Snapshots Encounters With Twentieth-Century Legends

In his diverse career as a journalist and wordsmith, Herbert Kretzmer has interviewed and profiled some of the twentieth century’s greatest figures in theatre, literature, show business and sport. His meetings with these legends are touching, funny and devastatingly honest, providing brief but lasting snapshots of their lives.
Brought together for the first time, these portraits offer unique insights into some of the extraordinary talents and personalities who have shaped our culture. Kretzmer’s intimate interviews allow us to meet such charismatic individuals as Truman Capote, Petula Clark, Billy Wilder, Cassius Clay, Anita Loos, John Osborne, Joan Plowright, Nicol Williamson, Peter Shaffer, J. P. Donleavy and many others. They are people who achieved greatness by virtue of their innovations, personalities and flair, and in these glimpses into their lives they share their hopes and opinions, anecdotes and memories.
Read a sampleReviews
The cast list of this collection is sumptuous… It is not only what his subjects say but the way Kretzmer frames the snapshot that is revealing… Throughout, Kretzmer remains a courteous, self-effacing observer of the games others play.
Daily Mail
As a superb lyric writer, Herbert Kretzmer knows exactly how to employ words to maximum effect. As a raconteur he does much the same.
Hugh Whitemore
A who’s who of the last century’s greats.
Jewish Chronicle
The collection of Kretzmer's encounters with 20th-century legends shows what a proud and revelatory craft showbusiness journalism once was.
The Telegraph
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Buy this book
- Hardback, 448 pages
- ISBN: 9781849547178
- 9 September 2014
- £25.00
- eBook
- ISBN: 9781849547987
- 28 August 2014
- £20.00