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Rich: The Life of Richard Burton
Richard Burton: star. The roaring boy from the Welsh coal valleys who came to sport on the banks of the old Nile, playing great Antony to Elizabeth Taylor's Cleopatra. From the West End to Hollywood, from Camelot to Shakespeare, he drank, dazzled and despaired, playing out his life on the public stage. But there was another, quieter, off-stage Richard Burton, a face hidden from the multitude. Melvyn Bragg, allowed free access to the never-before-revealed Burton private notebooks, and with the cooperation of friends who have never spoken about him before, has brought together the private and public sides for the first time. Rich is the complete Richard Burton: a revelation.
700 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1988
38 people are currently reading
277 people want to read
About the author
Melvyn Bragg
136 books142 followersMelvyn Bragg, Baron Bragg, FRSL, FRTS (born 6 October 1939) is an English author, broadcaster and media personality who, aside from his many literary endeavours, is perhaps most recognised for his work on The South Bank Show.
Bragg is a prolific novelist and writer of non-fiction, and has written a number of television and film screenplays. Some of his early television work was in collaboration with Ken Russell, for whom he wrote the biographical dramas The Debussy Film (1965) and Isadora Duncan, the Biggest Dancer in the World (1967), as well as Russell's film about Tchaikovsky, The Music Lovers (1970). He is president of the National Academy of Writing. His 2008 novel, Remember Me is a largely autobiographical story.
He is also a Vice President of the Friends of the British Library, a charity set up to provide funding support to the British Library.
Bragg is a prolific novelist and writer of non-fiction, and has written a number of television and film screenplays. Some of his early television work was in collaboration with Ken Russell, for whom he wrote the biographical dramas The Debussy Film (1965) and Isadora Duncan, the Biggest Dancer in the World (1967), as well as Russell's film about Tchaikovsky, The Music Lovers (1970). He is president of the National Academy of Writing. His 2008 novel, Remember Me is a largely autobiographical story.
He is also a Vice President of the Friends of the British Library, a charity set up to provide funding support to the British Library.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
August 19, 2019
I can not claim to have read the whole book. Was intrigued to read extracts from his diaries.
Melvyn Bragg is a superb writer. Each sentence is a jewel and can stand alone
Melvyn Bragg is a superb writer. Each sentence is a jewel and can stand alone
April 26, 2011
The main reason to read this book---aside from gaining insight into a great actor and star---is to sample from the diaries Richard Burton kept for the last 17 years of his life. Bragg quotes from those diaries liberally throughout his biography. After a certain point in the chronology, Burton's diaries overtake Bragg's book and that does nothing but benefit Bragg. Burton's input saves Bragg's book from becoming yet another "he went here, he did this" boring life overview.
Another, equally significant reason for reading this book is that it will change the way you view Burton. Through his diaries, Burton is revealed as a closet intellectual---a wide and voracious reader who dipped into everything from cheap paperback thrillers to history and poetry. The diary excerpts form nothing less than an intellectual biography and make for fascinating reading. Burton was much more than Elizabeth Taylor's besotted arm ornament. (Well, he often was besotted, but still. . .)
Yes, this is also something of a "tell-all" expose. There are, for example, guilty pleasures to be had in finding that Burton considered opera diva Maria Callas "dull" and Marlon Brando odd but endearing. His accounts of his and Taylor's spending sprees and travels are also fun, in a soap opera way. But this bubble gum is balanced with more substantial fare---details on Burton's family, work and the various books he used to educate himself and enrich his life.
Until Burton's diaries are published on their own---and as of this writing, I've heard they're being edited for a late 2012 publication---Bragg's book is as close as we can come to them. Once those volumes are released, they will serve as Burton's true legacy. Until then, Bragg's book will do in a pinch.
Another, equally significant reason for reading this book is that it will change the way you view Burton. Through his diaries, Burton is revealed as a closet intellectual---a wide and voracious reader who dipped into everything from cheap paperback thrillers to history and poetry. The diary excerpts form nothing less than an intellectual biography and make for fascinating reading. Burton was much more than Elizabeth Taylor's besotted arm ornament. (Well, he often was besotted, but still. . .)
Yes, this is also something of a "tell-all" expose. There are, for example, guilty pleasures to be had in finding that Burton considered opera diva Maria Callas "dull" and Marlon Brando odd but endearing. His accounts of his and Taylor's spending sprees and travels are also fun, in a soap opera way. But this bubble gum is balanced with more substantial fare---details on Burton's family, work and the various books he used to educate himself and enrich his life.
