Olivier: In Celebration

In addition to compiling these pieces celebrating Sir Laurence Olivier, O'Connor, biographer of Ralph Richardson and other performers, contributes one of the 23 knowledgeable essays on the peerless performer and director. Critics, associates and friendsPeter Ustinov, Jonathan Miller, Emlyn Williams, etc.express opinions on Olivier's artistry as an interpreter of amazingly varied roles during a career he began building almost from his birth in Surrey, near London, in 1907. At age 80, he remains active, despite serious illnesses. Paintings and photos included here depicting Olivier through the years (on stage, in movies, on TV) support the consensus that he achieves greatness as an actor by forgetting self and assuming entirely the character each role demands. (February)