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The definitive biography of Maggie Smith, grande dame of stage and screen, and a national treasure; named best memoir at the Woman & Home Readers´ Choice Awards and Book of the Week on BBC Radio 4.

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´Coveney is the only writer who could get under Smith´s skin, capturing her steeliness and vulnerability´ INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAYFrom her days as a star of West End comedy and revue, Dame Maggie´s path has led to international renown and numerous accolades including two Academy Awards. Recently she has been as prominent on our screens as ever, with high-profile roles as the formidable Dowager Countess of Grantham in DOWNTON ABBEY, as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the HARRY POTTER movie franchise and as the eccentric Miss Shepherd in the film version of THE LADY IN THE VAN by Alan Bennett.

Paradoxically she remains an enigmatic figure, rarely appearing in public and carefully guarding her considerable talent. Drawing on personal archives, interviews and encounters with the actress, as well as conversations with immediate family and dear friends, Michael Coveney´s biography is a captivating portrait of the real Maggie Smith.

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From early days in the theatre to Miss Jean Brodie and Downton´s formidable Dowager, Maggie Smith has endeared herself to millions. This engaging and fascinating biography reveals the life and career of one of our finest actresses WOMAN & HOME 20150901

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Coveney, Michael
Michael Coveney is one of the country´s most respected writers on theatre. Formerly staff critic for the FINANCIAL TIMES, the OBSERVER and the DAILY MAIL, he has since 2006 been associated with the leading West End website WhatsOnStage.com. He has unprecedented access to Dame Maggie Smith´s personal archives and curated the recent BFI season of her film and television work. His previous books include THE CITZ, THE AISLE IS FULL OF NOISES, THE ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER STORY, THE WORLD ACCORDING TO MIKE LEIGH, KNIGHT ERRANT: MEMOIRS OF A VAGABOND ACTOR (with Robert Stephens) and KEN CAMPBELL: THE GREAT CAPER. He lives in Hampstead, north London.

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