Audio tape of Phyllis Willmott's oral history interviews with Michael Young about his early life, 1915-29
Side 1: Michael Young's mother, Edith Young, an actress and teacher, and his father, Gibson Young, a violinist; doubts about whether his father was actually a Russian Communist refugee, who lodged with the family in Hale, Greater Manchester; the family's move to Melbourne, Australia, and their life there; his experience of parental neglect; his father's return to England; the possibility of adoption; his move to live at his grandparents' home in Melbourne, with weekly visits to his mother; his return to England with his mother to live in London; and the gradual breakdown of his parents' relationship. Duration: 35;06 minutes. Recorded on 10 November 2000.
Side 2: happier memories of childhood in Australia, swimming in the lagoon, a tram trip to the zoo, hiking in the hills, and his mother's literary circle of friends; living with his parents in one room in Chelsea in London on their return to England; elementary school near the Fulham Road and boarding preparatory schools in Bristol and in Cockfosters; and moving at the instigation of an aunt, who was involved in progressive education, to Dartington Hall School. Duration: 28:29 minutes. Recorded on 19 November 2000.
Side 2: happier memories of childhood in Australia, swimming in the lagoon, a tram trip to the zoo, hiking in the hills, and his mother's literary circle of friends; living with his parents in one room in Chelsea in London on their return to England; elementary school near the Fulham Road and boarding preparatory schools in Bristol and in Cockfosters; and moving at the instigation of an aunt, who was involved in progressive education, to Dartington Hall School. Duration: 28:29 minutes. Recorded on 19 November 2000.