Outside the theatrical profession Sybil Thorndike is no longer the household name she once was; she has become a historical figure. Yet her combative, inspiring life, her passionate concern for the state of the world as well as for her art, resonates with any age. As the actor Michael Macli­ammói­r put it: 'Essentially English, she is yet nationless; essentially of her period, she is yet timeless.'

Jonathan Croall was an editor in publishing and newspapers before becoming a full-time writer. He is the author of several books including The Coming of Godot: A Short History of a Masterpiece.