Nigel Farndale – författare

Discover the lives of some of the most fascinating and unconventional characters of recent times, with 80 obituaries carefully curated from The Times archive. Be they dons, pop stars, vicars, MPs, rugby players or aristocrats, each has marched to the beat of their own drum and led a life far from ordinary.The Times obituaries have given readers throughout the world an instant picture of a life for more than 150 years. Meet the mavericks, rogues and eccentrics from recent history, including: Baroness Trumpington, the codebreaking, chainsmoking, two-finger-flicking grande dame of British politics‘Magic Alex’ Mardas, inventor who was the Beatles’ ‘scientific guru’Zsa Zsa Gábor, Hungarian socialite and actress who made a success out of celebrity and was best known for having married nine timesJohn Lucas, influential philosopher who argued against determinism and had a reputation for being the most eccentric don in OxfordBrigadier Jack Thomas, military police commander who survived a landmine, bullet, rhino and faulty parachute and liked to watch TV with an owl on his headApril Ashley, model, socialite and transgender rights campaigner whose reassignment surgery was part of a rollercoaster life of lovers and high dramaJordan Mooney, punk muse known as ‘the original Sex Pistol’ who appeared on stage with them, guided their ‘look’ and then became a veterinary nurseAuthoritative, insightful and endlessly engaging, this book is a must for anyone with an interest in the eccentrics and unique characters of recent times.

Discover the lives of some of the most fascinating and unconventional characters of recent times, with 85 obituaries carefully curated from The Times archive. Be they dons, pop stars, vicars, MPs, rugby players or aristocrats, each has marched to the beat of their own drum and led a life far from ordinary.The Times obituaries have given readers throughout the world an instant picture of a life for more than 150 years. Meet the mavericks, rogues and eccentrics from recent history, including: Baroness Trumpington, the codebreaking, chainsmoking, two-finger-flicking grande dame of British politics‘Magic Alex’ Mardas, inventor who was the Beatles’ ‘scientific guru’Zsa Zsa Gábor, Hungarian socialite and actress who made a success out of celebrity and was best known for having married nine timesJohn Lucas, influential philosopher who argued against determinism and had a reputation for being the most eccentric don in OxfordBrigadier Jack Thomas, military police commander who survived a landmine, bullet, rhino and faulty parachute and liked to watch TV with an owl on his headApril Ashley, model, socialite and transgender rights campaigner whose reassignment surgery was part of a rollercoaster life of lovers and high dramaJordan Mooney, punk muse known as ‘the original Sex Pistol’ who appeared on stage with them, guided their ‘look’ and then became a veterinary nurseAuthoritative, insightful and endlessly engaging, this book is a must for anyone with an interest in the eccentrics and unique characters of recent times.

A must-read collection for all music fans.Delve into the tumultuous world of music stardom with this collection of obituaries from The Times.From the rock’n’roll pioneers of the 1950s to the pop superstars of the 21st century – as well as lesser-known, boundary-pushing innovators with undeniable influence, this collection features music greats such as: Chuck Berry, founding father of rock’n’roll who lit the flame of teenage rebellion in 1950s America and was himself never far from troubleChristine McVie, reserved, intelligent singer and songwriter for Fleetwood Mac, whose album Rumours was one of the biggest-selling of all timeJimi Hendrix, American singer and songwriter who expanded the range and vocabulary of the electric guitar into areas no musician had ever ventured beforeAmy Winehouse, singer and songwriter with an astonishing voice and talent, her career was tarnished by drugs, alcohol and scandalFreddie Mercury, flamboyant singer and songwriter who achieved worldwide fame as the lead vocalist and pianist for the rock band QueenElvis Presley, singer known as “The King” and remembered as one of the earliest and greatest exponents of rock’n’ roll musicNina Simone, tempestuous soul singer, who enjoyed a 50-year career, but left America because of racismDavid Bowie, rock superstar who had a profound impact on popular music and culture during 50 years of continuous artistic innovationDusty Springfield, shy, soulful, smoky-voiced singer whose songs and beehive hair became enduring symbols of Swinging LondonShane MacGowan, hard-drinking frontman of Celtic punk band the Pogues who was hailed for his raw talent and masterful songwritingEra-defining obituaries are illustrated with behind-the-scenes photos from The Times archive, revealing the lives behind the music that have left an indelible mark on our cultural landscape. Authoritative, insightful and endlessly engaging, this collection of music biographies is a must-read for music fans and anyone with an interest in fascinating life stories.

