About the Author

Born in South London in 1937, Paul Bailey won a scholarship to the Central School of Speech and Drama in 1953 and later worked as an actor. His novels include At the Jerusalem (1967; reissued 2019) and, most recently, Chapman's Odyssey (2011). Peter Smart's Confessions (1977) and Gabriel's Lament (1986) were both shortlisted for the Booker Prize. His other work has included an 'alternative biography' (Three Queer Lives); books about Quentin Crisp and Cynthia Payne; two volumes of memoirs; and plays for radio and television. His first poetry collection, Inheritance, was published in 2019.