Vikram Seth has written five books of poetry, an opera libretto, and a book of other libretti. He is perhaps best known for his acclaimed novel, A SUITABLE BOY, one of the most beloved and widely read books of recent times, as well as his novels THE GOLDEN GATE and AN EQUAL MUSIC. He is the author of two highly regarded works of non-fiction, FROM HEAVEN LAKE and TWO LIVES.
In 1956, Sir Alan Bates debuted on stage in the West End as Cliff in Look Back in Anger, a role he had originated at the Royal Court and which made him a star. He featured in films such as Whistle Down the Wind, A Kind of Loving, Zorba the Greek, Far From the Madding Crowd, Women in Love, Hamlet and Gosford Park. Stage performances include Look Back in Anger and Life Class. He was knighted in the New Year's Honours List 2003 and died in December the same year.