Dark Star

Name: Dark Star
Brand: Allen & Unwin
SKU: 9780755600571
Price: 29.99 NZD
Availability: InStock

A Biography of Vivien Leigh

By Alan Strachan

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3.82

( 211 ratings, 37 reviews)

Summary

Dark Star by Alan Strachan is a compelling biography that delves into the intriguing life of a famed personality from the entertainment industry. The book explores their rise to stardom, struggles with fame, and personal challenges, offering an intimate glimpse into both the public and private aspects of their life. With rich details and insightful anecdotes, it paints a vivid portrait of both the individual and the times they lived in.
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Format: Paperback / softback

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Dark Star

$29⁹⁹

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

If you're fascinated by the world of theatre and biographies of iconic figures, you might enjoy this compelling account that delves into the life and career of a towering figure in the performing arts. Packed with personal insights, dramatic anecdotes, and a glimpse into the artistic world, it provides a vivid portrait that theatre enthusiasts and biography lovers will find captivating.

Dark Star

Description

Winner of the Society for Theatre Research Book Prize 2020

Dark Star by Alan Strachan delves into the life of Vivien Leigh, perhaps the most iconic actress of the twentieth century. Known for her legendary performances as Scarlett O'Hara and Blanche Du Bois, Leigh was also a distinguished theatre actress, receiving accolades on both the West End and Broadway.

In this ground-breaking new biography, Strachan presents an unprecedented full-life portrait of Leigh, exploring her professional achievements and personal struggles. Drawing on previously unseen sources from her archive, now held at the V&A, he casts new light on her tumultuous relationship with Laurence Olivier through their letters and diaries. The book also examines the impact of bipolar disorder on her later life and career.

Strachan uncovers new facets of Leigh's early life and offers behind-the-scenes insights into the making of iconic films such as Gone with the Wind and A Streetcar Named Desire. This biography provides an essential and comprehensive account of one of the twentieth century's greatest actresses.

'A gripping new biography' - The Daily Mail

'[Vivien Leigh's] life, lived to the full at every second, will never be better told than it is in these pages' - The Sunday Times

'One of the most revealing showbiz biographies ever' - Sir Ian McKellen

'Enthralling' - Michael Codron

'A wonderful tribute' - Dame Penelope Keith DBE, DL

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Dark Star by Alan Strachan is praised for its meticulous research, elegant writing, and authoritative account of Vivien Leigh's life. Reviewers appreciate Strachan's ability to maintain Leigh’s integrity while offering new perspectives and insights into her career, especially her underrated film work. The biography is described as gripping, revealing, and a celebration of Leigh's life, capturing both her glory and struggles.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780755600571

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 19 March 2020

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Illustration: 28 bw illus

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 32.0mm

Width: 156.0mm

Height: 224.0mm

Weight: 660g

Pages: 384

Collections

Alan Strachan Arts & Culture Biography & Memoir History & Military Musicians, Movie Stars & Creative Biographies Non-Fiction

About the Author

Alan Strachan is a theatre director. In London’s West End he has directed over thirty productions, and has also worked in regional theatre as well as in Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Dublin and New York often with leading actors and on plays ranging from Shakespeare, Shaw and Tennessee Williams to Alan Ayckbourn and Tom Stoppard. He is the author of Secret Dreams: A Biography of Michael Redgrave and Putting It On: The West End Theatre of Michael Codron.