Although I enjoyed reading this book, I was also disappointed in that Cole avoided the issue of Coward's homosexuality. We get a fleeting cursory acknowledgement and that's it. While in some ways that is sensible and consistent with Coward's own approach, it seems that one of the duties of a biographer is to discuss aspects that the subject himself may have skirted.

Other than that, the book reads well; it's full of inside information and backstage glimpses of a very smart, sophisticated set. Coward managed to be acquainted with the highest ranks of entertainment as well as old aristocracy - royalty itself. It's worth reading but we must hope for a "real" biography from other sources. ( )