Description

He Who Would A Writer Be
by John Finch
Paperback Book

Signed by his sons, Steve & Peter Finch.

John Finch was one of the generation of Northern writers who came to prominence in British television in the 1960s, together with Jim Allen, Stan Barstow, Jack Rosenthal, and Tony Warren. Recruited by Granada Television in 1960, Finch was one of the first writers on Coronation Street, for which he wrote 140 episodes, helping to establish it as Britain’s most popular television drama.

The 52-episode Second World War saga A Family at War saw him embark on a series of original and highly popular ‘telenovels’ for Granada in the 1970s, which he followed with the semi-autobiographical Sam, for which he wrote all 39 one-hour episodes. Sam was watched by 20 million viewers every week.

John Finch’s contribution to British television drama was enormous. He Who Would A Writer Be, written in the final years of his life, is a fascinating testament to a life well lived, revealing a sensitive and accomplished writer who more than fulfilled his dream.

“John Finch is one of the towering figures, not just of British television, but of British culture, for his ground-breaking and award-winning work over several decades. This book shows the story of his life is as remarkable as any of his creations.”
SIMON HEFFER (Historian and Sunday Telegraph journalist)

“One of the foremost television writers of his generation, John Finch is renowned for his creation of ‘telenovels’ (longform single authored dramas) such as A Family at War (1970-72) and Sam (1973-75). High production values, psychological depth of character and sensitivity to realistic historical detail ensured his work was highly popular; some of his dramas can still be found on screens worldwide today.”
JULIA HALLAM (Professor Emerita, Communications and Media, University of Liverpool)