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Reader's Paradise

Elizabeth Taylor (the writer)

15 years ago

I picked up a nice remaindered copy of Elizabeth Taylor's novel A Game of Hide and Seek the other day. There is a short introduction about Taylor's career, which states that she was much admired by her famous peers, writers like Elizabeth Bowen to name just one, but somehow real success eluded her. I first encountered Taylor (who died in 1975 in her early 60s) as a devoted friend of Dame Ivy Compton-Burnett, in Hilary Spurling's biography of the latter. I later read Taylor's Angel, a funny but sad novel about the rise and fall of a dreadful lady novelist. The book was thoroughly enjoyable, yet somehow I never read more of her work.

Does Elizabeth Taylor have any RP admirers?

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Comments (8)

martin_z
15 years ago
She's on my list to investigate - or more precisely, one of her books is. Mrs Palfrey at the Claremont was shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 1971. It's a hard one to find as a first edition! It was filmed - not sure when - and it was on the TV. I recorded it at Christmas, but I haven't got round to watching it yet...!
veer
15 years ago
I watched Mrs Palfrey as a BBC TV 'Play for Today', taken from the book, back in the early '70's with Celia Johnson as the original Mrs P. The film was made from the play/from the book. Johnson was the wife of Peter Fleming the 'adventurer' and brother of Ian F (think 007)
Tim I have read some stuff by Taylor . . . just can't think what at the moment.
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dido1
15 years ago
I like her writing very much. I read quite a bit some years ago (can't remember what now - terrible memory) and now you've reminded me of her, I must look for some more. Like Elizabeth Bowen, whom you also mention, she's a quiet, understating writer but very effective.

Dido
J C
15 years ago
Funny coincidence, I have the film with Joan Plowright and Rupert Friend here on my shelf - I got it from the library for the second time last night. Lovely film. Now I have to read the book. (Hanging head in shame) I didn't realize it was based on a novel. Off, off I go, the library opens in three minutes.
woodnymph2_gw
15 years ago
I, too, got the newer version of this film at my local library. I just love the story and never knew that it was taken from a book. Joan Plowright is superb in this re-make.
lemonhead101
15 years ago
I have read both the Mrs P book and seen the film, and enjoyed both. Haven't read any of her other work, but am intrigued. There is just that age-old problem of "too many books, not enough time"....
veer
15 years ago
Tim, I just found this BBC 'Woman's Hour' piece on Elizabeth Taylor which you may find interesting. Go to the 'Listen to This Item' button to hear it.

Here is a link that might be useful: BBC Elizabeth Taylor
timallan
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks to everybody for their recommendations. It looks like she is a writer definitely worth reading. I will have to read A Game of Hide and Seek, and let you all know what I think.

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