Kenneth Tynan : letters

As drama critic from "The Observer" in the 1950s, Kenneth Tynan sought to "rouse tempers, goad and lacerate, raise whirlwinds".

As literary manager of the newly-formed National Theatre under Laurence Olivier, creator of the notorious "Oh!

Calcutta!", and foremost critic of his day, he was throughout a passionate provocateur.This selection of Tynan's letters, edited by his widow, traces the making of an intellectual and a lifelong battle against the forces of convention and complacency.

His correspondents range from Olivier to Germaine Greer.