveur and munificent host. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Unlikeliest Of Stars
When Alec was a young boy, he figured out that his mother was something of a tart.She infuriated him by refusing to reveal the name of his real father.Out of such childhood trauma an unpleasant personality was born, but Piers Paul Read shows us that the same whirlpool of insecurity and class consciousness was the birthplace of Guinness' amazing talent.He could slip so deeply into character that oft-times those directing him worried that he would never again come out, and indeed, as Read ably shows, aspects of some of his roles seem to have grafted themselves onto his personality aftewards, so that a few of his roles marked him deeply.Sometimes this seems silly; imagine that his famous conversion to Roman Catholicism was due to him playing a priest early on and liking the way he was feeling.

The reader ponders all these imponderables, and quietly gives up hope for Alec Guinness about halfway through the book.He was so mean and nasty to poor Merula, who authorized Piers Paul Read to write this biography.I bet she did, if only to get her own back.But alas she died before it could be published.Read interviews many members of her family all of whom lived in fear of Alec Guinness, who admittedly was in a difficult position.He was making huge sums for his acting, and he began to feel, not without warrant, that some of Merula's relations were just leeching onto them for the money involved.Thus he treated them like scum and they had to learn to take it, or do without the necessary.Little Matthew, his only child, had a troubling bout with polio in the 1950s, and Alec met a bet with God; if he would cure Matthew, then Alec would convert to Catholicism.What kind of God makes bargains like that?And yet that is exactly what happened.

Was Alec Guinness gay?Read says he can't find a single believable account of anyone who slept with him (outside of Merula).However on the other hand every other thing in the book seems designed to persuade us that this was Guinness' big secret.Just printing that one photo of ultra-sexy Omar Sharif that Alec is said to have snapped while making LAWRENCE OF ARABIA is enough to convince me.No straight man took that photo, I could swear to it!

It seems he was in love with Glenn Ford, which I did not know, and that one way or another Glenn decided to cool Alec's jets by eventually withdrawing from his company.Kind of sad.

Poor Eileen Atkins deserves a medal, the way she sought to maintain a friendship with the ultra-difficult Alec.And yet he could be charming when he wanted to.People say he was the most amazing conversationalist and could make anyone feel at home, feel loved; and then he would turn on you when you did something wrong.He was the unlikeliest of stars, and the most self-effacing, disappearing into his roles like a tortoise withdrawing his head into his shell.

A sad look at the personal life of a legendary actor
Alec Guinness's career spanned generations. Great-grandparents might recall his days on the British stage. Grandparents may have seen such classics as The Bridge on the River Kwai and Lawrence of Arabia. Younger cinemaphiles still picture him as Obi Wan Kenobi in Star Wars.

Like most actors, Guinness had more than his share of success with a few clinkers thrown in. Piers Paul Read reveals the enormity of his life's work, along with a massive account of Sir Alec's personal side, in ALEC GUINNESS: The Authorised Biography.

Read, author of more than a dozen books, has done a huge amount of research, culling letters and journals from Guinness and his extended Guinness family, as well as a large circle of friends and acquaintances, to produce an intimate portrait of one of the greatest actors --- along with fellow Englishmen Olivier and Gielgud --- of stage, screen and television.

Guinness came from humble roots. His mother was an alcoholic who never married his father and became an embarrassment to the celebrity as he grew older. It was a stigma that no doubt weighed heavily on him as a young man and beyond, and formed his persona. He was at the same time generous and tight with his money, easily offended but quick to make friends. These paradoxes form the main theme for ALEC GUINNESS.

He found a soul mate in his wife, Merula, to whom he would be married for more than forty years, but once their son, Matthew, was born, their conjugal relationship was non-existent. Nevertheless, she was the perfect partner, casting a blind eye to his moodiness and confusing behavior, especially when it came to Guinness's "infatuations" with pretty young men.

Read is very careful in his phraseology, employing language such as "While there is no evidence whatsoever of a sexual relationship between Alex and this, or indeed, any other man..." and "The exact nature of Alec's sexuality, however, is not at all clear." Such refusal on the part of the author to take a stand can be infuriating, since so much of this psycho-biography is devoted to Guinness's "leanings."

Perhaps as a method to fight his demons, the actor sought refuge in religion, converting to Catholicism and putting great stock in his friendships with priests and nuns. A significant portion of the book flips back and forth between the sacred and the profane, so to speak, with Read reporting dozens of instances of behavior that can only be viewed as questionable, despite the fact that Guinness does not seem to have ever acted on his confusing urges. "It would seem...that Alec felt disordered passions could be controlled, if not cured, by prayer, repentance and the Grace of God. Yet he was never able to detach himself altogether from his homosexual alter-ego."

As can be expected from books of this type, the author covers the major accomplishments in his subject's life, for which movie fans can be grateful. The details can get a bit much; the book no doubt could have been shorter than its 600-plus pages but no less interesting had Read omitted copious recounts of how much Guinness spent on hotel rooms or lunches.

Ultimately, ALEC GUINNESS is a sad book. One has the feeling that between the sexual situation, concerns over finances, and relationships with family and friends --- and despite all of the artistic accomplishments --- Sir Alec was rarely truly happy. Read makes us actually feel sorry for the legendary actor.

