Philip Ziegler has written for various newspapers and journals and was editor-in-chief at Collins from 1979 to 1980. He is also an award-winning biographer who counts among his subjects two kings and four prime ministers. His most recent book was an acclaimed life of Edward Heath.
"A recommended retelling of a great -actor's life."--Stephen Rees,
Library Journal
"A well-rounded portrait of the legendary English actor... probably
the best Olivier book for general readers."--Kirkus Reviews
"Informed, informative, exceptionally well written, Olivier is very
highly recommended reading for his legions of fans."--Midwest Book
Review
"It enriched my sense of this amazing multi-faceted, multi-talented
man."--Antonia Fraser, The Guardian
"Mr. Ziegler is a sympathetic chronicler . . . he is admirably
efficient. In deft strokes, he captures the full range of Olivier's
experience-as actor and impresario and as the principal character
in the tumultuous drama of his personal and professional life . . .
an insightful portrait."--Martin Rubin, The Wall Street Journal
"Olivier described himself in later life as 'hollow man.' [Ziegler]
captures some of the magnificent noise with which the actor spent
his life filling that void."--The Daily Telegraph
"Philip Ziegler is a master of biographical narrative. He tells the
extraordinary story with fine judgment and the power of a born
storyteller. Seldom has such exhaustive research been made so
compellingly readable."--Award-winning author and biographer
Michael Holroyd
"There are some 20 or 30 books about [Olivier], not counting many
more in which he merely figures prominently . . . Philip Ziegler's
"Olivier," may well be the best yet - perhaps even definitive - not
only because it is so widely researched and readably written, but
also because so much new material has become available to make such
ample use of. . . . The biography is full of marvelous anecdotes .
. . It is altogether a thorough and intelligent book: Read
it."--John Simon, The New York Times
"This new book is... a triumph. Ziegler's first biography of an
actor, it glitters with theatrical life--the tensions, the
triumphs, the backstage bitchery. He reduces a huge welter of
sources to a crisp narrative, cracking with civilised irony. It is
also balanced. Even Tynan, whom Ziegler obviously considers
poisonous nuisance, is given praise when due. Above all it
succeeds, as far as is humanly possible, in bringing alive on the
page Olivier's magnetic theatrical presence, which those who saw
him act will never forget."--John Carey, The Sunday Times
"Undaunted by the challenge of his subject, Philip Ziegler vividly
captures the excitement of Olivier's stage presence."--The Weekly
Standard
"Ziegler chronicles Olivier's life in an accessible road map that
navigates through his celebrity, affairs, marriages, divorces, his
respect and disdain for certain stars, his acting technique,
directing, and work at the helm of the National Theater. He delves
deeply into how Olivier reached deep into his psyche to unleash
such passion and power."--Ellis Nassour, City Guide
"Ziegler establishes a likable tone of good sportsmanship, and he
keeps tight control over his narrative."--Film Comment
"Ziegler is an elegant, unfailingly lucid writer, his manner brisk
and incisive... Ziegler has addressed Olivier the phenomenon in an
elegant and increasingly compelling book."--Simon Callow, The
Guardian
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