Bernard Miles (1907–1991)

Bernard Miles was a significant figure in mid-twentieth century British theatre and was founder of the Mermaid Theatre in the 1950s but which was poorly situated and lasted only a few decades, leaving him financially destitute albeit, by then, as Lord Miles.

He had a collection of books and manuscripts related to the history of the English language theatre which he had to sell at one point to keep the theatre going but he retained hand written copies of material that interested him. He was show more helped in the book by the critic and historian John Trewin.

The book is essentially a selection from his copying of his own collection before he sold it on. It is a book that will largely be of interest only to people interested in the theatre. My copy will be held to be given to the first actor or theatre enthusiast I meet.

As you may tell, I am not such an enthusiast but there are some interesting insights into human psychology and some fine tales of the great names of the past- and instructions for making coloured stage flames! show less

easy-to-read, Shakespeare, children’s book, illustrated, The Tempest, As You Like It, Othello, The Merry Wives of Windsor, Julius Caesar, Bernard Miles, Favorite Tales from Shakespeare

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David Charleston, once a world renowned journalist, now lives alone maintaining the Thunder Rock lighthouse in Lake Michigan. He doesn’t cash is paychecks and has no contact other than the monthly inspector’s visit. When alone, he imagines conversations with those who died when a 19th century packet ship with some 60 passengers sank. He imagines their lives, their problems their fears and their hopes. In one of these conversations he recalls his own efforts in the 1930s when he tried show more desperately to convince first his editors and later the public of the dangers of fascism and the inevitability of war. Few would listen. One of the passengers, a spinster, tells her story of seeking independence from a world dominated by men. There’s also the case of a doctor who is banished for using unacceptable methods. David has given up on life but the imaginary passengers give him hope for the future. (fonte: imdb) show less