Utterly fascinating insight!

I didn't want this book to end!! I adored the insight into his "bright young things" period! Oh, to be part of those endless parties and country sports weekends! I could have happily listened to an entire book focussing on that period. A very fair book. I can't say I like Cecil, but he is certainly interesting if a tad irritating at times. This book has left me with a desire to read more about his friendship group in the 1930s and I'm frustrated about how few books I can find on this subject. In particular, the Stephen Tennant Biography - Serious Pleasures by Philip Hoare, isn't available on Audiobooks and cannot be purchased for under £85. Very disappointing!! A stylish yet vacuous man with an acid tongue and an interesting address book!!

2 people found this helpful

Superb

Superb biography. What a life. Beaton has long been a fascinating figure for me and this unabridged biography does not disappoint. The definitive Cecil Beaton book.

1 person found this helpful

Never a dull moment

Brilliant narration, brilliant writing, compelling journey through the life of a genius. Wonderfully witty.

1 person found this helpful

Disappointingly flat narration

I’d expected a more rounded insight into one of the most colourful and interesting figures of the 20th century and the people around him, but found the narration too flat and detached from the subject. While Beaton’s character was explored to a degree, it felt that a lot was missing and his interactions with others were difficult to understand in context as the story seemed to consist of a series of events that affected Beaton without much involving anyone else.

Ultimately a dissatisfying read and I really had to persevere to finish it.