Betjeman by A. N. Wilson
John Betjeman was by far the most popular poet of the twentieth century. His collected poems sold over two million copies. Television audiences loved his quirky evocations of landscape and architecture.
As Poet Laureate, he became a national icon, but behind the public man were doubts and demons. The poet, best known for writing hymns of praise to athletic middle-class girls on the tennis courts, led a tempestuous emotional life. For much of his fifty year marriage to Penelope Chetwode, the daughter of a Field Marshal, Betjeman had a relationship with Elizabeth Cavendish, the daughter of the Duke of Devonshire and Lady-in-Waiting to Princess Margaret. Betjeman, a devout Anglican, was tormented by guilt about the storms this emotional triangle caused.
'Betjeman' is the first to use fully the vast archive of personal material relating to Betjeman's private life, including literally hundreds of letters written by his wife about their life together and apart. His many friendships are also chronicled here, ranging from "Bosie" Douglas to the young satirists of Private Eye, from the Mitford sisters to the Crazy Gang. This is a celebration of a much-loved poet, a brave campaigner for architecture at risk, and a highly popular public performer.
Paperback | 384 pages
129 x 198 x 24mm | 266g
06 Nov 2007
Cornerstone
ARROW BOOKS LTD
London, United Kingdom
English
Revised ed.
64
0099498375
9780099498377
Condition: Very Good
A book that does not look new and has been read but is in excellent condition. Very minimal damage to the cover, including very minimal (barely visible) scuff marks and some creasing along the spine. No missing or damaged pages, no creases or tears, and no underlining/highlighting of text or writing in the margins. Very minimal wear and tear.