Book excerpt: 'A highly readable work ... Niven emerges as gallant and gracious.' Chicago Tribune Sheridan Morley wrote this biography of the consummate on-screen English gentleman after speaking to over 150 of Niven's friends and colleagues (only Rex Harrison refused). The result is a picture which both supports and contradicts the charming vagabond persona depicted in Niven's own bestselling memoirs. While millions throughout his life were enchanted by Niven's happy-go-lucky charisma and world-class anecdotage, he was in many respects a private figure, haunted by a fear of failure, and a victim of several key tragedies in his personal life. Morley's biography is a warm, appreciative but perceptive account which captures both sides of one of Hollywood's most enduringly lovable figures. 'a compassionate account that goes past the blithe persona ... yet, there is much humor--the actor's and his biographer's--in this notable book' Publishers Weekly 'Head and shoulders above the average showbiz biography ... He understands many of Niven's deeper feelings' John Mortimer, Sunday Times 'A well-told story ... the darker side as well as the mask of a complex and perhaps desperate character. He was a life-enhancer off-screen as well as on' The Times 'Shrewd and pleasing; shows how dark Niven's moon could be' Alexander Walker, Evening Standard