John Betjeman Books

First published in 1938 under the title An Oxford University Chest , this volume presents a treasure-house of amusing sketches of university life, lyrical tributes to Oxford's pastoral pleasures, and characteristically pungent architectural judgments. Now reissued as John Betjeman'sOxford , it remains a delightfully irreverent and nostalgic look at Oxford and its University in the 1930s, reproduced without revision or embellishment. Betjeman devotes more than a third of the book to an architectural tour of the town and university buildings, enlivening the factual informationwith anecdotes and accounts of relevant historical events. Moholy-Nagy's remarkable photographs, Osbert Lancaster's line drawings, and etchings of the town's magnificent buildings complement Betjeman's text.

Collected Poems made publishing history when it first appeared, and has now sold more than two million copies, to an ever-growing readership. This newly expanded edition includes Betjeman's verse autobiography, Summoned by Bells. With a new Introduction by Poet Laureate, Andrew Motion, Collected Poems is the definitive Betjeman companion.

This unique collection brings together a series of BBC Radio talks John Betjeman gave towards the end of his life. Previously unpublished, and brought together for the first time by the editor of the bestselling Trains and Buttered Toast, Stephen Games, these talks concerning hymns and hymn writers were Betjeman's swan song as a broadcaster. 'Hymns are the poems of the people', Betjeman observed in his first talk, and went on to show how variously this insight has been borne out over generations. Rich in anecdote and packed with information, these timeless talks will appeal to fans of Betjeman and newcomers alike, and will inspire everyone who has a fondness for hymns, and delights in Betjeman's unique voice.

Tells the story of a boy's growth to early manhood, seaside holidays, meddling arts, school bullies and an unexpected moment of religious awakening.

The English are geniuses at mixing practicality with beauty, as this rich visual anthology of handsome cottages proves. Trace the evolution of these charming homes, from early railway cottages and "improvised" dwellings to model cottages erected by philanthropists and the bucolic follies dreamed up by 18th-century aristocrats. "The cottages are treasures, the eye is bewitched for a long time."--"The Sunday Times,"

A selection of poetry, prose and work for television covering nearly 50 years.

Betjeman's infectious enthusiasms have made him a keystone of England's common culture.

Doran, Amanda-Jane, Punchlines - 150 years of humorous writing in Punch. London, HarperCollins, 1991. 26cm. XII, 371 pages. Original hardcover with dustjacket in protective mylar. Excellent, close to new condition with only minor signs of external wear. Includes work by authors / comedians such as: John Bentjemen / Mary Dunn / Graham Greene / Melvyn bragg / Stevie Smith / William Boyd / Robert Graves / etc.