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You are in: Nottingham > People > Profiles > One man library

Cover of Sterner Stuff by Stanley Middleton

Cover of Sterner Stuff

One man library

Nottingham author Stanley Middleton is prolific. He writes a book a year and, so far, has had 42 published.

While Nottinghamshire is keen to rave about local authors like DH Lawrence and Alan Sillitoe, writer Stanley Middleton seems to have been somewhat forgotten.

He shouldn't be.

He's one of the county's most consistent authors, averaging a book a year.

In 1974 he won the Booker Prize for his novel Holiday.

Author Stanley Middleton

Author Stanley Middleton

Now 86, his latest, Stirner Stuff, has just been published by Hutchinson.

He's been talking to BBC Radio Nottingham's John Holmes.

In part one of the interview he talks about:-

  • The use of the Nottinghamshire dialect in his novels
  • Growing up in Bulwell
  • Speaking at funerals

In part two he talks about:-

  • Book ideas
  • A hate of computers
  • The writing regime

In part three he talks about:-

  • Literary heroes
  • Changing place names
  • Creating time capsules

last updated: 24/09/2008 at 11:09
created: 25/08/2005

Have Your Say

The BBC reserves the right to edit comments submitted.

Erik Pommers
I too loved the Stan Middleton interview. I went to High Pavement, from 1966-1973 and Middo was my English teacher for part of that time. It was great to hear his voice again. More pwer to him. It also got me thinking about some of the others like E.W.N. Smith and Bill Gray. As Alan Snape said, he is one of he few good memeories of High Pavement.

Alan Snape
The only master at HP who could hold the full attention of his class and one of the few worthy of recall. He also excelled with a blackboard duster at 20 feet. Spot on Moggo. Thanks for the few good memories I retain of HP also with memories if Wesleyian Chapel Bulwell organ.

Alicia Middleton
I kind of find it strange that an author named 'Middleton' has a character named 'Alicia.' We could even be second cousins or something. It is kinda weird, especially considering I'm pretty close in age to the character. I live in the US so it might actually be a coincidence.

barrie smith
Mr Middleton's first novel was 'A Short Answer', published as part of a New Authors series.'Harris's Requiem' was Mr Middleton's second novel: I chose it as the High Pavement Grammar School Fifth Form English prize in 1960 and it still has a prominent part in my affections.

Malcolm Atkin
It was lovely to hear your interview with Stanley Middleton.It brought back many memories as he used to teach me English in 1959-62 at High Pavement Grammar School.

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