Laurence Olivier – Melvyn Bragg

Laurence Olivier

🔹 Author: Melvyn Bragg

🔹 Subject: Laurence Olivier

🔹 Publisher: Hutchinson

🔹 Edition & Year: First Edition, 1984

🔹 Binding: Hardcover

🔹 Pages: 143

🔹 Size: 9.5 in × 11 in

Laurence Olivier by Melvyn Bragg is a richly illustrated and insightful tribute to one of the most influential figures in 20th-century theatre and film. This 1984 first edition hardcover (143 pages, large 9.5 × 11 inches format) combines biographical narrative with visual documentation, making it both an engaging read and a visually appealing collectible.

Laurence Olivier is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of his generation, known for his remarkable versatility and powerful performances on both stage and screen. In this work, Melvyn Bragg explores Olivier’s life, artistic development, and enduring legacy in the performing arts.

The book covers Olivier’s major roles, his contributions to Shakespearean theatre, and his impact on modern acting. It also delves into his personal life, professional challenges, and achievements, offering a well-rounded portrait of the man behind the legend.

One of the defining features of this volume is its visual richness. The large-format design allows for the inclusion of photographs, stage stills, and archival material that enhance the reader’s understanding of Olivier’s career and artistic presence.

Bragg’s writing is both accessible and authoritative, blending admiration with critical insight. The narrative captures the energy and innovation that defined Olivier’s work, while also situating him within the broader history of theatre and cinema.

The hardcover format ensures durability, while the oversized dimensions make it suitable for display as well as reading. As a first edition, this book holds strong collectible value, particularly for enthusiasts of film, theatre, and performing arts history.

Laurence Olivier is more than a biography—it is a visual and narrative celebration of a legendary actor whose influence continues to shape the world of performance.

✦ Author: Melvyn Bragg
✦ Subject: Laurence Olivier
✦ Publisher: Hutchinson, First Edition (1984)
✦ Format: Hardcover, 143 pages
✦ Size: 9.5 × 11 inches – large illustrated format
✦ Genre: Biography / Film & Theatre
✦ Content: Biographical narrative with visual material
✦ Themes: Acting, theatre, cinema, artistic legacy
✦ Writing Style: Engaging, informative, and appreciative
✦ Ideal For: Film lovers, theatre enthusiasts, collectors
✦ ⭐ Collector Value: First edition illustrated hardcover
🔹 Collector’s Note

This 1984 first edition hardcover of Laurence Olivier by Melvyn Bragg is a highly desirable collectible. Its large-format presentation, visual richness, and focus on a legendary figure in theatre and cinema make it an excellent addition to collections centered on performing arts, biography, and first edition works.