Product Description

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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #32000 in Books
• Published on: 2008-10-20
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 256 pages

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.

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.

Customer Reviews

The man gets what he finally deserves....
...by that I mean finally Kenneth Williams, one of the real British cinematic and broadcasting legends of the last century, gets the book he has long deserved.

I know his diaries backwards and have watched/listened to the many tributes on TV/radio since his death in 1988. However this book, with its unprecedented access to the key people in Kenneth's life, introduces so many new facts, photos, anecdotes and revelations.

It's a real joy for the Williams/Carry On fan, beautifully written and wonderfully researched. I initially approached with caution fearing a re-hash - it's actually the opposite. The book lets us look at an icon with new eyes. I cannot recommend it enough.

A Real Treasure Trove Of A Book
This new book is a fascinating personal insight into the life of the late Kenneth Williams, with many private photos, scripts and reminisces making it a `must have' item for any discerning fan.

Authored by Wes Butters and Russell Davies (editor of the Williams Diaries and Letters), we have section-by-section the key parts of the life and career of Kenneth Williams lavishly illustrated with photographs drawn from personal collections and coupled with quotes from those who knew and worked with the great man.

The book really comes into its own with the personal touches, such as images of Kenneth's passports, annotated scripts from television specials, scans of the handwritten notes from his first attempt at an autobiography and rare pictures from his theatrical ventures.

The good thing is that this book doesn't just rehash all the same Carry On type anecdotes and publicity shots that are used in many other books, instead it illuminates many facets of his life and career from childhood, theatre, radio, television and film in a multi-faceted way.

I would highly recommend this book as being one of the best on Kenneth Williams for years, and with so many personal and private moments featured it is one that brings out the humanity and warmth of the man in many ways also.

Beautifully produced
Williams' vocal genius has entertained and amazed me thoughout my life, and I enjoy learning as much as I can about him.

Though there are a few snippets of extra information in this book, particularly about people who have died since the Diaries were published and can no longer be libelled, I did not find much new in this book, which is mainly the memories of various people closely associated with him.

That said, I thoroughly enjoyed the book, particularly the (oh so rare) high quality of the paper and printing, so that the photographs and other reproductions are shown beautifully. One for the collection!