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A Spectacle of Dust

The Autobiography

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A Spectacle of Dust

By: Pete Postlethwaite
Narrated by: Philip Jackson
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About this listen

Read by Philip Jackson with an introduction by Sean Bean.

After training as a teacher, Pete Postlethwaite started his acting career at the Liverpool Everyman Theatre, where his colleagues included Bill Nighy, Jonathan Pryce, Antony Sher, and Julie Walters. After routine early appearances in small parts for television programs such as The Professionals, Postlethwaite's first success came with the acclaimed British film Distant Voices, Still Lives in 1988. He then received an Academy Award nomination for his role in The Name of the Father in 1993. His performance as the mysterious lawyer "Kobayashi" in The Usual Suspects is well-known, and he appeared in many successful films including Alien 3, Brassed Off, The Shipping News, The Constant Gardener, Baz Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliet (as Friar Lawrence), and in Inception with Leonardo di Caprio.

©2011 Pete Postlethwaite (P)2011 Orion Publishing Group Limited Entertainment & Celebrities Celebrity Heartfelt

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Most relevant  
This has got to be the best written, best presented and most engaging autobiography I have ever listened to. From early beginnings in the priesthood to teaching and then to full-time acting Postlethwaite never once sacrificed his standards or allowed himself to be swayed against his will.

Quite probably the busiest actor ever he weaves a tale of such interest, such exhilarating highs and devastating lows, that the listener is swept along, with each chapter bringing new and greater challenges that Postlethwaite not only rose to, but overcame.

But never did he allow himself to get caught up in the heady glitz of the Hollywood Set nor did he ever forget who he was or where his roots truly lay.

And then the final chapter where he has to face terminal cancer; without a doubt some of the most moving words I have ever heard.

An extraordinary man and an extraordinary life.

An Extraordinary Life

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I anticipated this would be a good book, but it exceeded my expectations. A good old Warrington lad became one of the best, and arguably most underrated, actors of his generation. His love of his chosen profession is clear and, as his story unfolds, you realise there are many more great roles in great films than you'd first thought. I loved it.

Even Better Than Expected

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Wow! This is a fantastic book, probably one of the best autobiographies that I have ever 'read'. Written with honesty and a whit that only Pete Postlethwaite could deliver. Thank you!

A spectacle of dust

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Always liked Peter and this was a very touching book and with the events was very touching. Great read and a must you will love it

Breathtaking

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Great book and actor, very sad warm ending.
very interesting biography by the legend himself, a shame he isnt around to narrate it.

clear his name. job done.

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loved this book from start to finish thank you to the publishers for releasing this fantastic book and a great Actor for his life

brilliantly read

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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Well written and well read, a very good and interesting listen and I have recommended it.

What other book might you compare A Spectacle of Dust to, and why?

" The Moons a Balloon " , although David Niven and Pete couldn't be more different as people ,but they both produced very intelligent and engaging books which make the reader feel they know and like the writer.

Any additional comments?

I read this and immediately wanted to watch some more of Pete's great performances and was not disappointed, he comes across as a lovely down to earth human being, it is sad he is no longer with us but his book and his vast contribution to the film world are, for this we should be grateful.

Fabulous Autobiography

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Quite simply the best autobiography that I have ever read!! Interesting and gripping from the 1st word to the emotional last. The story is so well written that you feel you know Pete personally by the end of the book, a man true to his roots and himself, down to earth and a real professional. God bless you Pete.

Extremely Moving

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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loved Pete, to anyone who loved the world actors or, indeed, to anyone.

What other book might you compare A Spectacle of Dust to, and why?

I think I can only compare it to a good book, because I have never come across anything that makes a loved person return, as this does.

What does Philip Jackson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Reading the book, could never make Pete come back to life, as this does. It brought back memories of his voice and nuances, I would never have expected. I love Philip's work too, but he has excelled himself here. Please can you ensure that he gets to read this. He did Pete proud.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

I don't think a film could be made, Pete was an exceptional actor and I don't think that he could be replicated.

Any additional comments?

I would like the author who worked alongside Pete to be complemented on the quality of his work. My condolences to Pete's beloved family.

This was not a story, it was a life!

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What a great man. Pete’s love for his family, and the passion for his trade comes through strongly. I’d recommend this book.

Moving read

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