Until Burton's diaries are published on their own---and as of this writing, I've heard they're being edited for a late 2012 publication---Bragg's book is as close as we can come to them. Once those volumes are released, they will serve as Burton's true legacy. Until then, Bragg's book will do in a pinch.
August 7, 2014
Despite being acknowledged as an excellent actor both on stage and in films, Richard Burton is largely remembered for his tempestuous marriages to Elizabeth Burton, and his enormous capacity for alcohol. Melvyn Bragg’s excellent biography delves into his life, to reveal that there was far far more to Burton – that he was a highly intelligent and thoughtful man, a voracious reader, that he was plagued by guilt over his children, and generous to a fault.
Burton’s notebooks (essentially a diary) which he started during his life with Elizabeth Taylor were released to Bragg by Burton’s widow Sally, and here they appear (albeit abridged) for the first time in print. After describing Burton’s tough but loving childhood and adolescence, and marriage to first wife Sybil, Bragg wisely lets his own writing take a back seat to Burton’s words, as he reproduces large sections of the notebooks. (It is worth noting that the notebooks have since been released in their entirety as The Richard Burton Diaries; I have a copy of this and intend to read it very soon, but Bragg’s biography is useful in that it provides context.) I thoroughly enjoyed reading Burton’s words – he was incredibly witty (I laughed out loud on several occasions, particularly when he described social situations), certainly wry, and often melancholy.
The biography is clearly meticulously researched, and while Bragg is never sycophantic, he is always respectful of his subject. What I did find unusual at first, was that in many ways, it was also a study of Burton the man. Bragg would offer his own opinion as to Burton’s motivations for certain actions, and it felt as if he was trying to understand certain events in this very interesting life, rather than just relate them. However, this did not spoil my enjoyment of the book, and actually demonstrated the author’s great interest in his subject.
The book was written with the collaboration of many of Burton’s family and friends, and refreshingly, does not just focus on the more scandalous areas of his life; it concerns itself equally with Burton’s Welsh family, his career, his life after ‘the Elizabethan period’ and of course, his premature death at a time which tragically came at a time when he seemed to have his life back on track.
It’s a thick book – 600+ pages – but so well written, and so very interesting, that I found myself reading huge chunks at a time. Anybody interested in Richard Burton, or indeed in acting in general, should certainly read this – I strongly recommend it, and will definitely be keeping it to read again in the future.
Burton’s notebooks (essentially a diary) which he started during his life with Elizabeth Taylor were released to Bragg by Burton’s widow Sally, and here they appear (albeit abridged) for the first time in print. After describing Burton’s tough but loving childhood and adolescence, and marriage to first wife Sybil, Bragg wisely lets his own writing take a back seat to Burton’s words, as he reproduces large sections of the notebooks. (It is worth noting that the notebooks have since been released in their entirety as The Richard Burton Diaries; I have a copy of this and intend to read it very soon, but Bragg’s biography is useful in that it provides context.) I thoroughly enjoyed reading Burton’s words – he was incredibly witty (I laughed out loud on several occasions, particularly when he described social situations), certainly wry, and often melancholy.
The biography is clearly meticulously researched, and while Bragg is never sycophantic, he is always respectful of his subject. What I did find unusual at first, was that in many ways, it was also a study of Burton the man. Bragg would offer his own opinion as to Burton’s motivations for certain actions, and it felt as if he was trying to understand certain events in this very interesting life, rather than just relate them. However, this did not spoil my enjoyment of the book, and actually demonstrated the author’s great interest in his subject.
The book was written with the collaboration of many of Burton’s family and friends, and refreshingly, does not just focus on the more scandalous areas of his life; it concerns itself equally with Burton’s Welsh family, his career, his life after ‘the Elizabethan period’ and of course, his premature death at a time which tragically came at a time when he seemed to have his life back on track.
It’s a thick book – 600+ pages – but so well written, and so very interesting, that I found myself reading huge chunks at a time. Anybody interested in Richard Burton, or indeed in acting in general, should certainly read this – I strongly recommend it, and will definitely be keeping it to read again in the future.
November 8, 2017
I read this at the same time as the Richard Burton Diaries, as with a 24 year gap from 11 yrs old to 35, I felt I needed a narrative. Very useful, but I have to admit I found Melvyn Bragg's linking interpretations of the material and of Burton's character at times a tad flowery and portentuous. But worth reading in tandem, as mentioned above! So thanks for that, Mr Bragg!
