Книга Jan Morris: life from both sides
‘A marvel of clarity, fluency, and (Morris’s favourite word in her final days) kindness.’ The Sunday Times
The first full account of the remarkable life of Jan Morris: writer, soldier, traveller, and trans pioneer.
Jan Morris is widely considered one of Britain’s best-loved writers, known for her observational genius, lyricism, and humour. Born in 1926, she spent her childhood amidst Oxford’s Gothic beauty and later participated in military service in Italy and the Middle East, before becoming an internationally fêted foreign correspondent. However, public success masked a private dilemma that was only resolved when she transitioned gender in the late sixties. She went on to live happily with her wife Elizabeth in Wales for another five decades, and never stopped writing and publishing. Here, for the first time, the many strands of Morris’s rich and at times paradoxical life are brought together.
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‘Engaging … meticulously researched.’
" - The Guardian"
‘A measured and elegant biography that Morris aficionados will find fascinating.’
" - The Times"
‘Paul Clements, a journalist and travel writer who knew Morris for 30 years, has produced a lovely and scrupulous biography … a boon companion to Morris’s sprawling oeuvre.’
" - The New York Times"
‘A marvel of clarity, fluency, and (Morris’s favourite word in her final days) kindness.’
" - The Sunday Times"
‘A textured portrait brimming with details of Morris’s life and work.’
" - The New York Times"
‘A judicious, richly researched book.’
" - The Observer"
‘Lively and well-written … Clements deserves plaudits.’
" - The Spectator"
‘Clements’ respectful approach does raise some fascinating questions.’
" - Financial Times"
‘Meticulously researched biography.’
" - The Guardian"
‘Fascinating.’
" - Daily Mail"
‘A work worthy of its complex and much admired subject, and one that is unlikely to be surpassed … a painstakingly assembled portrait which brings her vividly to life.’
" - The Irish Times"
‘Clements shows an insatiable appetite in immersing himself in Morris’ 70-year career … he has produced here an account which the author herself would unhesitatingly recommend. An amazing life captured as a fly in amber in this riveting study.’
" - Irish Examiner"
‘An important new biography.’
" - Bowman: Sunday"
‘Extremely readable.’
" - Irish News"
‘A striking biography.’
" - RTE Arena"
‘For anyone interested in world history, it makes for absorbing reading.’
" - The Herald"
‘The book of the moment ... Remarkable.’
" - BBC Radio Ulster Talkback"
‘A fascinating account.’
" - The Gloss"
‘This is careful, sifted, footnote-heavy stuff, a chronological canter through a century of an utterly captivating and outrageously blessed life … Clements leaves no research stone unturned.’
" - Nation"
‘Humane, reliable, and rounded — a rich, multifaceted portrait of someone whose own daughter, Suki, concurred was “a really complicated person”.’
" - Geographical Magazine"
‘A stunning and hefty biography … It’s a beautiful tribute … Clement’s book will inspire you to discover Jan Morris if you haven't already, and for people like me who know a little of her work, well, it made me want to read more.’
" - Q Magazine"
‘This is a chaste, sparkling book.’
" - The Sydney Morning Herald"
‘Clements presents an intimate portrait of a writer of a writer of some of the world's most-read travel books.’
" - SA Weekend"
‘Clements presents an engaging and loving tribute to a life well lived.’
" - Booklist