This is the authorised biography of Sir John Gielgud, one of the 20th century's greatest classical actors, written by renowned theatre critic and biographer Sheridan Morley. Published by Hodder & Stoughton with Gielgud's own blessing, this hardback offers an intimate and comprehensive portrait of the man behind the legend — his extraordinary career spanning eight decades, his mastery of Shakespearean theatre, his transition to Hollywood, and the personal stories that shaped him.
Morley weaves together Gielgud's professional triumphs with personal insights: his relationships with other legendary figures in theatre, his struggles and vulnerabilities, and the intelligence and grace with which he navigated a remarkable life. For theatre lovers, biography enthusiasts, Shakespeare scholars, and collectors of performing arts history, this is a definitive work — both a captivating read and a serious historical document.
Every photograph below shows the exact book for sale. The gallery captures the cover (front and spine), the dust jacket's back panel (which reads The Authorised Biography of the Greatest Classical Actor of All Time), and the title page and contents spread inside. You can clearly see the condition of the black hardback boards, the gold lettering, and the overall state of the binding.
| Title | The Authorised Biography of John Gielgud |
| Author | Sheridan Morley |
| Publisher | Hodder & Stoughton |
| Format | Hardcover with dust jacket |
| Pages | 306 |
| Language | English |
| Subject | Theatre Biography / Shakespeare / Performing Arts |
| Type | Authorised Biography |
| Country of Origin | United Kingdom |
| Condition Grade | Used – Good |
Used – Good. The hardback boards are black with gold lettering; the spine shows age-appropriate wear and is intact. The dust jacket is present and shows light age-related toning and wear to the edges and corners — a natural result of years of shelf life. The pages are clean throughout, the binding is solid and secure, and the book holds together well. This is a reading copy in good condition, suitable for genuine use or display on a shelf. Please refer to the photo gallery for a clear view of the cover, spine and dust jacket condition.
Q: Is the dust jacket included?
A: Yes. The dust jacket is present and shown in the photos. It displays light age-related wear and toning, consistent with a book of this age.
Q: Is this the authorised biography?
A: Yes. This is Sheridan Morley's authorised biography, written with John Gielgud's own blessing and cooperation. The dust jacket and title page both confirm this.
Q: Are all 306 pages present and complete?
A: Yes. The book is complete with all pages intact and the binding secure. The interior photographs show the book opens cleanly and the contents are as they should be.
Q: Who is this book suitable for?
A: Theatre enthusiasts, Shakespeare scholars, biography readers, collectors of performing arts history, and anyone with a genuine interest in the life and career of John Gielgud will find this a rewarding purchase. It is also a thoughtful gift for fans of classical theatre or theatre history.
Q: What condition is the binding in?
A: The binding is firm and secure. The spine shows age-related wear but remains intact, and the hardback boards are solid. This is a book that will continue to be read and displayed with confidence.
This item is shipped promptly from the UK with FREE UK postage, carefully protected in transit, and dispatched within one working day of cleared payment. International buyers are welcome via eBay's Global Shipping Programme — postage costs and any applicable import duties are calculated automatically at checkout.
Questions about the book's condition, contents or history? We're happy to help. Send a message and we'll reply promptly. If you'd like additional close-up photographs of the spine, binding, dust jacket, or any interior pages, just ask — we're here to make sure you buy with complete confidence.