October 13, 2021
I never thought much of Richard Burton, except as husband (twice) to Elizabeth Taylor. Who knew, for instance, that he was this voracious, avaricious reader of books, a Shakespearean actor, and a voice that could curl your toes when reading poetry! Unfortunately, he was also a drunk and a perennial skirt chaser, something he shares with Peter Finch, whose biography I read before Burton's, which I can now glaringly compare as mediocre, never having anyone close to an ET in his life. And it isn't really until she sashays into the pages, ignites a passion and havoc in both their lives, that this book gets really interesting. For this is when Burton starts writing into his Notebooks (now there's a guy who could have done wonders with a blog!), discerning and profound, sometimes almost scholarly, what at first are snippets of life with ET, Hollywood and theater gossip, his problems with acne and boils (!), the constant grapple with drink, and hers too, along with countless illnesses (did she have a severe case of hemorrhoids?), and then it gets more personal, delving into his guilts, concern for family (his and hers), dreams for a future. Reading his Notebooks makes you conclude that this tormented, resilient Welshman from the mines, who blames his kin's blood for the alcoholism, must have spent half his life in a daze, and it is amazing he lived into his late fifties. But really, it is the Notebooks that make this book worth reading, and which makes it an autobiography of sorts.
Random thoughts while reading this:
- he looks like Russell Crowe, but that's just me
- he and ET plus their brood of children, dogs, a cat, a parakeet and their entourage (a chauffeur named Gaston, of course) reminded me of Brad Pitt and Angelina and their brood
Random thoughts while reading this:
- he looks like Russell Crowe, but that's just me
- he and ET plus their brood of children, dogs, a cat, a parakeet and their entourage (a chauffeur named Gaston, of course) reminded me of Brad Pitt and Angelina and their brood
April 14, 2016
A fascinating career, a great life, an even bigger talent but Bragg overwrites horribly. There are too many adjectives, pages pass with no progression. Though obviously a lot of the book takes the notebooks as inspiration and ET plays a substantial role in the narrative, the final years are rushed through like the clappers. Makes me want to catch up with the work though which is the main thing right.
Read
September 29, 2019Richard Burton is as hard as nails. A poor lad who leaves Wales and takes on the world.
Read
January 7, 2026Richard Burton was an icon of my young days, and for while I really thought he was my dad. They were similar in any ways. To see him or hear him is still an emotional experience. I re/read this biography starting on the 100th anniversary of his birth, November 10th 1925. I haven't read any other biographies, though I would like to.
Normally, I find biographies get dull once the subject finds fame. Extravagance, excess and a constant round of professional engagements are quite boring. However, Bragg's extensive use of Burton's diaries and notebooks brings that phase alive. Rich has a lucid, economical style which is quite a contrast with Bragg's effusive wordiness. You can have enough of Welsh wizardry and Celtic charisma.
Burton was born Richard Jenkins in the Port Talbot area of South Wales. Quite a few other actors have originated there, maybe because in Welsh mining towns there was a strong cultural and educational tradition. His family seem not to have been incomers but traditional Welsh-speaking people from way back. As Burton says, the Welsh are talented singers, and he was no exception. His voice was remarkable.
One aspect of Burton's life deserves explanation and one is offered here. Why should a consummate stage actor as he was turn his attention to the less predictable world of film? He had a steady future ahead of him as a Shakespearian actor. Although the real Faustian moment came with Elizabeth and the heady world she opened the door to, he had in fact withdrawn to live in Switzerland some while before this to avoid crippling taxes in the UK. He was then unable to spend lengthy periods in Britain rehearsing and performing in long runs of performances. Film was more manageable.
I believe most great artists are sacrifices of one kind or another, and Richard Burton certainly was. His intelligence was recognised early when he won a place at grammar school and privately he was a man of letters, widely read and thoughtful. Bragg suggests that without the theatrical influence of Philip Burton, his mentor, Richard might have ended up as a university don, and in fact he did spend a semester lecturing in English at St. Peter's college, Oxford. As it was, he was a working class man, with those values deeply entrenched, and his profession as actor never allowed his emotional and intellectual lives to develop as they otherwise might have. With an alcoholic for a father and roots in a way of life in which for most men, alcohol was as ncessary as the air they breathed, he knew no other way to be, and his constant self.abuse killed him decades before his older brothers, who despite hard manual labour and blackened lungs, lived into their eighties.