The ideal Christmas gift for all music fansDelve into the tumultuous world of music stardom with this collection of obituaries from The Times.From the rock’n’roll pioneers of the 1950s to the pop superstars of the 21st century – as well as lesser-known, boundary-pushing innovators with undeniable influence, this collection features music greats such as: Chuck Berry, founding father of rock’n’roll who lit the flame of teenage rebellion in 1950s America and was himself never far from troubleChristine McVie, reserved, intelligent singer and songwriter for Fleetwood Mac, whose album Rumours was one of the biggest-selling of all timeJimi Hendrix, American singer and songwriter who expanded the range and vocabulary of the electric guitar into areas no musician had ever ventured beforeAmy Winehouse, singer and songwriter with an astonishing voice and talent, her career was tarnished by drugs, alcohol and scandalFreddie Mercury, flamboyant singer and songwriter who achieved worldwide fame as the lead vocalist and pianist for the rock band QueenElvis Presley, singer known as “The King” and remembered as one of the earliest and greatest exponents of rock’n’ roll musicNina Simone, tempestuous soul singer, who enjoyed a 50-year career, but left America because of racismDavid Bowie, rock superstar who had a profound impact on popular music and culture during 50 years of continuous artistic innovationDusty Springfield, shy, soulful, smoky-voiced singer whose songs and beehive hair became enduring symbols of Swinging LondonShane MacGowan, hard-drinking frontman of Celtic punk band the Pogues who was hailed for his raw talent and masterful songwritingEra-defining obituaries are illustrated with behind-the-scenes photos from The Times archive, revealing the lives behind the music that have left an indelible mark on our cultural landscape. Authoritative, insightful and endlessly engaging, this collection of music biographies is a must-read for music fans and anyone with an interest in fascinating life stories.

Delve into the tumultuous world of music stardom with this collection of obituaries from The Times.From the rock’n’roll pioneers of the 1950s to the pop superstars of the 21st century – as well as lesser-known, boundary-pushing innovators with undeniable influence, this collection features music greats such as: Chuck Berry, founding father of rock’n’roll who lit the flame of teenage rebellion in 1950s America and was himself never far from troubleChristine McVie, reserved, intelligent singer and songwriter for Fleetwood Mac, whose album Rumours was one of the biggest-selling of all timeJimi Hendrix, American singer and songwriter who expanded the range and vocabulary of the electric guitar into areas no musician had ever ventured beforeAmy Winehouse, singer and songwriter with an astonishing voice and talent, her career was tarnished by drugs, alcohol and scandalFreddie Mercury, flamboyant singer and songwriter who achieved worldwide fame as the lead vocalist and pianist for the rock band QueenElvis Presley, singer known as “The King” and remembered as one of the earliest and greatest exponents of rock’n’ roll musicNina Simone, tempestuous soul singer, who enjoyed a 50-year career, but left America because of racismDavid Bowie, rock superstar who had a profound impact on popular music and culture during 50 years of continuous artistic innovationDusty Springfield, shy, soulful, smoky-voiced singer whose songs and beehive hair became enduring symbols of Swinging LondonShane MacGowan, hard-drinking frontman of Celtic punk band the Pogues who was hailed for his raw talent and masterful songwritingEra-defining obituaries are illustrated with behind-the-scenes photos from The Times archive, revealing the lives behind the music that have left an indelible mark on our cultural landscape. Authoritative, insightful and endlessly engaging, this collection of music biographies is a must-read for music fans and anyone with an interest in fascinating life stories.

Delve into the glitz and glamour of Hollywood with this collection of obituaries from The Times.From the silent film era to Hollywood’s golden age and beyond, this book captures the essence of cinema's most captivating actors. Dive into the untold stories behind their unforgettable performances, the triumphs and tragedies of their careers, and the cultural impact of their artistry. Featuring era-defining obituaries and rare, behind-the-scenes photographs from The Times archive, this collection offers an intimate journey through the lives and legends of the silver screen’s most iconic figures, including: Sean Connery – Hollywood heart-throb who would never have played Bond had its creator, Ian Fleming, had his way.Joan Crawford – Oscar-winning actress and dancer whose obituary states that she was “aged between 69 and 76” when she died, so careful was she that no one could know her true age.Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton – Hollywood royalty whose colourful and turbulent relationship included two marriages, two divorces, and plenty of drama.Carrie Fisher – The cult icon whose father ran off with Elizabeth Taylor years before she herself entered the limelight.Oliver Reed – The hellraiser better known for arm-wrestling and drinking than acting.

