The Habit of Art
It sounds an archetypal Alan Bennett project: an imagined encounter between WH Auden and Benjamin Britten, 25 years after their relationship had distinctly cooled. Michael Gambon and Alex Jennings star as the pugnacious poet and the pacifist composer; Nicholas Hytner, who turned The History Boys into a global hit, directs
In rep at the Lyttelton, London (020-7452 3000)
17 November – 24 January.

Nothing to be frightened of by Julian Barnes

An amusing, well-observed and touching memoir, of what is at times bleak and morbid subject matter. This book discusses the philosophical, literary and religious connotations of life and death. 

Barnes draws on many sources. Mainly the personal writing of Jules Renard and his brother, philosopher Jonathan Barnes. He also describes his observations of the life and death of his parents, following their descent into illness and senility.

 

I found the perspective on his working life as a writer interesting and also the question of whether artists strive for immortality through their work, as opposed to spiritually. This too is believed to be potentially futile, as there will always be a 'last reader', for whom your work is not worth recommending to another. And so you are finally extinguished all the same. Much in keeping with Marcus Aurelius' views on those who seek fame, as described in his Meditations.

Buy Nothing to Be Frightened of from amazon.co.uk

Julian Barnes' website