Richard's own account of his life with Elizabeth Taylor was generous, and it's amazing that he should have continued to love passionately a woman who was so often ill and in so many disgusting ways. It's quite charming to hear of the great man taking the dogs for a walk and cleaning up their poop, almost on the same page as descriptions of friendships with the Kissingers and the Duchess of Windsor. But his private life was a circus, with very little ie to be private and recharge, and the Burton marriage seems to have been a contentious one, two alcoholics yelling at each other half the time.
I cried when I got to the end of the book, mainly because the Rich I'd seen in interviews was funny, ironic and charming. He was one of the most successful acgtors of his time, but in a way, I think he got a raw deal deal. And I still do feel a bit like he might have been my dad...
Normally, I find biographies get dull once the subject finds fame. Extravagance, excess and a constant round of professional engagements are quite boring. However, Bragg's extensive use of Burton's diaries and notebooks brings that phase alive. Rich has a lucid, economical style which is quite a contrast with Bragg's effusive wordiness. You can have enough of Welsh wizardry and Celtic charisma.
Burton was born Richard Jenkins in the Port Talbot area of South Wales. Quite a few other actors have originated there, maybe because in Welsh mining towns there was a strong cultural and educational tradition. His family seem not to have been incomers but traditional Welsh-speaking people from way back. As Burton says, the Welsh are talented singers, and he was no exception. His voice was remarkable.
One aspect of Burton's life deserves explanation and one is offered here. Why should a consummate stage actor as he was turn his attention to the less predictable world of film? He had a steady future ahead of him as a Shakespearian actor. Although the real Faustian moment came with Elizabeth and the heady world she opened the door to, he had in fact withdrawn to live in Switzerland some while before this to avoid crippling taxes in the UK. He was then unable to spend lengthy periods in Britain rehearsing and performing in long runs of performances. Film was more manageable.
I believe most great artists are sacrifices of one kind or another, and Richard Burton certainly was. His intelligence was recognised early when he won a place at grammar school and privately he was a man of letters, widely read and thoughtful. Bragg suggests that without the theatrical influence of Philip Burton, his mentor, Richard might have ended up as a university don, and in fact he did spend a semester lecturing in English at St. Peter's college, Oxford. As it was, he was a working class man, with those values deeply entrenched, and his profession as actor never allowed his emotional and intellectual lives to develop as they otherwise might have. With an alcoholic for a father and roots in a way of life in which for most men, alcohol was as ncessary as the air they breathed, he knew no other way to be, and his constant self.abuse killed him decades before his older brothers, who despite hard manual labour and blackened lungs, lived into their eighties.
Richard's own account of his life with Elizabeth Taylor was generous, and it's amazing that he should have continued to love passionately a woman who was so often ill and in so many disgusting ways. It's quite charming to hear of the great man taking the dogs for a walk and cleaning up their poop, almost on the same page as descriptions of friendships with the Kissingers and the Duchess of Windsor. But his private life was a circus, with very little ie to be private and recharge, and the Burton marriage seems to have been a contentious one, two alcoholics yelling at each other half the time.
I cried when I got to the end of the book, mainly because the Rich I'd seen in interviews was funny, ironic and charming. He was one of the most successful acgtors of his time, but in a way, I think he got a raw deal deal. And I still do feel a bit like he might have been my dad...
July 2, 2020
I think one of the attractions of the Richard Burton story is that it appeals both to those who like a gossipy read and to those who like a more serious one. On the one hand there's the vulgarity and the snobbishness, the diamonds and the yachts, the private jets, the paintings, the Hollywood parties, Elizabeth Taylor, etc., etc., and on the other there's the plays and the books and the poetry and the literary quotations, and Shakespeare, Wagner, Dylan Thomas etc., etc. It has it all. And Bragg tells it very well. The first half of the book in particular is brilliantly written and gives a real three-dimensional account of its subject. There are two problems with the second half of the book, although one of them isn't Bragg's fault. The book was written in the late 1980s. At that time none of Burton's notebooks or diaries had been published. So having access to them and being able to quote from them must have been a real coup for Bragg. If, like me, you are coming to this book having read the (by now) published diaries, then the second half does seem very familiar. Not Bragg's fault, although quoting so extensively as he does, the book becomes more a commentary on the diaries than a proper biography. The second problem is - and it happens so often with biographers - the last ten years are covered in about 70 pages. Time after time you get this. The biographer sets off relating every childhood experience, kiss, and career step, only to run out of words towards the end when everything has to be abbreviated. For those subjects who fade away into the oblivion of old age, it's not so much of a problem. But Burton was still in his - if not his prime - then certainly a strong second wind. Nevertheless, a fascinating read. Bragg's central thesis is that Burton's demons stem mainly from his decision to leave his first wife, Sybil, and his severely autistic daughter, Jessica, for Elizabeth Taylor.
