Manchester’s International Anthony Burgess Foundation is a must-visit; not only does it contain the great man’s archive with many gems available for inspection, but in the cafe/foyer there are Burgess’ own author’s copies of his books for sale.
I picked up an early 70s Penguin edition of The Malayan Trilogy (with Roger Bentley cover), a pristine Earthly Powers paperback (mine is very dog-eared) and the fully illustrated Shakespeare reader published in 1970 by this son of Moss Side.
Set up by director/Burgess biographer Andrew Biswell in 2003 at the behest of the author’s late widow Liana, the IABF moved into the light-filled Engine House in Chorlton Mill this year.
Here it hosts a variety of events – readings, book launches, performances, discussions – as well as tours of the archive and usage of the reading room.
The Foundation is in the process of refreshing its website; the new version will be up and running by the end of the month.
Director Biswell and his team are also gearing up for the 2012 semicentennial of the publication of A Clockwork Orange as they continue the enviable task of surveying this vast and fascinating personal collection.
Contact the IABF at info@anthonyburgess.org
Steve E
July 15, 2011 at 7:15 pmLove the mixed up fonts used for the ’62 Clockwork cover.
Remind you of anyone?