Delve into the glitz and glamour of Hollywood with this collection of obituaries from The Times.From the silent film era to Hollywood’s golden age and beyond, this book captures the essence of cinema's most captivating actors. Dive into the untold stories behind their unforgettable performances, the triumphs and tragedies of their careers, and the cultural impact of their artistry. Featuring era-defining obituaries and rare, behind-the-scenes photographs from The Times archive, this collection offers an intimate journey through the lives and legends of the silver screen’s most iconic figures, including: Sean Connery – Hollywood heart-throb who would never have played Bond had its creator, Ian Fleming, had his way.Joan Crawford – Oscar-winning actress and dancer whose obituary states that she was “aged between 69 and 76” when she died, so careful was she that no one could know her true age.Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton – Hollywood royalty whose colourful and turbulent relationship included two marriages, two divorces, and plenty of drama.Carrie Fisher – The cult icon whose father ran off with Elizabeth Taylor years before she herself entered the limelight.Oliver Reed – The hellraiser better known for arm-wrestling and drinking than acting.

Delve into the glitz and glamour of Hollywood with this collection of obituaries from The TimesFrom the silent film era to Hollywood’s golden age and beyond, this book captures the essence of cinema's most captivating actors. Dive into the untold stories behind their unforgettable performances, the triumphs and tragedies of their careers, and the cultural impact of their artistry. Featuring era-defining obituaries and rare, behind-the-scenes photographs from The Times archive, this collection offers an intimate journey through the lives and legends of the silver screen’s most iconic figures, including: Sean Connery – Hollywood heart-throb who would never have played Bond had its creator, Ian Fleming, had his way.Joan Crawford – Oscar-winning actress and dancer whose obituary states that she was “aged between 69 and 76” when she died, so careful was she that no one could know her true age.Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton – Hollywood royalty whose colourful and turbulent relationship included two marriages, two divorces, and plenty of drama.Carrie Fisher – The cult icon whose father ran off with Elizabeth Taylor years before she herself entered the limelight.Oliver Reed – The hellraiser better known for arm-wrestling and drinking than acting.This updated edition now also features the lives of Brigitte Bardot and Robert Redford.

A must-read collection for all sports fansStep into the exhilarating world of legendary athletes with this collection of obituaries from The Times.From the trailblazing athletes of the early 20th century to the celebrated champions of recent decades, this book brings to life the enduring legacies of sports’ brightest stars.Featuring era-defining obituaries and rare, behind-the-scenes photographs from The Times archive, this collection offers an intimate journey through the lives and legends of sport’s most iconic figures including: Althea Gibson – The first Black player to win Grand Slam singles titles (Wimbledon and U.S. Nationals in the 1950s).Shane Warne – One of the cricket greats, known for his charismatic personality and off-field antics.Muhammad Ali – Legendary boxer and civil rights activist whose refusal to be drafted into the Vietnam War led to the loss of his boxing titles.Baroness Rachael (Heyhoe) Flint – One of England’s leading women cricketers in the 1960s–70s and a driving force behind the first women’s Cricket World Cup (1973).Joe Frazier – Relentless and iconic, the first boxer to defeat Muhammad Ali in ‘The Fight of the Century’.Pelé – Often described as the greatest footballer of all time, he scored over 1,000 goals during his career and became a global ambassador for the sport.Fanny Blankers-Koen – Dutch track star who won four Olympic gold medals at the 1948 London Games. Known as ’the flying housewife’.Sir Bobby Charlton – A symbol of resilience and sportsmanship in football, he survived the Munich air disaster of 1958 which claimed the lives of eight of his Manchester United teammates.Rob Burrow – Former professional rugby league player who became a powerful advocate for awareness and research into Motor Neuron Disease after being diagnosed with the condition in 2019.Tori Bowie – American sprinter who rose to global prominence with multiple medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics.Authoritative, insightful and endlessly engaging, this collection of biographies of sporting legends is a must-read for sports fans and anyone with an interest in fascinating life stories.

'Richly evocative' The Times'Fascinating' The Observer'Riveting ... fast-paced, brilliantly constructed' Spectator'Profound and moving... a beautifully written evocation of turbulent times' Daily ExpressIt is the early 1930s, and Europe is holding its breath. As Hitler's grip on power tightens, preparations are being made for the Berlin Olympics. Leni Riefenstahl is the pioneering, sexually-liberated star film-maker of the Third Reich. She has been chosen by Hitler to capture the Olympics on celluloid but is about to find that even his closest friends have much to fear. Kim Newlands is the English athlete 'sponsored' by the Blackshirts and devoted to his mercurial, socialite girlfriend Connie. He is driven by a desire to win an Olympic gold but to do that he must first pretend to be someone he is not. Alun Pryce is the Welsh communist sent to infiltrate the Blackshirts. When he befriends Kim and Connie, his belief that the end justifies the means will be tested to the core.Through her camera lens and memoirs, Leni is able to manipulate the truth about what happens when their fates collide at the Olympics. But while some scenes from her life end up on the cutting room floor, this does not mean they are lost forever...'A masterly exploration of conflicting loyalties ... Sharply characterised, richly atmospheric and completely engrossing' John Preston, author of The Dig