October 6, 2025
I decided to dig out this biography of Richard Burton from the family library, after watching the new and interesting movie “Mr Burton”, which focused on the actor as a boy and his adopting mentor, Philip Burton.
No debate about the value of one or more biographers about Burton. Undoubtedly, one of Britain’s greatest actors on stage and film; a man who grew from the dark valleys of Wales and then entertained the world with his unique voice, charisma and excellence especially with Shakespeare. His eventual journey into become a celebrity (by marrying Elizabeth Taylor twice!) only added to his profile. A complex man, who loved reading, rugby, singing and drinking (and spending money).
That said, this biography, albeit 40 years old and published soon after Richard’s death does not to the man justice. Frankly, Bragg’s writing is verbois, often padded, pompous and prone to repeating observations over and over again. More importantly it suffers from erratic and probably lazy research. There is too little about Burton’s heritage, childhood and early days in Wales, which is surprising considering most of the key players were still alive when the book was put together. The period of his first marriage is not that substantial either L, despite Sybil, being alive and well and accessible in New York when this book was drafted. The latter half the book is stuffed with fascinating and very long extracts from Burton’s journals kindly provided by his past wife. The editing of these is superficial.
A broadcaster is perhaps not the best person to write a definitive, unemotional biography. What Richard Burton, star of the global stage and screen deserves is (1) a proper researched book perhaps by a historian who can do proper research and (2) Burton’s journals (properly edited) published
No debate about the value of one or more biographers about Burton. Undoubtedly, one of Britain’s greatest actors on stage and film; a man who grew from the dark valleys of Wales and then entertained the world with his unique voice, charisma and excellence especially with Shakespeare. His eventual journey into become a celebrity (by marrying Elizabeth Taylor twice!) only added to his profile. A complex man, who loved reading, rugby, singing and drinking (and spending money).
That said, this biography, albeit 40 years old and published soon after Richard’s death does not to the man justice. Frankly, Bragg’s writing is verbois, often padded, pompous and prone to repeating observations over and over again. More importantly it suffers from erratic and probably lazy research. There is too little about Burton’s heritage, childhood and early days in Wales, which is surprising considering most of the key players were still alive when the book was put together. The period of his first marriage is not that substantial either L, despite Sybil, being alive and well and accessible in New York when this book was drafted. The latter half the book is stuffed with fascinating and very long extracts from Burton’s journals kindly provided by his past wife. The editing of these is superficial.
A broadcaster is perhaps not the best person to write a definitive, unemotional biography. What Richard Burton, star of the global stage and screen deserves is (1) a proper researched book perhaps by a historian who can do proper research and (2) Burton’s journals (properly edited) published
October 7, 2017
Bragg's tome is an intentionally rich (pun intended) chronology written in, for all I know, a Welsh conversational style. We see the hero Burton reach his pinnacle early and quickly and from there begin to examine those cracks and fissures that we mistook for confidence. If you've ever viewed an interview with Richard Burton, you'll see the nervousness and insecurity when not in character. As soon as Richard got into character, the world took on a heightened atmosphere. Melvin Bragg is himself such a character, flawed but flowing, full of vigor for explaining what cannot be put into words. That's the main reason Bragg's biography, like others of many celebrities, is colorful in nature, describing the indescribable personality that we see and aspire to but never attain. Burton's uniqueness on the stage and screen separate him from the other greats like Olivier and Laughton. Laughton himself is said to have said, "People don't know what they are like. I want to show them," which to me seems the quintessential point of acting, and is quite in the British method, which is to bring the character to the audience. Bragg succeeds wonderfully in bringing the unknown, unknowable Burton down from the screen and into the everyday.
November 22, 2021
I've only read the first 100-or so pages and I'm putting it down because even though it's a large volume I think I've got the gist of it already.
Richard Burton had a huge talent for words, acting and narration: he had stage and screen presence and that wonderful voice. That said, he didn't care. At the beginning of his career he could have just as happily become a rugby international for Wales. He was far more concerned with living his life and enjoying himself than refining (or even learning) his craft. It meant nothing to him other than a means to earn vast sums of money and live life to the full. Coming from quite a humble (but fiercely proud) working class community in Wales, he used the talent he was born with to take him as far as he could possibly go and he rejoiced in his success and was generous to those he loved. I have no problem with that - good on you squire!
This is the story of a boy from the wrong side of the tracks who came upon good times and milked them for all he was worth (always conscious that the good times might end at any time).
