Joyce Grenfell: A Biography

by JanieHampton (Author)

• Used

  Paperback
  2003

  $3.24

  Joyce Grenfell (1910-1979) was a British institution and one of the country's best-loved entertainers. She achieved success as a writer and performer of songs and monologues on stage and radio at a time when it was unusual for a woman of her background to work at all. Joyce revealed little about her private life in her two autobiographies, and after her death her image was fiercely guarded by her husband and friends, so that she came to be remembered as almost unnaturally perfect. Now, at last, it is possible to show her human failings as well as her humour, kindness and generosity. Janie Hampton explores Joyce's intense relationship with her brother and her mother; her childlessness; her love affair with Prince Aly Khan; her mixed feelings about the theatre; her moving acts of philanthropy and her faith in Christian Science which enabled her to endure the pain of cancer without medical treatment. The result is an affectionate portrait of a unique, complex and lovable person.

• Used

  Hardcover
  2004

  $3.24

  Joyce Grenfell: My Kind of Magic is a charming collection of her favourite articles, poetry, drawings and writings of every kind, from treasured recipes to the places she was happiest in. The best things in her view are often unexpected -- blackbirds in January, the musty smell of old books or dusk in an East Anglian cornfield. For Joyce Grenfell these small flashes of joy and inspiration were scattered amongst the everyday. Her idea of comfort was no draughts, no overhead lighting, hot water all the year round and no noises about it being 'the summer' . During her lifetime she amassed an eclectic collection that she planned one day to put together into a scrapbook; but she was so busy she never got around to doing it. Now, finally, these pieces have been set down for the enjoyment of all. Her biographer, Janie Hampton, has woven together the little bits of magic from Joyce's life into a beautiful and endearing memento.