Swann's Way: A Life in Song

by Donald Swann, Alison Smith (Illustrator), Lyn Smith (Editor)

Donald Swann was half of the internationally-known partnership with Michael Flanders which featured in the long-running shows, "At the Drop of a Hat" and "At the Drop of Another Hat". This is story of Swann's life, with emphasis on the "Flanders and Swann" years. It outlines his prolific professional life working with, among others, Joyce Grenfell, Sandy Wilson, Sydney Carter and John Betjeman. He tells of the influence of his Russian parentage, his school days at Westminster and his growing pacifism. The book aims to reveal, with a blend of merriment, lyricism and philosophical questing, Swann's guises as a composer, performer and deeply spiritual man.

Genres: Music

240 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 1992

Reviews

[Emma Glaisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful and fascinating insight, as told to an oral historian. So much more to Donald Swann than his wonderful partnership with Michael Flanders. A man of passionate principles, whose later work involved black choirs in Soweto, communities in northern Ireland, and local choirs all over Britain. Wish I'd heard his music in the 70s.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

We listened to a lot of Flanders & Swann when I was a kid; i had no idea what an interesting life he had led. it was nice to hear it in such a conversational tone; the edited oral history format was a good match for the material.