Well written, I think, but you get the story pretty quick (and I don't have the time or inclination to spend another 3 weeks reading about every little incident).
Richard Burton had a huge talent for words, acting and narration: he had stage and screen presence and that wonderful voice. That said, he didn't care. At the beginning of his career he could have just as happily become a rugby international for Wales. He was far more concerned with living his life and enjoying himself than refining (or even learning) his craft. It meant nothing to him other than a means to earn vast sums of money and live life to the full. Coming from quite a humble (but fiercely proud) working class community in Wales, he used the talent he was born with to take him as far as he could possibly go and he rejoiced in his success and was generous to those he loved. I have no problem with that - good on you squire!
This is the story of a boy from the wrong side of the tracks who came upon good times and milked them for all he was worth (always conscious that the good times might end at any time).
Well written, I think, but you get the story pretty quick (and I don't have the time or inclination to spend another 3 weeks reading about every little incident).
October 20, 2025
Hailed as an acting genius, Richard Burton was one of the towering stars of the 20th century. The son of a heavy-drinking Welsh miner, the second youngest of 11 children of an economically disadvantaged, but not poor, family, he was unlikely to get out of the Welsh valleys.
Key people saw his potential and nurtured his talent, which enabled him to achieve the stratospheric stage and screen success he did. Philip Burton – whose ward Richard became and gave him his surname – is the most well known but there were others.
Rich is a comprehensive account of Richard Burton's life that, in telling what happened, also tries to explain his mercurial behaviour. It is an objective, even-handed and page-turning biography. Melvyn Bragg spoke to many people, including those closest to his subject. He draws on Philip Burton's unpublished memoir and the diaries of Richard Burton that had not been published.
I highly recommend this enthralling opus not just for film fans but for people interested in the influences and demons that make up a character.
Key people saw his potential and nurtured his talent, which enabled him to achieve the stratospheric stage and screen success he did. Philip Burton – whose ward Richard became and gave him his surname – is the most well known but there were others.
Rich is a comprehensive account of Richard Burton's life that, in telling what happened, also tries to explain his mercurial behaviour. It is an objective, even-handed and page-turning biography. Melvyn Bragg spoke to many people, including those closest to his subject. He draws on Philip Burton's unpublished memoir and the diaries of Richard Burton that had not been published.
I highly recommend this enthralling opus not just for film fans but for people interested in the influences and demons that make up a character.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2017
I had put this book aside to read fiction for some time, but once I got back to it, I thoroughly enjoyed the read. What a fascinating and complex man Richard Burton was! The author enclosed excerpts from Richard's journals, which really enriched the narrative. I have purchased the journals themselves and plan to read those soon as well. The author has a bit of a dry way of writing, which put me off at first, but once I got into the life of his subject from the time he started acting on, I found it easier to read.
June 1, 2018
Good information on Burton but the author’s fawning over him was off-putting. I also sensed disdain for Elizabeth while he fawned over the last wife Sally who gave him access to Richard’s papers & also barred Elizabeth from Burton’s funeral. I need to read Burton’s notebooks now - the best thing about this book. The entry about Rex Harrison’s girlfriend drunkenly masturbating their dog in a bar was shocking, disturbing & hilarious at the same time!
December 17, 2024
Although his life was basically cut short by abuse issues, R. Burton accomplished quite a long list of artistic events in the realm(s) of theater, movies, t.v.s, public readings,...the list goes on and on. No one could deny the talent of the man and his life was a testament to persistence. Coming from nothing, Burton made of himself a something. Even if his soul was lean and riddled with holes.
June 8, 2017
Lost count of how many times I have read this book.
Given to me for my 20th birthday just after it was first published, when my Richard Burton obsession began. I think it started with 1984, which as a 16 year old I made an unsuspecting boyfriend take me to see.
Richard Burton remains my favourite actor full stop end of story.
Given to me for my 20th birthday just after it was first published, when my Richard Burton obsession began. I think it started with 1984, which as a 16 year old I made an unsuspecting boyfriend take me to see.
Richard Burton remains my favourite actor full stop end of story.
October 19, 2019
After the Diaries, it was great to read another perspective on Richard's amazing life. Melvyn Bragg interviewed many people and created a very full picture of Richard's life, the fabulousness and the warts 'n all.
April 23, 2024
Very well written, a joy to read. Follows Richard Burton's life chronologically, partly relies on his diaries/notebooks for the times where he kept them. Lots of input from his contemporaries. Altogether this appears to be a thoroughly researched biography.
