 First edition cover | |
| Author | Quentin Crisp |
|---|---|
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Autobiography |
| Publisher | Jonathan Cape |
Publication date | 1968 |
| Media type | Print (Hardback & Paperback) |
| Pages | 224 pp |
| OCLC | 459647 |
| Followed by | How to Become A Virgin |
The Naked Civil Servant is the 1968 autobiography of British gay icon Quentin Crisp, adapted into a 1975 film of the same name starring John Hurt.
The book began as a 1964 radio interview with Crisp conducted by his friend and fellow eccentric Philip O'Connor. A managing director at Jonathan Cape heard the interview and commissioned the publication. Having sold only 3,500 copies when first released, the book became a success when it was republished following the television movie broadcast.[1]
The book contains many anecdotes about Crisp's life from childhood to middle age, including troubles he faced by refusing to hide his homosexuality and flamboyant lifestyle during a time when such behaviour was criminalized in the United Kingdom. Crisp also recalls his various jobs including book designer, nude model, and prostitute.[1]
The title derives from Crisp's quip about being an art model; employed by art colleges, models are ultimately paid by the Department for Education. They are essentially civil employees who are naked during office hours.
References
- 1 2 "Crisp: The naked civil servant". BBC News. 1999-11-21. Retrieved 2008-04-06.