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This is a comprehensive view of Charles Acton's Anglo-Irish background, his education in England at Rugby and Cambridge and his career in Dublin.

Beginning with the rich source material of Acton family papers (a detailed tenant record of Kilmacurragh estate, for example) and correspondence (to his mother and others), the book goes on to elaborate in fascinating detail the cultural framework of his milieu in broadcasting for RTE and in music with the Royal Irish Academy of Music, of which he was governor and eventually vice-president.

Acton's deep sense of what it means to be Irish, and his commitment to the fate of music in Irish society and RTE's custodianship of its performing groups, permeate this portrait of his passage from country gentleman to critical journalist, establishing his unique place at the centre of Ireland's arts world in the late twentieth century. He was one of only two critics outside Britain to gain entry to the Critics' Circle.

His was a unique voice that helped to shape Ireland's musical culture.

More Information
ISBN/EAN 9781843511656
Author Richard Pine
Publisher Lilliput Press
Publication date 1 Jan 2010
Format Hardback
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You're reviewing:Charles: The Life and World of Charles Acton 1914 - 1999

Charles: The Life and World of Charles Acton 1914 - 1999

This is a biography of the music critic and commentator, chronicling his family’s history over 300 years at Kilmacurragh in County Wicklow (now a celebrated arboretum in the care of the State), and his work for the Irish Times over thirty years (1955-88).

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