August 7, 2018
Couldn’t put it down it’s a great book well written by a man who obviously admires Rich almost as much as I do.
December 2, 2018
Good
Having read the Burton diaries, the great chunks of the same found in this bio were a bit tedious and an easy solution for Bragg. I prefer the diaries.
Having read the Burton diaries, the great chunks of the same found in this bio were a bit tedious and an easy solution for Bragg. I prefer the diaries.
May 22, 2018
not a good read. The story of a totally unlikable man told by a sycophant, eager to justify his bad behaviour. It's saving graces? It exposed a story of decadence and dog shit. Reading and books are a focus. There are some moments of well written philosophy in Burtons journals.
March 6, 2015
And now all our revels are ended ....the final full sentence written by Richard Burton in his diaries. Very poignant. The next day he was dead.
This biography was written relatively shortly after Burton's death in 1984 and is a very detailed account of his life. The book is well written and gives you a real sense of its subject matter. I didn't find it hard to get into as other reviewers have stated but I have been a fan of Burton for some time and already had a base knowledge so this may account for my ease in reading about his early life.
Richard Burton is one of my favourite actors and I would argue was the greatest stage actor of his generation. This biography starts with his birth in a relatively obscure Welsh mining town - Burton was always immensely proud of his Welsh origins and when you read about the village he grew up in you can understand why. A nice perhaps unremarkable village where nothing nasty or out of the ordinary ever happened.
It covers extensively his theatre and film careers and I don't think too much undue focus is given to "Le Scandale" that was his relationship and later marriage with Elizabeth Taylor. You do get the sense that Burton was a man who always did what he wanted/what he felt was right but equally I never felt that he didn't harbour any guilt or remorse for hurting people along the way. It is interesting to note that in many respects his career survived his marriage to Elizabeth Taylor as he arguably made some of his best work in the years following their divorce. Her career on the other hand floundered somewhat.
It is rather sad that despite his love for her - and it was certainly all consuming if his diary entries are anything to go by- they couldn't stay together.
It is a little bit tragic that his demons got the better of him from time to time and it is clear that he was not a perfect man in any sense. But Hollywood is full of perfect men these days and they all - bar a few- lack the charisma and magnetism of Burton.
Maybe his widow was correct when she stated that Burton had a lot of men in him but he didn't have it in him to be an old man. Lets hope his revels only ended on this earth and he is raising hell in the next life.
Modern actors could learn a thing or two from not only Burton's life and works but also from his generosity to those he cared about. Whatever else he may have been this biography demonstrates that he was ultimately a good man - flawed but inherently good.
This biography was written relatively shortly after Burton's death in 1984 and is a very detailed account of his life. The book is well written and gives you a real sense of its subject matter. I didn't find it hard to get into as other reviewers have stated but I have been a fan of Burton for some time and already had a base knowledge so this may account for my ease in reading about his early life.
Richard Burton is one of my favourite actors and I would argue was the greatest stage actor of his generation. This biography starts with his birth in a relatively obscure Welsh mining town - Burton was always immensely proud of his Welsh origins and when you read about the village he grew up in you can understand why. A nice perhaps unremarkable village where nothing nasty or out of the ordinary ever happened.
It covers extensively his theatre and film careers and I don't think too much undue focus is given to "Le Scandale" that was his relationship and later marriage with Elizabeth Taylor. You do get the sense that Burton was a man who always did what he wanted/what he felt was right but equally I never felt that he didn't harbour any guilt or remorse for hurting people along the way. It is interesting to note that in many respects his career survived his marriage to Elizabeth Taylor as he arguably made some of his best work in the years following their divorce. Her career on the other hand floundered somewhat.
It is rather sad that despite his love for her - and it was certainly all consuming if his diary entries are anything to go by- they couldn't stay together.
It is a little bit tragic that his demons got the better of him from time to time and it is clear that he was not a perfect man in any sense. But Hollywood is full of perfect men these days and they all - bar a few- lack the charisma and magnetism of Burton.
Maybe his widow was correct when she stated that Burton had a lot of men in him but he didn't have it in him to be an old man. Lets hope his revels only ended on this earth and he is raising hell in the next life.
Modern actors could learn a thing or two from not only Burton's life and works but also from his generosity to those he cared about. Whatever else he may have been this biography demonstrates that he was ultimately a good man - flawed but inherently good.
