My book review of 'The lives of Lee Miller' by Antony Penrose
This was first published in 1985, I think, but reissued with the film tie-in cover. (Much as I like Kate Winslet and think she did a great job in her screen portrayal, I would have preferred the original cover showing Lee Miller.)
This is a fantastic book written by Lee's son Antony Penrose and shares everything there is to know about this extraordinary woman.
Lee Miller was a fashion model, photographer, war correspondent, writer, haute cuisine cook, traveller. She socialised with, and learnt from, people such as Man Ray and Pablo Picasso.
Her 'spread of interests amounted to much more than the desultory pecking of a dilettante,' says Penrose. 'Whatever she became involved in, her commitment was total and the consequence to herself and others was of only minor consideration.'
She wasn't an easy person to know and her life experiences undoubtedly affected her own wellbeing, but her legacy is immense and the devotion by which her family has maintained her archive of material is incredible.
This is a moving and inspiring story of a phenomenal life in a beautifully packaged paperback. It boasts 116 illustrations - stunning black and white photographs of Lee herself, and images she took of the people and places that affected her.