An updated reprint of Bryan Connon's 1991 biography of former Ashtead resident Beverley Nichols is now available.

The uncompromising but sympathetic book explains what made Nichols an opinionated but compassionate author. Connon expertly tries to unravel Nichols' complex relationship with his father and his own sexuality, both of which dominated his life and echo throughout his work.

Nichols was a composer, lyricist, critic, journalist and prolific author. Between Prelude in 1920 and Twilight in 1982 he wrote over 60 books and plays on topics such as travel, politics, religion, cats, novels, mysteries and children's stories. He is, however, most well known as a writer for Woman's Own and for his gardening books. Five of his books are still in print, including the trilogy he wrote between 1951 and 1956 about his house Merry Hall in Agates Lane, where he lived from 1946 to 1956.

These books and many more relating to Ashtead are available via our website at http://parish.ashtead.org/books.htm

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