Diana: The Portrait: Anniversary Edition [Deluxe Edition] [Paperback]

Rosalind Coward (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2007

As the only book to be fully endorsed by the late Princess's estate and the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund, this Anniversary Edition by journalist Rosalind Coward stands as a unique and lasting testament to the life and work of one of the most extraordinary and enduring icons of the 20th century.

Drawing on more than 200 original interviews with friends, family members, and international luminaries, the book features a foreword by Nelson Mandela and an introduction by Diana's sister Lady Sarah McCorquodale. More than 400 photographs illustrate this lavish volume--many of them published only within the context of this work.

Structured around the final lines of Earl Spencer's eulogy, the book offers perspective on Diana, the unique, the complex, the extraordinary, and the irreplaceable--whom many remember as a passionate advocate for those marginalized by society.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Coward's lavish book, updated for the 10 year anniversary of Princess Diana's death, is a rich but frustrating biography featuring iconic and candid photographs of the People's Princess from throughout her life. Those who've read the recently-released biography by Tina Brown, The Diana Chronicles, will find Coward's Diana a much more sympathetic figure, generally characterized as likable and humane in numerous interviews with friends, family and others who witnessed the power of her care and attention. Focusing largely on her good works, the book gets a new foreword by Nelson Mandela, who notes that "we can all insist, as she did, that nobody deserves to suffer from stigma and prejudice on top of their illness and disability." Unfortunately, the book's design is unwieldy, alternating between pages crammed with tiny, single-spaced text and stretches of largely uncaptioned photographs. Coward's thorough research is commendable, but a stronger edit might have cut less relevant interviewees (like Diana's father's neurosurgeon) in favor of a more detailed look at Diana's long love-hate relationship with the press. Still, the photos collected here, particularly the later portraits that open and close the book, highlight what the young Princess of Wales brought to so many: beauty, warmth and compassion.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

About the Author

Ros Coward is a journalist for the Guardian and has written books including Female Desire and The Whole Truth: Myths and Meaning of Alternative Medecine. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 248 pages
• Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing; Anv edition (July 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0740767925
• ISBN-13: 978-0740767920
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 1 x 12.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,198,098 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #94 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Leaders & Notable People > Royalty > Princess Diana

More About the Author

Mandela: The Authorized Portrait was created by a team of award-winning writers, photographers, and researchers in collaboration with Mandela's closest living comrades from Robben Island, Mac Maharaj and Ahmed Kathrada. Among the narrative contributors are biographer Mike Nichol and three interviewers personally selected by Nelson Mandela: Ros Coward, Professor Tim Couzens, and Amina Frense.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful portrait, August 14, 2005

By 

Carolyn Rampone "Carolyn D'Amico Rampone" (Plantation, FL USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Diana: The Portrait (Hardcover)

"Diana, the Portrait" is a beautiful compilation of pictures, stories, and events in Diana's life. Just like a portrait, it shows the princess at her best. This is not an expose and I'm glad it wasn't. The most poignant sections of the book are the parts dealing with Diana's tragic death. There are copies of Elton John's handwritten lyrics for "Good-bye England's Rose" as well as many of Diana's own letters. I received this as a gift, right after seeing the Diana exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art in Fort Lauderdale. Many aspects of the exhibits are included in the "Portrait" and I think will be enjoyed by any fan of Diana's. It is a very flattering portrayal, as it should be.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The REAL Incredible DIANA. Her Extraordinary Work Lives On, September 20, 2004

By 

Barbara Rose (BornToInspire.com) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Diana: The Portrait (Hardcover)

This is one FANTASTIC and important book that portrays the undeniable heart, soul and courage of Diana, Princess of Wales, who cared so much about people, and sought to make so many positive changes in our world. Diana is still a living example of taking what you've got in life, and turning it around to make lasting and positive change for others. The book is extraordinary! It is a HUGE, beautiful coffee table size book that captures the true Diana. Rosalind Coward did one outstanding job. This book is an inspiration, and brings the truth about Diana to light. She is still a beacon in the dark, and her causes, thanks to this book, will continue to help others, just as Diana would have wanted them to. A MUST Buy and Read!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Beautiful Portrait, September 10, 2004

By 

L. Gray "Royal Watcher" (Indiana) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Diana: The Portrait (Hardcover)

Finally a book that doesn't attempt to portray the Princess as some sort of demon. What is emphasized again and again is that this was a very young woman, with no royal experience who accepted a new role with grace and humor. Her ability to connect with people is demonstrated over and over. The book is beautifully done with simply beautiful photos!