Memoirs of an Unjust Fella; first published in 1980; is the autobiography of James Maude Richards (1907-1992): a personal account from the heart of the twentieth centurys high controversies over modern architecture. The anonymity of a Times byline - Our Architectural Correspondent - was; in some ways; the crowning achievement of [J.M. Richards] public career. It made him the connection between architecture and the Establishment; a role for which he was peculiarly well fitted by background (Anglo-Irish; Church; Army and some land); training (Architectural Association School; plus practice in London; Ireland and North America) and professional experience as the editor of the Architectural Review on and off since 1935. And he knew absolutely everybody... Among the illustrations to Unjust Fella; there is a group photograph of the entire Modern Movement in architecture (the lot; bar Frank Lloyd Wright and Mies van der Rohe); and theres Jim; modestly in the back row but practically in the middle.Reyner Banham; London Review of Books
#1612559 in eBooks 2013-01-15 2013-01-15File Name: B00AXS5J3C
Review
15 of 16 people found the following review helpful. Should be renamed the ultimate "impro" handbookBy Richard BennettA great book for beginning and advanced improvisors that explains exactly what the mechanics are of the authors interpretation of the Keith Johnstone school of improvisation; and for that it deserves 5 stars. But the authors deeply misunderstand and arrogantly dismiss the entire Chicago/Del Close school of improv; under the guise of Keith and Del being equally valid methods.At the beginning they explain that there are differences and that theyll give fair treatment to both; but then proceed for several hundred pages to denigrate the Chicago school for reasons that are invalid; and which shows they have limited understanding of what theyre talking about. Its as if those parts were added late in the books development when someone noticed that "ultimate" really only meant "half ultimate".An example of bias can be found in the short interviews at the end where of all the wise words of Keith Johnstone (who they label "The Innovator") they could have used; they instead focus on Keith saying that Dels work doesnt particularly fit with his views on improvisation (my paraphrasing). It doesnt help that they then included an interview with the mildly dismissive Charna Halpern (who they by comparison label simply "The Keeper of the Harold"); with questions based on misunderstandings of Dels teachings.To their credit they do try to explain some Chicago techniques; but theres a lot of misunderstandings. At one point they talk abut "game" being a core Harold concept; taking it from the book "Truth in Comedy"; thus confusing the UCB which focusses on game as the core of a scene; and iO and other Chicago schools which consider it just another tool in your kitbag. Another misunderstanding is Chicagos "heightening"; which they think is the same as the "absurdity curve";The book should be renamed to "The Impro Handbook: The Ultimate Guide to Improvising the Keith Johnstone way"; so that anyone in the U.S. or learning the Chicago style; doesnt buy it thinking that it refers directly to them. There will be nuggets for the Chicago improvisor; but warning should be given that many of the techniques dont apply very well to Chicago style play.6 of 7 people found the following review helpful. I hate to disagree; but...By Michael BurdickI am a huge believer in reviews and have written several. So... I want to be careful and not sound like a crank! I own several improv books and am an experienced improv performer. As such; there is ALWAYS room for improvement; and Im constantly learning more.That said; I cant recommend this book. The authors are egotistical in style and freely criticize others works; including; of all things; M. Night Shyamalan! Huh?!? I find the reading to be very negative - kinda in opposition to the whole "yes and..." vibe.So; if you get something out of this book; great! I just cant bring myself to read it all the way thru.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Absolutely the only improv book you needBy KMI teach high school theater and I cant recommend this book enough. I came across the Improv Handbook just by dumb luck (I think it was one of those recommendations) and it has changed my acting classes for the better across the board. It is wonderful for not only teaching improv; but for teaching the elements of storytelling which are so important in all areas of theater. Its fun to read; the exercises are clearly explained; the objectives are concrete; and the kids love it.There are one or two parts that are not workable in my very conservative high school; but those are few and far between. This book; along with anything by Bruce Miller; will give you substantive ways to improve your acting classes.