Frank Doel
Frank Percy Doel | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Wallasey, Cheshire, England |
| Died | December 22, 1968 (aged 60) |
| Occupation | Antiquarian bookseller |
| Known for | Correspondence with Helene Hanff, 84 Charing Cross Road |
Frank Percy Doel (14 July 1908 – 22 December 1968) was a British antiquarian bookseller employed by Marks & Co in London. He gained posthumous recognition as the recipient of witty correspondence from American writer Helene Hanff. Their exchange, beginning with Doel's formal responses, led to the creation of the bestselling 1970 publication 84 Charing Cross Road, which was subsequently adapted into a 1981 theatrical production and a 1987 motion picture featuring Anthony Hopkins portraying Doel and Anne Bancroft as Hanff.
Early life
Originating from Wallasey, Cheshire, Doel relocated to Harringay, London at the age of eight. He was educated at Hornsey County Grammar School between 1919 and 1924 before commencing employment at Marks & Co, the antiquarian bookshop located at 84 Charing Cross Road, where he spent his entire professional life. Referred to as "young Frank," he acquired his expertise under the guidance of proprietors Ben Marks and Mark Cohen.
Family life
Doel entered into matrimony twice: initially with Mary Price in 1936, with whom he had a daughter named Sheila in 1939. Following Mary's passing in 1945, he married Nora Morrison in 1947; they welcomed a daughter named Mary in 1948.
War service
During the Second World War, Doel served as a Private within the Royal Army Ordnance Corps stationed in the Middle East. His responsibilities at Marks & Co were managed by his colleague John Watson throughout this interval.
Character
Renowned nationwide due to extensive business travels, Doel was highly esteemed. Mark Cohen described him as the shop’s "anchor man." A devoted fan of classical music and an enthusiastic supporter of Tottenham Hotspur F.C., Doel maintained a balanced approach between his career and personal passions.
Social life
Within the antiquarian book trade community, Doel played an active role as a Committee Member of the "Bibliomites," an association for employees of antiquarian booksellers. Together with Nora, he participated widely in social activities within this circle.
Significantly, they were acquainted with Soviet agents Peter and Helen Kroger, who disguised their espionage activities by running a rare bookshop near St Clement Danes church. This association is mentioned in Helene Hanff’s The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street, a follow-up to 84, Charing Cross Road. Nora recalled an occasion on New Year's Eve when Helen Kroger's distinctive appearance sparked humorous speculation about spying—speculation that was soon confirmed by reports of their arrest.
Later life
By the late 1960s, following Marks' death and Cohen's advancing years, Doel was effectively managing the business on his own. He passed away on 22 December 1968 from peritonitis caused by a ruptured appendix. Nearly all members of London's antiquarian book trade attended his funeral on New Year's Day 1969.
"It is with deep sorrow and regret we announce the death on 22nd December of MR. FRANK DOEL, who served us for over forty years. He will be greatly missed by us all and his many friends throughout the country. - Messrs. MARKS & CO., 84, Charing Cross Road, London, W.C.2."
Following news of his passing, Helene Hanff authored a brief autobiographical work that evolved into the classic 84, Charing Cross Road. This book was adapted into a stage play and also into a 1975 BBC Play for Today featuring Anne Jackson and Frank Finlay. The story was later brought to the screen in 1987 with Anthony Hopkins and Anne Bancroft starring in 84 Charing Cross Road.