- Gorse Trilogy
The "Gorse Trilogy" is a series of three novels, the last published works of the author Patrick Hamilton. In Ernest Ralph Gorse, Patrick Hamilton creates one of fiction's most captivating anti-heroes, whose heartlessness and lack of scruple are matched only by the inventiveness and panache with which he swindles his victims. (He is thought to have been based on the real-life con-man and murderer Neville George Heath, executed in 1946). Gorse insinuates himself into the lives of his victims with his good looks and easy confidence, and always with a good story. His victims are women, and he flatters his way into their affections until he is in a position to turn things to his advantage.
Graham Greene called "The West Pier" "the best book written about Brighton, whilstL.P. Hartley said "The entertainment value of this brilliantly told story could hardly be higher".A very softened version of "Mr Stimpson and Mr Gorse" was produced by the BBC in the 1980s (called The Charmer and starring
Nigel Havers ), but it lacked the originals power and malice.* "The Gorse Trilogy" (2007) [http://www.blackspringpress.co.uk Black Spring Press]
* "The West Pier" (1952)
* "Mr. Stimpson and Mr. Gorse " (1953)
* "Unknown Assailant" (1955)Further reading
* Jones, Nigel. (1991) "Through a glass darkly : the life of Patrick Hamilton", Scribners
* French, Sean. (1993) "Patrick Hamilton: A Life", Faber and Faber
* Hamilton, Patrick (2007) "The Gorse Trilogy", [http://www.blackspringpress.co.uk Black Spring Press]
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