The Unexpurgated Beaton. . - Reviews - book review

Contemporary Review, April, 2003

The Unexpurgated Beaton. Hugo Vickers, editor. Weidenfeld & Nicolson. [pounds sterling]25.00. 418 pages. ISBN 0-297-64599-4. One of the curious features of the twentieth century was the respect, verging on reverence, paid to photographers, especially 'society photographers'. Cecil Beaton was the most celebrated of this breed.

He was also known for his diary which recorded the doings and the half-witty sayings of the people whom he photographed and among whom he moved. This is the final selection edited by his biographer. Those who have read and enjoyed Beaton's previously published six volumes of diaries will enjoy this final one which chronicles his increasing ill health and declining popularity. There are amusing moments, such as the account of a tour of Italy, and the occasional memorable portrait such as that of a visit to his old friends, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, at the end of their vacuous lives. The editor provides amusing footnotes but some of his barbs will be lost on those who do not share h is views. (E.W.)