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Overview
The cast list of distinguished actors who have become distinguished authors is short, and indeed as far as my own reading goes, I can¹t think of anyone who rivals Sir Alec Guinness as both an actor of the utmost distinction and a writer of uncommon literary achievement. Blessings in Disguise, which was originally published in 1986, is Sir Alec¹s autobiography. It is a profoundly rich, subtly delineated series of sketches of self and others (among the latter, internationally famous British actors such as Gielgud and Richardson). With an Introduction by Piers Paul Read.Editorials
Library Journal
Already a bestseller in England, Guinness's memoir is less autobiography than fond recollections of the many friends (``blessings'') he has accumulated in his long theatrical career. In loosely organized chapters, most centered around one of the major influences in his life (e.g., Sybil Thorndike, John Gielgud), Guinness wanders back and forth through time. The threads of Guinness's own career, marriage, and religious searching wind through these chapters in an amusingly self-deprecatory way. He describes his career as a naval officer during World War II as ``the best performance I have given,'' in a chapter full of hilarious and hair-raising episodes. Sharp imagery and marvelous word portraits make this a charming book of English theatrical lore. Marcia L. Perry, Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield, Mass.Book Details
Published
October 30, 1997
Publisher
Penguin Books Ltd
Pages
256
Format
Hardcover
ISBN
9780140262834