Betjeman

John Betjeman was the most read of living poets and, at his death in 1984, was the most loved. Here he is portrayed by Bevis Hillier in 'one of the richest and most entertaining biographies of recent times.' In this final volume, Betjeman is at the height of his fame, universally adopted as Teddy Bear to the Nation. By now he is known not just as a poet, but as a television personality too. He is also the essential public face of conservation, fighting -- not always with great efficiency or success -- to save our heritage. We live with him the triumph of Summoned by Bells, his richly emotional autobiography in verse, but also follow his tribulations as Poet Laureate, despairingly in search of inspiration in the bombastic events of royal and public life. Perhaps least expected of all is the pleasure he found in Banana Blush, the poems he recorded to the music of Jim Parker. As before, Bevis Hillier reveals the origins of Betjeman's most loved poems; brings to life his loves and enthusiasms; shows how important his religion, his love of laughter and his often hidden kindnesses were in his life; and reminds us of his particular hates.