About the book: 2017 / Derek Jarman (1942–1994) is best known as one of the most original independent directors in Europe, with a dozen feature films to his credit, more than twenty videos (including those filmed for The Smiths and Pet Shop Boys) and three Teddy awards, a special prize at the Berlin Film Festival for films about sexual minorities. Among other things, Jarman was an artist, writer, poet, designer, gardener, and an influential activist for gay rights. This biography is a detailed analysis of Jarman's life and work, providing the most complete picture of his personality. Michael Charlesworth turns not only to art history and film criticism, but also to Jarman's diary entries, and also talks to those to whom he was dear.