The Laughter and the Urn. The Life of Rex Whistler

Laurence Whistler.

Weidenfeld and Nicolson. London. 1985. First edition. Hardback; blue cloth-bound boards, dust jacket. xiv, 321 pages. Text illustrations and 42 colour and monochrome illustrations on hors texte plates. English. 240 x 165mm. 0.8kg. 0297786032. Good, in very good dust jacket; light shelf wear to the jacket, slight yellowing to spine and panels, not price-clipped; remains of ex libris bookplate to half-title.

Laurence Whistler's richly-researched account of the life of his brother Rex. Rex Whistler's life was tragically cut short in 1944 whilst in action during WW2. Laurence made a huge effort to ensure that Rex's work was recorded and enjoyed by future generations. Alongside this biography he also wrote His Life and His Drawings and The Work of Rex Whistler. Rex's varied work is discussed alongside his life and his friendships with figures including Edith Olivier, Cecil Beaton and Seigfried Sassoon.