Kenneth Williams Unseen: The private notes, scripts and photographs - Hardcover

Butters, Wes; Davies, Russell

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0007280858 ISBN 13: 9780007280858

Publisher: HarperCollins Entertainment, 2008

Synopsis

To mark the 20th anniversary of Kenneth Williams’ death, a beautiful coffee table book celebrating his life, including never-before-seen photographs, sketches and personal testimony from Williams’ closest friends, for the very first time.

2008 marks the 20th anniversary of the death of legendary comic actor and broadcaster Kenneth Williams. Among the actor's bequests, in a will which itself was controversial enough to require re-examination, was a large cache of private papers and memorabilia inherited by his godson, Robert Chiddell, and subsequently acquired by the broadcaster and Williams fanatic, Wesley Butters.

This material, none of which has been seen before, includes scripts and drafts by Williams, lectures and speeches delivered by him (to an audience of policemen, in a couple of cases), a large number of superb photographs from all phases of his career, and creative writing which even extends to a fictional recreation of his own turbulent Cockney childhood.

Without ever arranging it formally Williams had unwittingly assembled a brilliant scrapbook of his life. Kenneth Williams Unseen is that scrapbook, enlarged and emboldened by contributions from those who knew and loved him and is a must for every fan of the great man himself. This is the first authorised book on Williams in over a decade and will re-define the Williams legacy.

About this title

About the Author

Russell Davies is a freelance writer and broadcaster. A former film and TV critic of the Observer and TV critic of the Sunday Times, he has also written a column on sport for the Sunday Telegraph. He has presented many literary and political features on TV and radio (including a history of radio comedy).

Wes Butters made a name for himself in radio as the ninth host of BBC Radio 1's Sunday chart show. He won numerous awards, including a Sony, for his breakfast show at Galaxy Manchester. In April 2008 Wes wrote and produced the two-part documentary The Pain of Laughter - The Last Days of Kenneth Williams for BBC Radio 4.

From the Inside Flap

Kenneth Williams remains one of Britain's most respected and loved comic actors. From his early days in radio with Tony Hancock and Kenneth Horne to his scene stealing performances in the classic Carry On films, his inimitable voice and expressions are unforgettable.

But Williams is also remembered for his haunted personal life and bouts of depression and self-loathing he frequently experienced, ending in his tragic death which is still shrouded in mystery.

Among the possessions which the actor left behind was a large cache of private papers. This material, none of which has been seen before, includes scripts and drafts by Williams, unseen photographs from all phases of his life and career, and collections of his creative writing.

Without ever arranging it formally, Williams had unwittingly assembled a brilliant scrapbook of his life. Kenneth Williams Unseen is that scrapbook, enlarged and emboldened by contributions from those who knew and loved him and presents one of our finest comics in a startling new light.

Edition details

• Publisher: HarperCollins Entertainment
• Publication date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0007280858
• ISBN 13: 9780007280858
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 288