Serious Pleasures: The Life of Stephen Tennant *Signed by the Author*

Hoare, Philip

ISBN 10: 0241124166 / ISBN 13: 9780241124161

Published by Hamish Hamilton, 1990

About this Item

A very respectable 2nd Impression copy of Philip Hoare's debut book, a 463pp biography with b&w photographic sections and occasional illustrations within the text. The text is unmarked throughout and the binding firm. There is a single vertical stain to fore-edge of text block and a hint of browning/spotting to top & lower edges. The black cloth boards remain highly presentable with only light traces of use to spine ends & corners. The unclipped dust wrapper has several closed tears and some general surface & corner wear - overall respectable/Good. Flat Signed by the author to the half-title page. Please see five pictures attached for a closer look.

Seller Inventory # ABE-1757935857174

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Serious Pleasures: The Life of Stephen Tennant *Signed by the Author*
• Publisher: Hamish Hamilton
• Publication Date: 1990
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0241124166
• ISBN 13: 9780241124161
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: Very Good
• Dust Jacket Condition: Good
• Signed: Signed by Author(s)

About this title

Synopsis

Charts the course of the artist's life, from pampered childhood to artistic precocity, to his eccentric later years

Reviews

As the subject of his first book, British journalist Hoare chooses a glamorous figure from England's past. The Hon. Stephen Tennant, artist/writer, accomplished little professionally during his life (1906-1987) but his beauty and wit dominated his circle of productive companions: Cecil Beaton, E. M. Forster, the Sitwells, the Bloomsbury group, etc. Admirers from abroad as well (Greta Gardo, the young Truman Capote) visited Wilsford Manor, Tennant's country estate in Wiltshire; Willa Cather, despite her initial impressions of the flashy youth, became a loyal friend. A cold side of Tennant, however, is revealed in his cruel break with his lover, poet Siegfried Sassoon, who never recovered from the rejection. Hoare's extensive research is backed by excerpts from the subject's correspondence, interviews with survivors of the glittering age and striking photos, all heightening interest in a definitive Peter Pan.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Blessed with literary and artistic talents, friend to E.M. Forster, Virginia Woolf, and other prominent writers of his time, Tennant never acquired the self-discipline to achieve substantial success. Journalist Hoare suggests that this wealthy, flamboyantly effeminate British aristocrat may actually have been too insecure to risk failure. He was also self-destructive, as the account here of his stormy afair with Siegfried Sassoon demonstrates. Of equal interest are the author's discussions of Tennant's social milieu and the many artists and writers he knew. Extensive use of diaries, letters, and interviews gives this well-written, often moving account an undoubted authenticity. Highly recommended for college and public libraries.
- Judy Mimken, Cardinal Stritch Coll . , Milwaukee
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.