Alec Guinness: The Unknown: A Life

by GARRY. O'CONNOR

The definitive, highly revealing biography of a great actor whose career spanned the twentieth century. Alec Guinness appeared in 77 films and 55 plays, winning acclaim for commanding roles such as Professor Marcus in The Lady Killers, Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars and George Smiley in Smiley's People. He was an astonishingly gifted actor who became a British institution, a familiar figure to many. And yet Alec Guinness was a many-layered, complex man who was careful throughout his life to show only a little of his real self, never too much. He died with a large part of the truth still hidden. Now, for the first time, Garry O'Connor is able to reveal the full story, including startling new information on Guinness's childhood, his secret relationships and the fears that haunted him. Backed by impeccable research, including interviews with Guinness himself as well as those close to him, this riveting biography will at last fill in the gaps, adding a new depth to our understanding not just of Guinness's life but of his remarkable acting ability. Garry O'Connor has directed at the Royal Shakespeare Company, been a critic for The Times and written authoritative biographies of Paul Scofield, Peggy Ashcroft, Ralph Richardson and Sean O'Casey.

Genres: Biography

Hardcover

First published October 11, 2002

Reviews

[Frank Smith · Rating 1 out of 5]

One of the worst written books I have ever read. A really disrespectful biography - sometimes you wonder where was the editor? Poor English, bad grammar and dreadful research. I'm sure Alec Guinness wasn't perfect, like the rest of us, but he doesn't deserve this treatment.

[Katharine Holden · Rating 1 out of 5]

Poorly written, poorly edited, and choppy biography mostly concerned with Guinness' alleged homosexuality. The author analyzes a few flimsy comments and vague, bitchy stories to the point of ridiculousness. The rest of Guinness' life gets short shrift as the author repeatedly points out, with evident pique, that Guinness was a man who could write autobiography and publish journals but still manage to keep himself to himself. The only reason I am not sorry I spent time with this book is the opportunity to read a quotation from a note Guinness left to his wife along with his will and financial information: "I hate to think of all the distress I may have caused you. I love you dearly. Forgive me. I cannot imagine what life would have been without you. All my love. Alec. Take great care -- particularly with electrical appliances and cigarette ends."

[Regina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting to read about him and the history of the world that he lived during.