SHORTLISTED FOR THE COSTA NOVEL AWARD & A RICHARD & JUDY BOOK CLUB PICKFOR FANS OF ATONEMENT, BIRDSONG, IN MEMORIAM AND ALL THE LIGHT WE CANNOT SEE'A book that won't leave your fingernails intact...a terrifically exciting and thought-provoking must-read' DAILY MAIL'A great achievement...To take on the First World War and make it fresh is remarkable.' MELVYN BRAGG____On its way to the Galapagos Islands, a light aircraft ditches into the sea. As the water floods through the cabin, zoologist Daniel Kennedy faces an impossible choice – should he save himself, or Nancy, the woman he loves?In a parallel narrative, it is 1917 and Daniel’s great-grandfather Andrew is preparing to go over the top at Passchendaele. He, too, will have his courage tested, and must live with the moral consequences of his actions.When Daniel returns to London, the past and the present collide, as Daniel tries to make sense of something he saw while swimming to safety that he cannot explain. Indeed nothing will make sense - either for Daniel or his great-grandfather - until they prove themselves capable of altruism, and deserving of forgiveness.It is a question of courage. It is a question of love. It is a question of having the faith to endure..._____Readers say:'Really gripping ... I recommend it very warmly to anyone who likes an involving, intelligent, thoughtful and thought-provoking read.''A beautifully constructed and written novel with some very fine touches and linked themes...quite remarkable for a first work''The author treats the reader with intelligence and offers an intricate tale with convincing, flawed characters making difficult choices and dealing with the consequences''Really superb...Usually I feel you have to choose a book that is ether a page turning immersive read OR has beautiful writing and thought provoking themes. It is rare to find a book that provides both. The Blasphemer is that book.'

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------From the Costa Prize shortlisted author of The Blasphemer, a novel of survival, redemption and forbidden love from World War II to today's Afghanistan.1939: In a hotel room overlooking Piccadilly Circus, two young men are arrested. Charles is court-martialled for ‘conduct unbecoming’; Anselm is deported home to Germany for ‘re-education’ in a brutal labour camp. Separated by the outbreak of war, and a social order that rejects their love, they must each make a difficult choice, and then live with the consequences.2012: Edward, a diplomat held hostage for eleven years in an Afghan cave, returns to London to find his wife is dead, and in her place is an unnerving double – his daughter, now grown up. Numb with grief, he attempts to re-build his life and answer the questions that are troubling him. Was his wife’s death an accident? Who paid his ransom? And how was his release linked to Charles, his father?As dark and nuanced as it is powerful and moving, The Road Between Us is a novel about survival, redemption and forbidden love. Its moral complexities will haunt the reader for days after the final page has been turned.

'[A] riveting novel... a fast-paced, brilliantly constructed thriller, in which the fates of the three young British protagonists hang in the balance at the end of every chapter' A. N. Wilson, SPECTATOR'I loved the brash brilliance of this' Peter Bradshaw, Guardian film criticIt is the early 1930s, and Europe is holding its breath. As Hitler's grip on power tightens, preparations are being made for the Berlin Olympics. Leni Riefenstahl is the pioneering, sexually-liberated star film-maker of the Third Reich. She has been chosen by Hitler to capture the Olympics on celluloid but is about to find that even his closest friends have much to fear. Kim Newlands is the English athlete 'sponsored' by the Blackshirts and devoted to his mercurial, socialite girlfriend Connie. He is driven by a desire to win an Olympic gold but to do that he must first pretend to be someone he is not. Alun Pryce is the Welsh communist sent to infiltrate the Blackshirts. When he befriends Kim and Connie, his belief that the end justifies the means will be tested to the core.Through her camera lens and memoirs, Leni is able to manipulate the truth about what happens when their fates collide at the Olympics. But while some scenes from her life end up on the cutting room floor, this does not mean they are lost forever...'Profound and moving... a beautifully written evocation of turbulent times' Daily Express'A novel rich in historical detail, but wearing its research lightly, and the story is told in a French Lieutenant's Woman kind of way, veering from the present to the past with superb flair... this novel has an uncomfortable prescience, with a plot twist at the end which is ingenious. - IRISH INDEPENDENT'A masterly exploration of conflicting loyalties ... Sharply characterised, richly atmospheric and completely engrossing' John Preston, author of The Dig------------------Readers love The Dictator's Muse:***** 'An addictive, all-consuming read'***** 'Flows beautifully with love, hopes, desires and propaganda of the time. Fascinating, engaging and terrifying'***** 'Thoughtful, well researched and atmospheric with engaging characters'***** 'I can't recommend this book highly enough'