Stamp Album

This book covers Stamp's life up to his late teens, just before he went to drama school. He writes in a very personal style, skillfully capturing what it was like to grow up in the hard times of post-war London. Playing in bombed-out vacant lots; living in tiny flats, his early life comes across as a happy one despite the circumstances. He pays tribute to many of his friends, never failing to mention what he learned from them. He describes unashamedly his sexual awakening thru a daliance with a young nurse. His longings and excitements over his first dates are something anyone can relate to. To be honest I didn't know who Stamp was when I found this book at a garage sale, but I feel I know him well after reading it. Excellent read.

Terence Stamp's first autobiography, "Stamp Album", cronicles his working-class upbringing in London's East End. Juxtaposing warm family portraits and memories with his tough childhood neighborhoods gives us a glimpse into what has made Stamp become such a nuanced and multi-faceted actor--a performer capable of excelling at roles requiring extremes. I admire his personal vision and belief in himself, enabling him to rise above the few options his class was born with and chase his cinematic aspirations. His never-flinching honesty (which includes embarassing moments most authors would have swept under the rug) is refreshing and his drive, exacting memory, and vivid attention to detail are as evident in his writing talent as they are in his dynamic dramatic performances. I can't wait to read "Coming Attractions" and "Double Feature." What an elegant artist---reading this book made me feel like I know him personally as a friend.