Books with author Mark Griffiths

SOON TO BE A MAJOR MOTION PICTUREThe definitive biography of the deeply complex and widely misunderstood matinee idol of Hollywood’s Golden Age.Devastatingly handsome, broad-shouldered and clean-cut, Rock Hudson was the ultimate movie star. The embodiment of romantic masculinity in American film throughout the ‘50s and ‘60s, Hudson reigned supreme as the king of Hollywood.As an Oscar-nominated leading man, Hudson won acclaim for his performances in glossy melodramas (Magnificent Obsession), western epics (Giant) and blockbuster bedroom farces (Pillow Talk). In the ‘70s and ‘80s, Hudson successfully transitioned to television; his long-running series McMillan & Wife and a recurring role on Dynasty introduced him to a whole new generation of fans.The icon worshipped by moviegoers and beloved by his colleagues appeared to have it all. Yet beneath the suave and commanding star persona, there was an insecure, deeply conflicted, and all too vulnerable human being. Growing up poor in Winnetka, Illinois, Hudson was abandoned by his biological father, abused by an alcoholic stepfather, and controlled by his domineering mother.Despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Hudson was determined to become an actor at all costs. After signing with the powerful but predatory agent Henry Willson, the young hopeful was transformed from a clumsy, tongue-tied truck driver into Universal Studio’s resident Adonis. In a more conservative era, Hudson’s wholesome, straight arrow screen image was at odds with his closeted homosexuality.As a result of his gay relationships and clandestine affairs, Hudson was continually threatened with public exposure, not only by scandal sheets like Confidential but by a number of his own partners. For years, Hudson dodged questions concerning his private life, but in 1985 the public learned that the actor was battling AIDS. The disclosure that such a revered public figure had contracted the illness focused worldwide attention on the epidemic.Drawing on more than 100 interviews with co-stars, family members and former companions, All That Heaven Allows finally delivers a complete and nuanced portrait of one of the most fascinating stars in cinema history.Author Mark Griffin provides new details concerning Hudson’s troubled relationships with wife Phyllis Gates and boyfriend Marc Christian. And here, for the first time, is an in-depth exploration of Hudson’s classic films, including Written on the Wind, A Farewell to Arms, and the cult favorite Seconds. With unprecedented access to private journals, personal correspondence, and production files, Griffin pays homage to the idol whose life and death had a lasting impact on American culture.

SOON TO BE A MAJOR MOTION PICTUREThe definitive biography of the deeply complex and widely misunderstood matinee idol of Hollywood’s Golden Age.Devastatingly handsome, broad-shouldered and clean-cut, Rock Hudson was the ultimate movie star. The embodiment of romantic masculinity in American film throughout the ‘50s and ‘60s, Hudson reigned supreme as the king of Hollywood.As an Oscar-nominated leading man, Hudson won acclaim for his performances in glossy melodramas (Magnificent Obsession), western epics (Giant) and blockbuster bedroom farces (Pillow Talk). In the ‘70s and ‘80s, Hudson successfully transitioned to television; his long-running series McMillan & Wife and a recurring role on Dynasty introduced him to a whole new generation of fans.The icon worshipped by moviegoers and beloved by his colleagues appeared to have it all. Yet beneath the suave and commanding star persona, there was an insecure, deeply conflicted, and all too vulnerable human being. Growing up poor in Winnetka, Illinois, Hudson was abandoned by his biological father, abused by an alcoholic stepfather, and controlled by his domineering mother.Despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Hudson was determined to become an actor at all costs. After signing with the powerful but predatory agent Henry Willson, the young hopeful was transformed from a clumsy, tongue-tied truck driver into Universal Studio’s resident Adonis. In a more conservative era, Hudson’s wholesome, straight arrow screen image was at odds with his closeted homosexuality.As a result of his gay relationships and clandestine affairs, Hudson was continually threatened with public exposure, not only by scandal sheets like Confidential but by a number of his own partners. For years, Hudson dodged questions concerning his private life, but in 1985 the public learned that the actor was battling AIDS. The disclosure that such a revered public figure had contracted the illness focused worldwide attention on the epidemic.Drawing on more than 100 interviews with co-stars, family members and former companions, All That Heaven Allows finally delivers a complete and nuanced portrait of one of the most fascinating stars in cinema history.Author Mark Griffin provides new details concerning Hudson’s troubled relationships with wife Phyllis Gates and boyfriend Marc Christian. And here, for the first time, is an in-depth exploration of Hudson’s classic films, including Written on the Wind, A Farewell to Arms, and the cult favorite Seconds. With unprecedented access to private journals, personal correspondence, and production files, Griffin pays homage to the idol whose life and death had a lasting impact on American culture.

