Patrick Hamilton

Patrick Hamilton was one of the most gifted and admired writers of his generation. Born in Sussex, in 1904, he published his first novel, Craven House, in 1926 and within a few years had established a wide readership for himself. Despite personal setbacks and an increasing problem with drink, he went on to produce some of the most penetrating and influential fiction of the mid-20th century. J.B. Priestley once described Hamtilton as "uniquely individual ... He is the novelist of innocence, appallingly vulnerable, and of malevolence, coming out of some mysterious darkness of evil."

John Harding provides a critical appraisal of all of Hamilton's major novels, as well as his successful stage plays, Rope and Gaslight. He draws on views of a wide variety of commentators, including Michael Holroyd, Doris Lessing, Claud Cockburn and many others, as well as considering how Hamilton's political beliefs affected his work. The book will appeal to both students of English Literature as well as the general reader.

About the author:

John Harding is the author of several biographies including that of the poet Ralph Hodgson. He is the editor of a recent volume of Hodgson's poems and has also written books on football, boxing, sailing and flying. He teaches creative writing in London

116  pages

ISBN: 978-1-871551-99-0