In 1979, Hugo Vickers's life took a dramatic turn when Cecil Beaton invited him to be his authorized biographer; only days later, Beaton died. But the journey had begun, and Vickers was entrusted with Beaton's papers, diaries and, most importantly, access to his friends. As Vickers recounts here, he unexpectedly became an insider as he met the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret, as well as Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Julie Andrews, Truman Capote, and Lady Diana Cooper. Sharing impressions from his diaries, Vickers creates a fascinating portrait of a now-disappeared world.