This inspiring resource contains 48 of the world's greatest stories dramatically retold for reading aloud with children aged 5-11. They vary in length and topic, but all contain important Christian truths. There are a few Bible stories, but most are taken from classic literature or from folk tales. Drawing on the rich imaginations of master storytellers throughout the ages author Mark Griffiths brings their creations vividly to life. He includes three delightful tales from Oscar Wilde. His retelling of the Russian Shoemaker by Leo Tolstoy is enchanting and a must read for Christmas. There are other more traditional stories from around the world, such as Antonio the Juggler from Italy and the tragic tale of Gelert from Wales. Some of the stories are true the story of Gladys Aylward who rescued children in China and the delightful tale of how Amy Carmichael prayed for blue eyes others tell of wondrous adventure such as Ruth Sanderson's "The Enchanted Wood" and the delightful "Hugs and Kisses" contest. There are many, many more. This is a charming book that will be enjoyed time and again. It will hold the attention of both children and adults and will lead to fruitful discussions of bigger themes such as truth, courage and identity.

SOON TO BE A MAJOR MOTION PICTUREThe definitive biography of the deeply complex and widely misunderstood matinee idol of Hollywood’s Golden Age.Devastatingly handsome, broad-shouldered and clean-cut, Rock Hudson was the ultimate movie star. The embodiment of romantic masculinity in American film throughout the ‘50s and ‘60s, Hudson reigned supreme as the king of Hollywood.As an Oscar-nominated leading man, Hudson won acclaim for his performances in glossy melodramas (Magnificent Obsession), western epics (Giant) and blockbuster bedroom farces (Pillow Talk). In the ‘70s and ‘80s, Hudson successfully transitioned to television; his long-running series McMillan & Wife and a recurring role on Dynasty introduced him to a whole new generation of fans.The icon worshipped by moviegoers and beloved by his colleagues appeared to have it all. Yet beneath the suave and commanding star persona, there was an insecure, deeply conflicted, and all too vulnerable human being. Growing up poor in Winnetka, Illinois, Hudson was abandoned by his biological father, abused by an alcoholic stepfather, and controlled by his domineering mother.Despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Hudson was determined to become an actor at all costs. After signing with the powerful but predatory agent Henry Willson, the young hopeful was transformed from a clumsy, tongue-tied truck driver into Universal Studio’s resident Adonis. In a more conservative era, Hudson’s wholesome, straight arrow screen image was at odds with his closeted homosexuality.As a result of his gay relationships and clandestine affairs, Hudson was continually threatened with public exposure, not only by scandal sheets like Confidential but by a number of his own partners. For years, Hudson dodged questions concerning his private life, but in 1985 the public learned that the actor was battling AIDS. The disclosure that such a revered public figure had contracted the illness focused worldwide attention on the epidemic.Drawing on more than 100 interviews with co-stars, family members and former companions, All That Heaven Allows finally delivers a complete and nuanced portrait of one of the most fascinating stars in cinema history.Author Mark Griffin provides new details concerning Hudson’s troubled relationships with wife Phyllis Gates and boyfriend Marc Christian. And here, for the first time, is an in-depth exploration of Hudson’s classic films, including Written on the Wind, A Farewell to Arms, and the cult favorite Seconds. With unprecedented access to private journals, personal correspondence, and production files, Griffin pays homage to the idol whose life and death had a lasting impact on American culture.

SOON TO BE A MAJOR MOTION PICTUREThe definitive biography of the deeply complex and widely misunderstood matinee idol of Hollywood’s Golden Age.Devastatingly handsome, broad-shouldered and clean-cut, Rock Hudson was the ultimate movie star. The embodiment of romantic masculinity in American film throughout the ‘50s and ‘60s, Hudson reigned supreme as the king of Hollywood.As an Oscar-nominated leading man, Hudson won acclaim for his performances in glossy melodramas (Magnificent Obsession), western epics (Giant) and blockbuster bedroom farces (Pillow Talk). In the ‘70s and ‘80s, Hudson successfully transitioned to television; his long-running series McMillan & Wife and a recurring role on Dynasty introduced him to a whole new generation of fans.The icon worshipped by moviegoers and beloved by his colleagues appeared to have it all. Yet beneath the suave and commanding star persona, there was an insecure, deeply conflicted, and all too vulnerable human being. Growing up poor in Winnetka, Illinois, Hudson was abandoned by his biological father, abused by an alcoholic stepfather, and controlled by his domineering mother.Despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Hudson was determined to become an actor at all costs. After signing with the powerful but predatory agent Henry Willson, the young hopeful was transformed from a clumsy, tongue-tied truck driver into Universal Studio’s resident Adonis. In a more conservative era, Hudson’s wholesome, straight arrow screen image was at odds with his closeted homosexuality.As a result of his gay relationships and clandestine affairs, Hudson was continually threatened with public exposure, not only by scandal sheets like Confidential but by a number of his own partners. For years, Hudson dodged questions concerning his private life, but in 1985 the public learned that the actor was battling AIDS. The disclosure that such a revered public figure had contracted the illness focused worldwide attention on the epidemic.Drawing on more than 100 interviews with co-stars, family members and former companions, All That Heaven Allows finally delivers a complete and nuanced portrait of one of the most fascinating stars in cinema history.Author Mark Griffin provides new details concerning Hudson’s troubled relationships with wife Phyllis Gates and boyfriend Marc Christian. And here, for the first time, is an in-depth exploration of Hudson’s classic films, including Written on the Wind, A Farewell to Arms, and the cult favorite Seconds. With unprecedented access to private journals, personal correspondence, and production files, Griffin pays homage to the idol whose life and death had a lasting impact on American culture.

