The Stately Homo: A Celebration of the Life of Quentin Crisp

by Paul Bailey (editor)

A fascinating glimpse of post-war Soho, Fitzrovia, Chelsea and bohemian London in general, and theatre, camp and gay history.

A celebration of the life and achievements of Quentin Crisp, the flamboyant and witty eccentric who refused to conform to any definition the world tried to pin on him. Contributors Andrew Barrow, Clive Fisher, Ronald Harwood, Simon Hattenstone, Philip Hensher, John Hurt, James Kirkup, Adam Mars-Jones, George Melly, Patrick O'Connor, Sally Potter, Paul Robinson, Ann Valery and Elizabeth Wyndham.

Genres: Biography, LGBT, Nonfiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Peter Harry "Paul" Bailey was a British novelist and critic, as well as a biographer of Cynthia Payne and Quentin Crisp.

Reviews

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely ideal: I wanted to learn more about this person, and this gave me a really well-rounded appreciation for him. I only knew him from his role as Queen Elizabeth in "Orlando," and was vaguely aware that he was unique in several ways, but this collection of pieces written about him by others, interviews with people who knew him, and snippets from his autobiography combined to provide what felt like an insightful portrait of the man. The editing of this book is fantastic: one interview mentioning a quirk of his might lead into an essay on a similar topic, followed by a piece of his writing that gives his point of view. Then on to another subject. Quentin Crisp was far more complicated and wonderful than I ever suspected. I'm so glad to be getting to know him now. (And I am truly excited to read all his film reviews.)

[James Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was like reading a biography. I was laughing in places where I probably shouldn't and crying in places that were meant to be funny. A large amount of this book is how I feel. I was very surprised and amazed. Most of the things mentioned, I say, well to myself mainly.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting collection of essays and interviews by those who knew Quentin Crisp well, as well as those who may have met him only one. These writings are combined with passages from Crisp's own writings.

[Sophie (RedheadReading) · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting way to get to know this figure. I felt some of the editing could have been a little tighter, there was a lot of specific moments in Crisp's life which were gone over a number of times so occasionally felt a little repetitious. On the whole, whilst I don't agree with all his opinions, it was very interesting to learn about Crisp and understand his life better.

[Tim Ball · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had not heard of him before reading this book but after reading I realised I had. It was a good reintroduction to an icon.
It's not always glowing. He was complex and flawed, and I'm glad this book displayed that.
I don't feel better about Quentin now I've read this. But I understand him better. I think he's a proxy for many of his generation, though undoubtedly one of a kind.

[Salli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not what I was expecting, somehow it failed for me, some of the pieces were just praise without consideration, some overly intellectual and long. Glad I read it but should have perhaps read one of his autobiographies first

[C. B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice collection of recollections of Quentin, as well as the fantastic analysis of The Naked Civil Servant by Paul Robinson from his book Gay Lives.

[Collin Parkhurst]

best book i've read