Margrave Of The Marshes - Hardcover

Peel, John; Ravenscroft, John; Ravenscroft, Alexandra; Ravenscroft, Florence; Ravenscroft, Sheila; Ravenscroft, Thomas; Ravenscroft, William

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0593052528 ISBN 13: 9780593052525

Publisher: Bantam Press, 2005

Synopsis

Despite the number of claims in publishers blurbs, not many people actually achieve the status of legend in their own lifetime. Fewer still actually deserve that status. John Peel is the exception which proves that rule, a Great Briton whose contribution to British culture is undeniable, without whom popular culture would never have become popular. Beloved by millions – whether for his unstinting championing of musical talent on Radio 1 or for his wildly popular Radio 4 show Home Truths – this is the astonishing book he began to write before his untimely death in October 2004, completed by the woman who knew him best, his wife Sheila. The first half of the book, written by John, describes with characteristic humour his early life, from child to man, including his school days and National Service. You can hear the unique Peel voice in every sentence - rarely, if ever, before has a voice been so successfully transferred to paper. The second section, written by Peel's wife and soulmate of many years, Sheila Ravenscroft, gives us an intimate portrait of the man and his music, and the highs and the lows of everyday life at Peel Acres. The completion of this book has been a labour of love for John's family and their passion has paid off. It's every bit as extraordinary as the man himself and a fitting tribute to a bona fide legend.

About this title

Review:

'... An honest and intelligent book.' -- Independent

'... Tender and acute ... underlines the one truth that Peel understood better than anyone ... [what] really mattered was the music.' -- Independent on Sunday

'An engaging portrait of a shy, loving and complex man ... whose passion for music never dimmed ...' -- Daily Express

'As with the man himself ... there's the surprising, the cosy ... and the fascinating.' -- GQ

'It's like listening to the story of a much missed friend ...' -- Radio Times

From the Publisher:

Audio CD edition of this autobiography of a legend, completed by the woman who knew him best

About this edition

• Publisher: Bantam Press
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 0593052528
• ISBN 13: 9780593052525
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 420