The Tailor of Salisbury cover art

The Tailor of Salisbury

A True Story

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The Tailor of Salisbury

By: Lindsay Fairgrieve
Narrated by: Martin Jarvis
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About this listen

Re-released. Geoffrey James Hurford, a tailor who worked in Salisbury, England, was born in 1921 in Damerham, Hampshire, at a time when Crown Prince Hirohito, aged 20, had just been named Regent of Japan, when the cinema was erupting with excitement at the arrival on screen of Italy's most glamorous star, Rudolph Valentino, and when, in the United Kingdom, a 45-mile-to-the-gallon, brand-new Rover two-seater car could be bought for 230 guineas.

As a child, Geoffrey contracted osteomyelitis, a chronic bone infection, and subsequently spent several years in hospital undergoing traumatic operations. By the time he was 21, he voluntarily made the decision to have his leg amputated.

This fascinating account of Geoffrey's life - childhood, tailoring college, marriage and an extensive working career - is given a sensitive and humorous "talking head" performance by Martin Jarvis. It is an aspirational and entertaining true story of a tailor who, until his death in his early 80s, carried on working from the Dickensian tiny front room of his house in Salisbury's city centre.

©2001 Lindsay Fairgrieve (P)2001 Rickshaw Productions Limited Witty

Critic reviews

"…a gem…" (The Sunday Times)
"…incredible…" (The Times)
" …staggering…" (The Guardian)
All stars
Most relevant  
Love the story as I’m a Salisbury girl but felt it was ruined by the constant swallowing and mouth noises from Jarvis. Really spoiled the experience.

Great story, horrible narration.

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Very disappointed, the cover looks intriguing and the storyline reads as though it will be an interesting listen. However; it was all a huge let down, so very drab I could not reach the end. So I did not understand how the other reviewer gives a praised written review and yet only gives each section one star! which it deserves. Then holding my device with my thumb hanging over the screen, I ACCIDENTALLY VOTED their review helpful when I DO NOT find it helpful at all, but rather confusing. All in all an utter shambles!

HUGE LETDOWN

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I’m probably bias because I’m Salisbury born and bred. I remember many of the places mentioned, some still remain but most have gone or changed completely. I remember Geoffrey sitting in the window of his work room. His reminiscing is sad, funny and brave especially those surrounding his osteomyelitis and his decision to have the leg amputated. I’m glad to a met him for his tailoring skills and that he had a successful life. It’s a shame an author historical note didn’t finish his story given this was published in 2013 and Geoffrey died in 2006. His obituary can be found in the Salisbury Journal. Martin Jarvis brings his story to life.

A social and personal history

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An impulse buy that I am very pleased to have found. The narration by Martin Jarvis is excellent . The story itself recalled many memories and was a delight to listen to.

Thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book

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