A publishing event! The first and definitive collection of letters (most of them previously unpublished) both from and to the incomparable Noë...
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reviews
Jul 26, 2009
Ali
rated it: 
This is an enormous tome - and I found it very hard to hold at times. It is over 750 pages (larger pages at that) and no wonder really. Noel Coward lived for over 70 years and wrote hundreds of letters to all sorts of people. In between the letters we get valuble biographical details of his life, and his work. There were moments when I found this tough going - but overall I found it readable and hugely entertaining. I found that the older Noel Coward got, the better his letters became, and the
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Apr 09, 2008
Nick
rated it: 
I've been lost in the letters of Noel Coward for weeks. At least, that's the way it seems. You can't rush through them. It's 800 pages of wit, mayhem, and celebrity name-dropping. Coward knew everyone in the UK, France, and the US of A from 1920 - 1970, so he covers a fair swathe of the famous. He was pals with the Queen, Jack Kennedy, every Hollywood actor ever known (from that era), and a good deal of the Mafia. He was a spy in WWII, though he didn't get to do as much skullduggery as he
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Apr 06, 2009
Gypsy3x4
rated it:
From this book I learned that even Noel Coward's letters were fucking brilliant.
May we all be so lucky as to receive a hand written letter from a great writer.
They should be full of wit, gossip and opinions on their current work.
I loved this book. And I hate letter books, I normally find them boring! So to give this one 5 stars is huge deal for me!
May we all be so lucky as to receive a hand written letter from a great writer.
They should be full of wit, gossip and opinions on their current work.
I loved this book. And I hate letter books, I normally find them boring! So to give this one 5 stars is huge deal for me!
Apr 05, 2009
If you have ever laughed at a Noel Coward play or hummed along to one of his songs, you'll like this book. It's also eminently browsable--you can just dip into it, to see what he was writing and thinking when, for instance, Blithe Spirit was about to premiere.
Jul 04, 2009
Nancy
rated it: 
I read this because of a friends' recommendation. Historically, it was mildly interesting. I appreciated the volume of correspondence written during his life. I didn't really enjoy the read- felt more like a chore
Jan 26, 2009
A very enjoyable read with a trip round the gliterati of the time, but also showing how much pain there can be behind a cheerful face. Must explore some more Coward plays
Mar 05, 2009
I love reading other people's letters, even though I have to envision an alternate universe in which I'll have time to get through this. But a girl can dream!
Aug 01, 2009
Alexandra
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This was a fabulous collection of Coward's letters...I could have easily read another 800 pages. What a talent, what a history, what a fascinating story.
Jun 06, 2010
Elizabeth
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The letters of Noel Coward are a positively, fabulous journey regarding the greatest theater legend of the 20th century. Mostly known for his plays, Coward was equally deft as an enchanting composer/lyricist. During the read, I not only listened to his songs, but also viewed his films, "Brief Encounter," "In Which We Serve" and "The Italian Job." He was also a remarkable actor and director. The Golden Age of theater especially comes to life through his correspon
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Mar 21, 2010
Caroline
rated it:
Ugh. Forced myself to finish it because I read so many good things about it. Never seemed to flow.
May 20, 2009
I've never seen any of his play, but I've heard about the legend. THis epistolary/bio was featured on "Theater Talk" recently, and I thought I'd delve into it.
Apr 29, 2008
Jenifer
rated it:
what i learned? letter writing is a lost art. brevity is under-rated. shallowness and egocentricity are only funny for so long.
that said, noel coward lived an excessively interesting life: playwright, actor, director, novelist, spy. and friend to vastly interesting people, with whom he exchanged some interesting letters.
this book is not for everyone. you've got to know coward's plays, for one. or at least know who the guy was. otherwise, it reads like a poncy bit of sug
that said, noel coward lived an excessively interesting life: playwright, actor, director, novelist, spy. and friend to vastly interesting people, with whom he exchanged some interesting letters.
this book is not for everyone. you've got to know coward's plays, for one. or at least know who the guy was. otherwise, it reads like a poncy bit of sug
Jan 31, 2009
Nette
rated it:
Why am I reading yet more letters from witty Brits born in 1899? Maybe it's the cold weather and the long, dark nights. Anyway, this is a very good collection because the guy who put it together has written seven Coward biographies (obsess much?) and the letters are bookended by fascinating and pertinent biographical nuggets. Also, he includes letters TO Noel Coward, which is a nice touch.
Oct 31, 2009
Terry
rated it:
Is there anyone more delightful to spend an evening with than Noel Coward? I think not and this book confirms it. The letters are interwoven with biographical commentary and sometimes jump out of chronological order to show the progression and context of a relationship. Altogether a delightful read.
Sep 13, 2008
Gill
rated it:
Unsurprisingly wide range of acquaintances and friends. A very full life. Juicy, bitchy and a good, if long, read. His activities during the war were unexpected, given his reluctance to live in Britain, he remained a fervent patriot in his own strange way.
Sep 13, 2008
Gill
rated it:
Unsurprisingly wide range of acquaintances and friends. A very full life. Juicy, bitchy and a good, if long, read. His activities during the war were unexpected, given his reluctance to live in Britain, he remained a fervent patriot in his own strange way.
Nov 28, 2007
We just did a cabaret of the music of Noel Coward... My favorite Noel Coward Song, "Mad Dogs and Englishmen go out in the Noon Day Sun..." I would love to read this. I am sure there is some correspondence with Gertrude Lawrence too.
Apr 01, 2008
Jo Lin
rated it: 
Noel Coward was a collaborator!!! Sorry, random factoid that I picked up from reading this book.
But seriously, so lovely to read something from an age where people actually wrote each other letters.
But seriously, so lovely to read something from an age where people actually wrote each other letters.
Jan 12, 2011
What a doorstop! Still, the Master is always entertaining -- even in snippets.
Done some time ago but enjoy dipping in occasionally.
Done some time ago but enjoy dipping in occasionally.
Jan 19, 2011
Mark
rated it:
Fascinating reading only marred by the english editor's use of american spelling and his dodging about of the order of letters.
Feb 14, 2008
Kimberley
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Noel was hilarious from the beginning. Some very interesting considerations of the artistic process. Great storytelling
Dec 02, 2008
Bob
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They don't make 'em like Noel anymore. I have a soft spot for those old school closeted British travellers. The dude dripped wit.
Dec 01, 2007
Just started it. Well edited. Fascinating. It's my in the car book to read between stops as it's broken into short bits.
Sep 09, 2009
Susan
rated it:
Kept company with Noel Coward during many recent sleepless nights--fascinating especially to an Anglophile.
Mar 12, 2011
It is a good read with lots of examples which allow youto inderstand the workings of a theatre and impressario
Sep 04, 2009
Barbara
rated it:
As a long-time Noel Coward fan, I love this book, which is not only letters written by him, but also received from his many fascinating friends and associates.
