Great Tom; Notes Towards the Definition of T. S. Eliot

A deeply felt and lovingly written book by a great admirer. Not too overly academic, as many biographies can blindly slip into, but a poetic journey into the soul of a fellow suffering artist. If you are at all intersted in Eliot, his life and loves, don't miss this book.

During a career spanning 36 years Sir Stanley Matthews left fans with innumerable memories of his breathtaking footballing skills. None of them realised, however, just how astute he was at defining one of the early 20th century's greatest poets. Comparing Eliot's "Mr. Mistoffelees" to Moses' speech on Mount Sinai is perhaps a little far-fetched, but one can forgive old twinkle toes the odd slip now and again. I mean, he was a cracking footballer, wasn't he, even when he played for Stoke. And I'm a Derby fan, so that's high praise indeed.