The Position of Peggy Harper (Paperback)

Leonard Merrick

ISBN 10: 1843913852 / ISBN 13: 9781843913856

Published by Hesperus Press Ltd, London, 2013

Paperback. Set in British theatre-land in the very early twentieth century, The Position of Peggy Harper tells of Christopher Tatham's quest as an actor for a secure wage and fame. Tatham lurches from bit part to bit part, always hoping for the longed-for leading-man role, relying on the kindness of relations to keep him housed and clothed. A chance encounter with the enchanting Peggy Harper seems to pre-empt a change of fortune. Will they both attain the success they crave? Toasting engagements with ginger-beer, living hand-to-mouth, Merrick's seedy world makes for grim reading and when Peggy turns out to be as fame-hungry, vain and vacant as she first appears, Christopher's lot looks unlikely to improve. In an age in which fame and celebrity are widely courted and craved, The Position of Peggy Harper still makes for an intriguing and, potentially, cautionary tale. A long-neglected Edwardian classic set in the shabby genteel world of England's theatricals - populated by hack writers, drunken actors, pushy stage mothers, unscrupulous managers and penny-pinching landladies. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability. Seller Inventory # 9781843913856

Synopsis:

Set in British theater-land in the very early 20th century, a tale of one man's quest as an actor for a secure wage and fame

Christopher Tatham lurches from bit part to bit part, always hoping for the longed-for leading-man role, relying on the kindness of relations to keep him housed and clothed. A chance encounter with the enchanting Peggy Harper seems to preempt a change of fortune. Will they both attain the success they crave? Toasting engagements without ginger-beer, living hand-to-mouth, Merrick's seedy world makes for grim reading and when Peggy turns out to be as fame-hungry, vain, and vacant as she first appears, Christopher's lot looks unlikely to improve. In an age in which fame and celebrity are widely courted and craved, this book still makes for an intriguing and, potentially, cautionary tale.

About the Author: Leonard Merrick (1864–1939) was an English novelist. Born Leonard Miller, he worked as an actor and actor-manager under the stage name of Leonard Merrick. He was widely admired by his peers, J. M. Barrie calling him the "novelist's novelist."George Orwell (1903–1950) was an English author, essayist, journalist, and literary critic best known for his novels1984 and Animal Farm.

Bibliographic Details

Title: The Position of Peggy Harper (Paperback)
Publisher: Hesperus Press Ltd, London
Publication Date: 2013
Binding: Paperback
Condition: new