Graydon Carter's Memoir Unveils the Glitzy Secrets of Vanity Fair's Golden Era

In his upcoming memoir 'When the Going Was Good: An Editor's Adventures During the Last Golden Age of Magazines,' former Vanity Fair editor Graydon Carter pulls back the curtain on his storied career at the helm of the iconic magazine. Highlighting the pivotal moments of his tenure, Carter reflects on the media landscape's transformation and how he maintained Vanity Fair's cultural relevance. Among the memorable tales is the meticulous effort behind the 2015 exclusive reveal of Caitlyn Jenner's transition, which involved an intricate plan to keep the scoop under wraps. Carter also reminisces about launching Vanity Fair's famous Oscars party, a milestone event that saw Hollywood's brightest stars under one roof while cleverly managing its guest list to ensure A-listers remained at the forefront. During his 25 years as editor, Carter witnessed and contributed to extensive shifts within the magazine industry, a testament both to his editorial prowess and his reflection on the era he describes as the 'last golden age of magazines.' The memoir highlights Carter's strategic foresight in diversifying the content platform, a decision encapsulated by releasing the Caitlyn Jenner cover online first—a pioneering move that capitalized on digital engagement. Carter also weighs in on various controversies and personalities that colored his time at Vanity Fair, including banning Harvey Weinstein from the Oscars party due to his behavior, and recounts his humorous yet insightful interactions with figures like Meghan Markle and Princess Diana, offering unique perspectives on modern royalty and celebrity culture. Through anecdotes that span the life inside Vanity Fair's halls and the glitzy events it hosted, Carter paints a vivid picture of the magazine world's glamour juxtaposed with its intricate socio-political dynamics—the latter subtly hinted through Carter's casually candid remarks about contemporary figures. The memoir stands not only as a personal reflection but as an overarching narrative on the evolution of an entire cultural epoch. With 'When the Going Was Good,' readers gain an intimate look at the decisions, both public and private, that shaped one of the most influential publications of the 20th century, revealing how Carter's calm confidence and exquisite timing catalyzed Vanity Fair's enduring allure.