--- Reviewed by Ron Kaplan (...) ... Read more

Product Description
First published in 1996, these excerpts from Alec Guinness' diaries cover a period of about 18 months from January 1995.Combining wit, anecdotes and observation, the topics range from the National Lottery to Ralph Richardson, from the Catholic Church to the Hampshire countryside. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

An Interesting and Enjoyable Read.
I found this book rather absorbing. I have admired Guinnesses work for years and this book let me get a glimpse of the man behind all the characters. He can be funny in a rather subtle way and he shows himself to be sometimes cranky and strong headed and especially very human. This book in it's own way lets you get to know Sir Alec a little better. ... Read more

Product Description
Alec Guinness was one of the most revered actors of the 20th century. This celebratory volume, featuring more than 200 photos, pays tribute to his remarkable career in theater and film. ... Read more

Product Description
Contributions from various well-known theatrical personalities who have worked with Alec Guinness are collected here in celebration of the actor's 75th birthday. Franco Zeffirelli, Dame Peggy Ashcroft and Coral Browne are among the celebrities whose reminiscences are included. Ronald Harwood is most famous for his play, "The Dresser" and has edited a similar book on John Gielgud, "The Ages of Gielgud". ... Read more

Product Description
From New Year's Day 1995 to June 1996, Alec Guinness kept diaries in which he recorded not only day-to-day events, but also a range of memories, views and musings. Certain pre-occupations recur: theatre and film, books and paintings; the Church; food and drink and the delights of home and family. Friendship is also central to Sir Alec's life, and his friendship with Alan Bennett, Jill Balcon, Lauren Bacall and Barry Humphries, among others, forms the backbone of these wonderfully amusing diaries. ... Read more

Product Description
The late Sir Alec Guinness, one of the great British actors of the 20th Century along with his fellow knights Laurence Olivier, John Gielgud and Ralph Richardson, was known for his ability to slip, chameleon-like, into his roles. His most mmemorable included DOCTOR ZHIVAGO, LAWRENCE OF ARABIA, Obi-Wan Kenobi in STAR WARS, George Smiley in the television adaptation of John Le Carre's SMILEY'S PEOPLE and his Oscar-winning performance in BRIDGE ON THE RIVER KWAI.Known, but not known, for despite being a familiar face throughout the world from his acting and memoirs, Guiness remained an enigmatic, complex man, careful throughout his life to show little of his true self. Until now. For the first time, Garry O'Connor is able to reveal the full story, including how Guinness was shaped by his illegitimacy, his strained relationship with is mother, and his search for certainties through the Roman Catholic Church. Backed by impeccable research, including interviews with Guinness himself, and containing startling new information about his childhood, his secret relationships and the fears that haunted him, the book is a portrait of the true, complicated man behind the idelible performances. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Very Poor
This book is long on (basically negative) innuendo and the author's unsubstantiated (and uninteresting) opinions; short on substance or meaningful insights. It rambles.The reader is also treated to plenty of low grade psychobabble. It's a posthumous hatchet-job with lots of typos. No wonder Sir Alec wouldn't have anything to do with the author when approached for an interview. ... Read more

Product Description
Alec Guinness was a prolific actor, appearing in 77 films and 55 plays. An astonishing talent, he became a British institution, yet as his private self Guinness was a many-layered, complex man who shielded his emotions and displayed little of his real self. This biography reveals the full story of Guinness's life, including information on his childhood, his secret relationships and the fears that haunted him. Including interviews with Guinness himself as well as those close to him, this biography adds a new depth to our understanding of Guinness's life and his remarkable acting ability. ... Read more

Product Description
When Sir Alec Guinness died in August 2000 at the age of 86, he left behind two exercise books filled with entries in his small, beautiful handwriting, together with a typed-up Introduction that suggests he planned to have the books published or broadcast in some way. Together they make up this commonplace book. The entries include passages from favourite poems and plays, theatrical anecdotes, stories overheard on the street, and the occasional short musing or reminiscence on a subject that has simply taken his fancy. Inevitably certain writers recur: Shakespeare, of course, the subject of a lifetime's study and love. Pepys, Kipling, R.S. Thomas and religious writers like Cardinal Newman and Simone Well. But here too are Woody Allen and John Updike, e.e. cummings and Barry Humphries. And some acerbic comments on certain contemporary television stars. The result is a charming book of wisdom and reflection, consolation and sheer pleasure, and one that offers an extraordinary insight into the mind of one of the great actors of the 20th century. ... Read more

Product Description
This superbly illustrated survey, published to celebrate Sir Alec GuinnessÕs 75th birthday, is a full pictorial record of his career on stage and screen from the 1930s to the present day. Robert Tanitch, author of the highly acclaimed Gielgud, has undertaken all the photographic research and many of the photographs are appearing in book form for the first time. He provides a running commentary for each production plus quotes from the critics of the day. Guinness is both a record of an actorÕs distinguished career, and a tribute to the man himself. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Wonderful tribute and bio
Published to celebrate Sir Alec Guinness's 75th birthday, this well produced book features a brief text history of his acting career and numerous photos of him on stage and in film. A must have large size hardbound collectible for any serious fan. ... Read more

Product Description
ALEC GUINNESS
Alec Guinness was a British movie actor, who starred in many films produced in Hollywood and Great Britain.


... Read more