Cecil Beaton, The Authorized Biography

the long version

Hugo Vickers became Cecil Beaton's authorised biographer at Beaton's own request, and was given access to voluminous unpublished material. Yet because Beaton died two days after commissioning his new biographer, Vickers was subject to none of the usual restrictions. His book was an instant number one best-seller and soon became indispensable to anyone interested in the artistic and social world of the twentieth century. Hugo Vickers explores the contradictions of a man addicted to fame, yet riddled with self-doubt, and capable of musing: 'It is not the most interesting life, to be always happy.' First published in 1985. This is the seventh edition.