Diana Athill, born in 1917, made her reputation as a writer with the candour of her memoirs; through her commitment, in her words, 'to understand, to be aware, to touch the truth'. This volume presents her memoirs, spanning her very English childhood, her life and loves during World War II, and her publishing career at Andre Deutsch.

Diana Athill made her reputation as a writer with the candour of her memoirs and freed from any inhibitions that even she may once have had, she reflects frankly on the losses and occasionally the gains that old age brings, and on the wisdom and fortitude required to face death.

Diana Athill's memoir of a life spent working with some of the charismatic characters who have dominated 20th-century literature. With inimitable wit and rare candour, she recounts tales from a long life in publishing, including reflections on editing writers such as Jean Rhys and Gitta Sereny.

On publication in January 2009 the paperback went staight into the top 10 bestsellers list. The book received numerous rave reviews and is now selling well in the USA.

In England half a century ago well-brought-up women were meant to aspire to the respectable life. Meg progresses from school to art college with few outward signs of passion or frustration. But when she gets a job and moves to London, Meg does something shocking, even by today's standards.

In this classic of modern memoir, Diana Athill dissects the terrible consequences of loss and her struggle to rebuild a personality destroyed by sadness.

Diana Athill met Hakim Jamal when she edited his book, From the Dead Level: Malcolm X and Me, published by Andre Deutsch. Against all odds, they became friends, sometimes lovers.

This is the story of how and why a talented writer came to kill himself. When Diana Athill met the man she calls Didi, an Egyptian in exile, she fell in love instantly. With painful honesty, Diana Athill explores the three years they spent together; a period that culminated in Didi's suicide.