- Alex Atkinson
Alex Atkinson (1916-1962) was an English journalist, novelist and playwright who is best remembered for his collaborative works with the illustrator
Ronald Searle .He was born in
Liverpool , where he began his career as an actor. In 1935 Atkinson’s play "Ferry Inn" was produced at theLiverpool Playhouse . Atkinson gained considerable experience as a repertory actor and began writing for Punch in 1948. In 1950 he ended his acting career to devote his time to writing.In 1953 Atkinson’s play "Four Winds" was produced in the west end. That same year saw the release of the film "Wheel of Fate", which Atkinson co-wrote with Guy Elmes.
In 1958 "The Big City or the New Mayhew" was published. Written by Atkinson and illustrated by Ronald Searle, this collection of humorous character studies had appeared previously in Punch. These studies were based upon the journalism of
Henry Mayhew , particularly his famous survey "London Labour and the London Poor " which appeared in theMorning Chronicle newspaper, throughout the 1840s.In 1960 Atkinson moved to America to write for "Holiday" magazine. He died in Philadelphia in 1962.
In his 1957 article "Over Seventy"
P. G. Wodehouse , lamenting the decline of the humorist, wrote:“I want to see an
A. P. Herbert on every street corner, an Alex Atkinson in every local.”elected Bibliography
*"All Next Week" (1952)
*"Cry for Shadows" (1953)
*"Exit Charlie" (1955)
*"The Big City or the New Mayhew" (1958)
*"USA for Beginners: By Rocking Chair across America" (1959)
*"Russia for Beginners: By Rocking Chair across Russia" (1960)
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