Scholar. Actor. Outdoorsman. Grandad. Born Jan. 20, 1945, in Stockport, England; died Dec. 11, 2019, in Toronto, of complications from treatment for lymphoma; aged 74
John Astington was a man of few words but these were invariably witty or profound, and often both, spiked with quotations from his heroes of English drama. His cats were named to honour these heroes: Pinter’s MacGregor; Monty Python’s Polly; and Shakespeare’s Hippolyta and Tybalt, soon known by the more catlike epithets, Pippy and Tibby.
John published three influential books and many papers on Shakespeare and his contemporaries. He enjoyed exploring obscure archives, challenging received opinion and gently mocking academic pretensions. He didn’t take himself too seriously either. He kept a pair of cross-country skis in the corner of his suburban office, poised for escape whenever a snowy, sunny afternoon presented itself. And though he was an internationally renowned scholar, research trips were also for fun and for family.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Russia says John Bolton’s account of INF treaty talks distortedIn his latest book Bolton wrote that Russian President Vladimir Putin had acknowledged the American position on the need to withdraw from the agreement
Read more »
Toronto Mayor John Tory says NHL has ‘incredibly detailed’ plan for hub citiesAlberta's Dr. Deena Hinshaw says her conversation with league officials on necessary health protocols went well, as Toronto and Edmonton expected to be named hub cities
Read more »
Toronto mayor John Tory: NHL has 'incredibly detailed' plan for hubs - Sportsnet.caIn the aftermath of reports that his city will join with Edmonton as hubs for the NHL's resumption of play, Toronto Mayor John Tory said he was impressed with the league's plans on Thursday.
Read more »
Carolina Hurricanes losing Rick Dudley, still in talks with TV's John Forslund - TSN.caCarolina Hurricanes president and general manager Don Waddell said Wednesday that executive Rick Dudley won’t return and the team is still in talks with longtime TV play-by-play announcer John Forslund on a new deal.
Read more »
Colby Cosh: Mike Judge prepares to update his favourite creation, 'Beavis and Butt-Head'Colby Cosh: Mike Judge prepares to update his favourite creation, \u0027Beavis and Butt\u002DHead\u0027
Read more »
English pubs are reopening, but they won't be the sameEnglish pub managers will have to be resourceful come Saturday when they and other parts of the hospitality industry open their doors to customers for the first time since March 20, provided they meet COVID-19 safety requirements.
Read more »