This Wednesday ( 28 May) sees the book launch and talk by John Harding
whose new biography brings into focus Shelagh Delaney’s first exciting decade as a writer.

Part of the Spirit of Salford festival at the Working Class Library, the book also focuses on the way in which she returned time and again to her home town of Salford in her work during this period, on stage, on film and in print.

Shelagh Delaney rose to fame following the instant success in 1958 of her first play A Taste of Honey. Lauded as Britain’s answer to the controversial French novelist Francoise Sagan, Delaney’s work scandalised her home city of Salford but established her as one of the country’s most original and exhilarating young playwrights during a period in theatre history when women writers were rare and acceptance hard to achieve.

Delaney has served as an inspiration to countless young artists down the succeeding years. Rock star Morrissey wrote, ‘She has always been a part of my life as a perfect example of how to get up and get out and do it.’Novelist Jeanette Winterson claimed, ‘She was like a lighthouse – pointing the way and warning about the rocks underneath.

The author John Harding has penned several biographies including that of poet and illustrator Ralph Hodgson and Edwardian footballer Billy Meredith as well as books and articles on literary fiction, music hall and sporting history.

Sweetly Sings Delaney Working Class Movement Library 2pm Wednesday 28th May Free

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