When The Going Was Good

by Graydon Carter
When The Going Was Good cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Biography and Memoir
Technical
  • ID: 3889
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-20
  • ISBN: 9780593655900
  • Publisher: Penguin Group
  • Published: 2025-03-25
  • Reviews: 3

Graydon Carter's memoir, When the Going Was Good, takes readers on a journey through the glamorous heyday of print magazines, particularly his transformative tenure at Vanity Fair. From his early days at Time and Spy to his pivotal role at Vanity Fair, Carter shares colorful anecdotes and intimate details about the magazine's evolution, his collaborations with iconic photographers like Annie Leibovitz, and the legendary Vanity Fair Oscar parties. /n/n This book is not just a personal memoir but a vivid portrayal of a bygone era in media, where print magazines were at the forefront of American culture. Carter's fearless and curious approach, combined with his love for history and glamour, made Vanity Fair a cultural epicenter, even as digital media began to rise.

Reviews
The New York Times · 2025-05-07
nostalgic 4.00

The book tells the story of an underdog who transforms into a successful and flamboyant figure in the media industry. It is a nostalgic look back at a bygone era of journalism.

The reviewer sees Carter's memoir as a compelling narrative of transformation and success. They highlight how Carter's journey from an underdog to a prominent figure in the media world is both inspiring and entertaining. The reviewer also notes that the book evokes a sense of nostalgia for the golden age of magazines, capturing the essence of a time when print media was at its peak. The reviewer appreciates the detailed and vivid descriptions of the era, making it a engaging read.

Quick quotes

    Graydon Carter's book 'When the Going Was Good' is the story of an underdog who morphs into a crisply dressed and flamboyantly maned overdog.

    A nostalgic look back at a bygone era of journalism.

    The book evokes a sense of nostalgia for the golden age of magazines.

The Guardian · 2025-04-04
joyous 4.50

The memoir is a joyous account of a swashbuckling media era, highlighting Carter's prowess as an editor and risk-taker. It captures the glamour and excitement of the time while acknowledging the underlying substance of his work.

The reviewer finds Carter's memoir to be a delightful read that brings to life the golden age of print magazines. They appreciate the way Carter's personal anecdotes and insights into the media world are woven together, making it feel like an extended magazine article. The reviewer also notes that behind the glamour and gossip, Carter's true talent as an editor and innovator shines through, making the book both entertaining and informative.

Quick quotes

    Behind all the nonsense and the glamour, it's easy to forget that Carter was a truly great editor, a natural risktaker and ideas guy, who ...

    A joyous account of a swashbuckling media era

    It captures the glamour and excitement of the time while acknowledging the underlying substance of his work.

The New Yorker · Nathan Heller · 2025-03-15
thrilling 4.50

The memoir is a wild ride through the golden age of magazines, filled with vivid anecdotes and insights. Heller finds it to be a well-written and entertaining account of Carter's adventures in the media world.

Nathan Heller praises Carter's memoir as a thrilling journey through the heyday of print magazines. Heller finds the book to be a well-crafted and engaging read, filled with colorful anecdotes and sharp insights into the media industry. They appreciate Carter's ability to capture the essence of the era, making it both informative and entertaining. Heller also notes that the memoir is a testament to Carter's talent as an editor and his significant contributions to the world of journalism.

Quick quotes

    Nathan Heller reviews the memoir by the editor of Vanity Fair, Spy, and Air Mail, 'When the Going Was Good: An Editor's Adventures During ...'

    A wild ride through the golden age of magazines.

    A well-written, present day memoir is basically a well written, extended magazine article.

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