Summoned by Bells - Sir John Betjeman (1976) 6/6

[@gavinedinburgh]

Saw this first as a 14 year old in 1976 and have rediscovered it...if anything, it's even more wonderful second time around....

[@mjalmond1]

Short yet thoroughly absorbing insight into the life behind a genius. As an adolescent, his father's persona clearly had a profound effect upon John's psyche. Ironic then, that ultimately it was the spectre of becoming such a man that inspired Betjeman in his courageous decision to plough a lone furrow and share his great gift. Truly top-notch post, BK . . . Thank you.

[@cheeryble]

Trying to identify why I, not just I surely, experience a great closeness, almost a non-duality with John Betjeman. He displays great vulnerability......which is a sort of honesty.

[@Londonfogey]

Thanks for posting. I spent many happy years in Highgate and some time in Oxford too. I live abroad now and it's nice to see the old country. I bet prep school boys in Highgate don't walk home from school now - surely they travel by 4x4!

[@lilcicero77]

yes its ghastly now. They've built it up into one of those modern blocks resembling a lavatory - Old Betj would be be horrified. Come friendly bombs etc

[@AntPDC]

Touching to heart and mind. Thank you again Buy.

[@18dryad]

So pleased to have found this ~ truly enjoyable. Thank you for sharing this.

[@tillthecowscomehome2237]

thank you so much for uploading this,.. it,s wonderful, and touching , and moving and joyous, and i have enjoyed sharing these memories of his more than i can say. xxxxx

[@bensimps123]

what a nice talented man.

[@Stereolabdream]

@cheeryble It's as he says at the end, autobiography is most interesting when we can relate closely to the person we admire...and that's always most likely in tales of childhood and adolescense...then we were the same...we usually admire them in adulthood because they surpass us, somehow...

[@ravenshireful]

earning a living at last :)

[@reginaldconey9639]

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