Philip Young

Life & Times of "Brother Juniper" Philip Young

For its author the real reason for this full to the brim autobiography stretches back through the decades to one specially remembered day in his young teenage years when he was persuaded to appear in a bible class presentation of a St Francis of Assisi play as Brother Juniper. And then to the ignominy in his own mind, at least, of having to kneel before his best friend who just happened to be cast as St Francis only to be told by him and to the enthralled audience: "God made a great fool when he made thee Brother Juniper!" In no way, of course, could that careless remark be described as insulting to all present at the performance. Maybe though to the character itself perhaps, but most certainly not to its portrayer who at that time merely happened to be a vulnerable, sensitive teenager. Immediately casting aside the experience for ever from his memory would perhaps have been the sensible course. Who knows what life will bring at that age anyway? Instead, it has constantly remained lurking at the back of his memory throughout a long working life full of twists and turns, sad times, good times, modest achievements and yes, three marriages as well for extra measure. Still asking himself though whether or not throughout it all he has unknowingly been a type-cast of Brother Juniper. Now, at 84, and with the autobiography published, he is waiting for the verdict of its readers. Clearly they will have much to assess about the author's many-sided life in doing so!