August 14, 2015
This is a rather long (over 600 pages) biography of Richard Burton’s life. Written with the help of Sally, Burton’s fourth wife and many of his friends and relatives, it leans heavily on Burton’s notebooks which he wrote on and off during his life. The notebooks give the volume its strength and Bragg quotes heavily from them.
The biography begins with Burton’s life as the son of a Welsh coal miner and continues through his adolescence, his career, his four marriages and ends with his death at the age of fifty-eight of a cerebral hemorrhage.
The diaries provide the details of his acting career, his social comings and goings, hint at his emotional and intellectual life and are heavy on his daily bliss and suffering with Elizabeth Taylor, who he married twice. Burton maps the downward spiral of that relationship with the woman who he called the great love of his life. It began as a great passion, moved to his concern for her health and ended when he eventually became entirely bored with their constant arguments. Burton captures the intensity of their hectic life and their lack of privacy continually surrounded by bodyguards, hair dressers, secretaries, children and dogs.
Burton’s journals reveal how uninterested he was in acting, his heavy drinking and his unrelenting battle with alcoholism. But it also shows him to be an ambitious man who read widely. His need for fame seems to have motivated everything he did, but is never really discussed, although in one journal entry Burton clearly admits to his love of the audience’s applause.
An interesting biography of this actor, husband, and alcoholic who was a relentless and remorseless self- destructive man.
The biography begins with Burton’s life as the son of a Welsh coal miner and continues through his adolescence, his career, his four marriages and ends with his death at the age of fifty-eight of a cerebral hemorrhage.
The diaries provide the details of his acting career, his social comings and goings, hint at his emotional and intellectual life and are heavy on his daily bliss and suffering with Elizabeth Taylor, who he married twice. Burton maps the downward spiral of that relationship with the woman who he called the great love of his life. It began as a great passion, moved to his concern for her health and ended when he eventually became entirely bored with their constant arguments. Burton captures the intensity of their hectic life and their lack of privacy continually surrounded by bodyguards, hair dressers, secretaries, children and dogs.
Burton’s journals reveal how uninterested he was in acting, his heavy drinking and his unrelenting battle with alcoholism. But it also shows him to be an ambitious man who read widely. His need for fame seems to have motivated everything he did, but is never really discussed, although in one journal entry Burton clearly admits to his love of the audience’s applause.
An interesting biography of this actor, husband, and alcoholic who was a relentless and remorseless self- destructive man.
March 1, 2013
I was spurred on to read this by the reviews of Burton's own Notebooks, and I think I would have done better to have just gone for the latter. Aside from the fact that large parts of this book are just unedited chunks of Burton's own musings on books, drink and, of course, the divine Elizabeth (variously referred to here as 'Quicktake', 'Burt', 'Ocean' and OldSnapshot'), there is not much going on in this book other than a pedestrian litany of Burton's celeb lifestyle. On Rich's many films and theatrical performances we get precious little analysis from Bragg, though, to be fair, the early part of his life in Wales is dealt with sympathetically and well (the best bit of the whole book for me). But the main theme of the book is his, ultimately destructive relationship with Liz Taylor, which is plotted at inordinate length - as such, it is more of a celeb bio than a serious look at a serious man, which seems like a missed opportunity.
April 18, 2021
One of my favourite genres is biographies/autobiographies so I particularly enjoyed reading 'Rich.'
The book features excerpts from his personal diary, before the whole entirety of his diaries had been published. Melvyn Bragg has clearly done his research on Richard Burton and his consistent admiration for Richard makes it a joy to read.
Delve in if you're interested in Richard - the person behind the actor - like I am.
The book features excerpts from his personal diary, before the whole entirety of his diaries had been published. Melvyn Bragg has clearly done his research on Richard Burton and his consistent admiration for Richard makes it a joy to read.
Delve in if you're interested in Richard - the person behind the actor - like I am.
October 4, 2012
Wonderful book about a wonderful man. Far more engaging and serious than his reputation suggests. Give him any quote from Shakespeare and he could reel off the next few minutes. An alcoholic with huge capacity for booze, but passionate, stretched, generous, and intelligent.
February 12, 2013
A little draggy in parts but so interesting. Not my usual type of read but just finished Beautiful Ruins with him as one of the characters so it was fun to read about making the movie during Cleopatra and his relationship with her.
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April 24, 2015Very interesting. Well written and easy to read. It's a very thick book and I was worried that I might lose interest but the story moves along quickly and keeps your interest. A very interesting look behind the scenes.
November 19, 2009
The first 100 pages were tough to get through. After that the relationship with Elizabeth Taylor pulls you in. I sad story of a tortured soul.
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