Promotional Information

Only biography to have complete access to Dirk Bogarde's surviving private papers, letters and journals Major discoveries about his life and work BBC documentary (Arena) to coincide with publication National newspaper serial

About the Author

John Coldstream was on the staff of the Daily Telegraph for 25 years, starting on the 'Peterborough' column, then as deputy literary editor, before becoming Literary Editor in 1991.

Reviews

Biographies only tend to be definitive until the next one comes along, but there's no danger of Coldstream's erudite, moving analysis ever being superseded. - THE INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY - Christopher FowlerThis stupendous biography. Its masterful justification of his many sides make it possible for us still to learn from him in death. - THE DAILY TELEGRAPH - John De Falbethis extremely interesting life of a determined stage actor, reluctant film star, gay icon and wicked charmer has been beautifully documented, with fairness, enthusiasm and quite exceptional diligence. - THE GUARDIAN - Michael Coveneya monumental piece of work.....fascinating throughout its more than 600 extremely well-written pages. - THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH - Charles OsborneI have seldom read a biopgraphy as intelligent, urbane and judicious as this.... Definitive and magnificent. - SUNDAY EXPRESS - Roger Lewisthis meticulous biography. - THE NEW STATESMAN - Christie HickmanColdstream is the most generous of biographers... Coldstream's biography will tell you all you want to know...... about this very interesting actor and very tricky human being. - THE MAIL ON SUNDAY - Craig Browna scrupulous and sober portrait of a deeply troubled man. - THE INDEPENDENT - Michael Arditti