WARNING! There are many books on the shelf, but none like this one. It’s rather a special book because it may change your life. I think it may, as it’s now found it's way into your hands.In another world there sits a library. It is run by monkeys, the keepers of books. Each book contains a different world. In the Top Secret Section are books belonging to children. These books are blank, but magically begin to write themselves when a child dares to dream.This fast-paced action adventure follows Kevin, who is placed in Greystones, a scary school for unwanted children. Kevin escapes the clutches of Mr East, the one-eyed beast, only to be caught by Lawrence Pudding-Pig, a bully who is even nastier than his name sounds, and locked in the Forbidden Turret, where he discovers a secret. Together, with his friend Misty, they venture through worlds of dice, dwarfs, talking animals and the impossible to discover the real power of dreams.The same magical power in this strange tale, flows through its pages into readers hands. Can you feel it? Are you one of the special ones? Dare you read it? We take no responsibility for what may happen to you… but always be aware of the Dream Stealer!Watch a sample on You Tube - 'Dream Stealer by Marc Griffiths'

This comes highly rated by teachers as the Number 1 book they read annually to their students. There are many books on the shelf, but none like this one.In another world there sits a library run by monkeys. The books are blank, but magically begin to write themselves when a child dares to dream.This fast-paced action adventure follows Kevin, who is placed in Greystones, a scary school for unwanted children. Kevin escapes the clutches of Mr East, the one-eyed beast, only to be locked in the Forbidden Turret, where he discovers a secret. Together, with his friend Misty, they venture through worlds of dice, dwarfs, talking animals and the impossible to discover the true power of dreams.The same magical power in this strange tale flows into readers hands. Will you feel it? Are you one of the special ones? We take no responsibility for what may happen to you… but always be aware of the Dream Stealer!Inspire your children to dream and they'll have an amazing life! Unfortunately the DREAM STEALER knows that and wants to steal from them. Don't let him!Watch You Tube: https://youtu.be/m7R4t55tgnY

This inspiring resource contains 50 of the world's greatest stories dramatically retold for telling aloud, with children aged 5–11. They vary in length and topic, but all contain important truths. Most are taken from classic literature or from folk tales, a few are new stories dug out of the authors imagination. Drawing on the rich imaginations of master storytellers throughout the ages author Mark Griffiths brings their creations vividly to life. He includes three delightful tales from Oscar Wilde. His retelling of “The Russian Shoemaker” by Leo Tolstoy is enchanting and a must for Christmas. There are other more traditional stories from around the world, such as the legend of Antonio the juggler from Italy, and the tragic tale of Gelert from Wales. Some are historical – the story of Gladys Aylward who rescued children in China, or the delightful tale of how Amy Carmichael prayed for blue eyes – while others tell of wondrous adventure such as the delightful "Hugs and Kisses" contest.This charming book will be enjoyed time and again. It will hold the attention of both children and adults and will lead to fruitful discussions of bigger themes such as truth, courage and identity.

This Great Blockbuster Trilogy of the So What! Stories has it all – Nature, humour, heartache and criminal thrills and spills!In Book One follow the career of teacher Robert Jeffrey through the antics of his pupils - both in and out of the classroom. Giggle and gasp at the hilarious and sad tales of pupils. Romance, bullying and struggling teachers give you a full range of daily life in Birch Green High School!In Book Two student teacher Molly Pearson is rewilding the school's wildlife and nature garden with the help of her Year 7 kids. Self-harming, arson, gang violence and teenage angst all seem to be teaming up as obstacles to block success from Molly and her class of 11 year-olds! In Book Three try to keep up with ex-pupil detective Nigel Shantra as he pursues the desperate criminals who caused trauma and tragedy to the school community. A criminal fireworks stunt that goes disastrously wrong leads to death and mayhem. Conspiring fraudsters look like they might get away with things when a black spider monkey in a zoo unwittingly assists detective Shantra in his chase!