A finalist for the Sheridan Morley Prize that has been called "probably the best Olivier book for general readers" (Kirkus Reviews), Philip Ziegler’s Olivier provides an incredibly accessible
and comprehensive portrait of this Hollywood superstar, Oscar-winning director, and one who is considered the greatest stage actor of the twentieth century. The era abounded in great actor --
Gielgud, Richardson, Guinness, Burton, O’Toole - but none could challenge Laurence Olivier’s range and power. By the 1940s hehad achieved international stardom. His affair with Vivien Leigh led
to a marriage as glamorous and as tragic as any in Hollywood history. He was as accomplished a director as he was a leading man: his three Shakespearian adaptations are among the most memorable
ever filmed.