Jeffrey Richards Books

Of all the theatrical genres most prized by the Victorians, pantomime is the only one to have survived continuously into the twenty-first century. It remains as true today as it was in the 1830s, that a visit to the pantomime constitutes the first theatrical experience of most children and now, as then, a successful pantomime season is the key to the financial health of most theatres. Many Victorian luminaries were devotees of the pantomime, notably among them John Ruskin, Charles Dickens, Lewis Carroll and W.E. Gladstone. In this vivid and evocative account of the Victorian pantomime, Jeffrey Richards examines the potent combination of slapstick, spectacle and subversion that ensured the enduring popularity of the form

At the outbreak of the WWII, all cinemas in Britain were closed. Ten days later, they were opened again as a way of boosting morale. Over the next six years, some 300 feature films and thousands of short films were produced in what is seen as British cinema's 'finest hour'. This work charts this period through the eyes of thirteen key films.

The book challenges the prevailing perception of the early medieval papacy as a well-planned monarchy, suggesting instead that its rise to power was shaped by a series of historical accidents. Jeffrey Richards contends that while the papacy's influence expanded during this period, it did so without a unified or intentional strategy. This critical examination, originally published in 1979, invites readers to reconsider the complexities of papal history beyond ideological interpretations.

Originally published in 1977, this book offers a deep exploration of its subject matter, reflecting the academic rigor and insights characteristic of the Routledge imprint. As part of Taylor & Francis, it provides valuable perspectives that continue to resonate in contemporary discussions. The work is significant for its contributions to the field and remains a relevant resource for scholars and students alike.

Focusing on the pivotal role of Gregory the Great during a crisis in the Roman Church from 590 to 604 AD, this work redefines his legacy beyond traditional views. It explores his efforts in reorganizing the Papal administration, combating heresy and schism, and establishing a new pastoral tradition. Additionally, Gregory's promotion of monasticism and his commitment to training bishops are highlighted, showcasing his influence on the direction of the early medieval Church.

John Ford, a towering figure in Hollywood's golden age, is renowned for his significant contributions to cinema, highlighted by four Academy Awards for Best Director. His legacy includes being the first filmmaker to receive the Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the U.S., and the inaugural recipient of the American Film Institute's life achievement award. His influence and recognition mark him as a pivotal figure in film history.

New York City, 1968: The customers at Café Marie don’t come just for the excellent coffee and pastries. They come for the sophisticated ambiance, and the illusion of being somewhere other than a bustling, exhausting city. Headwaiter Charles Ward helps create that illusion through impeccable service—unobtrusive, nearly invisible, yet always watchful. It’s a skill Charles honed as a young Jewish boy in war-torn Europe, when avoiding attention might mean the difference between life and death. But even then, one man saw him all too clearly—a Nazi officer who was both his savior and tormentor. At seventeen, Charles was deported to Auschwitz with his family. There he was singled out by Obersturmführer Berthold Werden, who hid him in his home. Their entanglement produced a tortured affection mixed with hatred that flares to life again, decades later, when Berthold walks into Café Marie. Drawn back into Berthold’s orbit, Charles is forced to revisit the pain and the brief, undeniable pleasures of the life he once knew. And if he acts on his growing hunger for revenge, will he lose his only tether to the past—the only other witness to who he was and everything he endured—or find peace at last?

The biography delves into the life and career of Thorold Dickinson, a significant yet overlooked figure in British cinema. It examines his contributions to the film industry from 1903 to 1984, highlighting his innovative techniques and artistic vision. The book sheds light on his struggles and achievements, aiming to restore his legacy and provide insight into his impact on filmmaking during a transformative era. Through detailed analysis, it presents a comprehensive portrait of Dickinson's artistic journey and influence.

The book charts the evolving relationship between cinema and radio during the heyday of the two media and compares and contrasts their development in Britain and America -- .

Christianity is the world's largest religion, but it is far from unified. Its denominations number in the tens of thousands, and each has its own recipe of doctrines, practices, and governance. Christianity's splintered condition is not a benign form of diversity. Rather, believers are divided into denominational camps and have limited understanding of others' beliefs. All too often, these divisions have fostered mistrust, intolerance, persecution, and even war. This denominationally neutral book is intended to foster understanding by challenging all Christians to explore outside the figurative walls of their respective denominational fortress. The history of Christian splintering is the origin story of Christianity's denominations and is therefore a starting point in an effort to understand fellow Christians. A journey through the history of the religion's splintering, messy as it is, is not without risk. Thoughtful explorers will grapple with tough questions relative to Christian truth and denominational certainty. If in the end, the intrepid explorer finds renewed faith, a broader and more mature perspective, a more receptive heart and mind, and a clearer view of fellow Christians, then the journey will be well worth the effort.