Future Indefinite

The Autobiography #2

by Noël Coward, Sheridan Morley (Introduction)

The definitive account, in his own words, of one of the most popular figures in British theatre.

The second and concluding volume of Noël Coward's legendary autobiography includes Future Indefinite and the unfinished Past Unconditional. With his trademark wit, Coward delivers anecdotes about his travels in South America, Hollywood encounters with an array of contemporary stars and directors, and his later theatrical successes, including the Broadway triumph of Design For Living. The showbiz glamour aside, we also encounter a middle-aged man coming to terms with a world in disarray; his confused feelings towards the war and his own part in it exposing a more serious and thoughtful side to a performer and raconteur more usually associated with frivolity. Future Indefinite sees Coward transformed from a 'brazen odious little prodigy' into one of the most exuberant characters in British theatrical history.

"His writing is superb, his precise languid drawl put down on the page" Daily Express

Genres: Memoir, British Literature

339 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1954

About the author

Sir Noël Peirce Coward was an English actor, playwright, and composer of popular music. Among his achievements, he received an Academy Certificate of Merit at the 1943 Academy Awards for "outstanding production achievement for In Which We Serve."

Known for his wit, flamboyance, and personal style, his plays and songs achieved new popularity in the 1960s and 1970s, and his work and style continue to influence popular culture. The former Albery Theatre (originally the New Theatre) in London was renamed the Noël Coward Theatre in his honour in 2006.

Reviews

[Evan]

I no longer own this, the second part of Coward's autobiography. I did own it, about 10 years ago. I bought it at a university book sale for $1. It was, I think, a first edition hardcover. A good bargain.

Opening it later, I found a message scrawled near the title page, and an autograph: "Noel Coward." Needless to say, that was pretty thrilling.

But I was poor, and before I could read the book I listed it online for $120. A British gent who directed a theater company in England wrote me a lovely email saying how much he wanted it, and we knocked down the price to $80 and it was off to That Blessed Plot.

Of course, my public library does not have a copy.

(kr@ky 2016)

[Nisha-Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, this definitely wasn't as fun a read as the previous volume but that was doubtless the point. The sadness of it is something that really struck me, the ache of Noel and his struggle to deal with it. I know there are a fair few bits I dogeared for future copying out. But certainly I enjoyed the partial addition of Past Conditional so much more. Dear Noel, how lovely and real he is.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

The edition I read was the 1954 Doubleday hardback. This, his second autobiography, covered the World War II years. Not nearly as funny as his first autobio ("Present Indicative") nor as interesting as his "Middle East Diary." But still worth reading if you like Coward.

[Muaz Jalil · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as fun as present Indicative. In future Indicative, he talks about how he is against levelling of class and ranks and the importance of breeding; otherwise, we would end up with mediocrity "- what utter tosh. Living in the Cold War era, with two world wars under their belt, it's brave to discuss the importance of breeding. The book is all about his superficial travels with little insight. One would have thought, given his wit and being a writer, he would have better eyes for details....goes to India and says, 'I don't want to talk about India as many others have done so.' One interesting fact for me, he visited parts of Bangladesh and did shows in Cox Bazaar, Chattogram, Cumilla! Unless you really like Noel Coward... don't read it