Diana: The Portrait [Hardcover]

Rosalind Coward (Author), Nelson Mandela (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 30, 2004

The tragic death of Diana, Princess of Wales, shook the world. No one who lived through those days in the late summer of 1997 will ever forget the unprecedented outpourings of grief, shock, and anger that followed. And in the days leading up to her funeral, it seemed as if the whole of humanity had spontaneously united to mourn her loss. But who was this young woman who had come to symbolize so much to so many? How was it that she could reach out to touch lives not only of whole communities but individuals, too? What lay behind her inspiration - and what will be the lasting impact of her legacy? No book yet written about Diana has come close to the person so many people speak of as having been a beacon of light in their lives. Here, for the first time, is the Diana that many of those closest to her knew. Written with the full cooperation of the late princess's estate, Diana: The Portrait tells Diana's story through her own words and the words of people, both famous, and, until now, unknown. Beautifully designed, it is lavishly illustrated with nearly 500 images of Diana, including many pictures never previously published, taken from sources including the Spencer family archive, the Althorp Museum, the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund archive, and the private collections of the friends, charities, and individuals whose lives she touched. Drawing on over 200 original interviews, including those of family members and friends, many of whom have never spoken before, this remarkable book will stand as a unique and lasting testament to the life and work of one of the extraordinary and enduring icons of the 20th century.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The tributes to the life and career of Lady Diana continue with this lavish production, authorized by her estate and Memorial Fund. Coming as it does with that seal of approval, it should be no surprise to readers that this large, glossy book is tasteful and keenly decorous. It’s also rich with photos from just about every one of Diana’s 36 years. Many images and testimonies will be familiar to her fans but some——particularly the ones depicting her early years dancing and swimming, attending boarding school and working at her first job—have never been published. Unfortunately, Coward doesn’t pair the pictures with captions, so if one isn’t familiar with every detail of Princess Diana’s history, it can be frustrating to try to decipher what the images show. The text relies primarily on interviews with those who knew (or even briefly encountered) the princess, from photographers to lawyers, fashion designers to fellow aid workers. Predictably, they all speak reverentially of her, but the extensive quotations set the book apart from many Diana biographies and show just how far her influence extended ("All the landmine stuff was jolly brave," says Sandy Gall of Afghanistan Appeal; "She made me more nervous than many military opponents," reflects Colin Powell, who led her to the dance floor at a charity gala for cancer). Coward is careful to show numerous facets of her subject, though the theme of Diana’s extensive humanitarian work dominates, while difficulties in her personal life are downplayed. If at times overly worshipful, the book is nonetheless a lovely compilation and a fitting continuation of Diana’s legacy, as the book’s net royalties will be donated to projects supported by her Memorial Fund.
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About the Author

Rosalind Coward is the author of numerous books, including Sacred Cows, Female Desire, The Whole Truth, and Our Treacherous Hearts. A freelance writer, she pens a popular weekly column for the UK's daily newspaper The Guardian. PQ Publishers Ltd. is a privately owned publisher and licensing company based in New Zealand. PQ is dedicated to the development of large-scale illustrated obok projects and associated brands.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 368 pages
• Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing; American ed edition (August 30, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0740747134
• ISBN-13: 978-0740747137
• Product Dimensions: 13.7 x 10.2 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,112,852 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #81 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
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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
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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!