Kirjahaku

(Applause Books). This superbly illustrated survey, published to celebrate Sir Alec Guinness's 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 actor's distinguished career, and a tribute to the man himself.

Just like Robert Tanitch's critically acclaimed book on the London stage in the twentieth century, this wonderful new book is 'fascinating - absolutely wonderful for finding what you aren't looking for'. Presented chronologically, the concise and well-crafted entries describe all of the major new plays and revivals, great actors, famous performances and spectacular productions, with a wicked sprinkling of acerbic reviews and spicy criticism. Over 250 contemporary illustrations of theatres, actors, playbills and productions help evoke the dramatic atmosphere of a period in which the lavish was expected - including erupting volcanoes, one performance with a cast of 650, and a reconstruction of Henley Regatta, complete with real boats and 200 tons of water. This is a joyous celebration of 100 years of all things theatrical. A total pleasure to dip into - and a real feast for the eye - this book is a must for theatre-lovers the world over.