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When The Going Was Good

An Editor's Adventures During the Last Golden Age of Magazines

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When The Going Was Good

By: Graydon Carter, James Fox
Narrated by: Graydon Carter
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Summary
 When the Going Was Good is Graydon Carter's lively recounting of how he made his mark as one of society's most talented editors and shapers of culture. Carter arrived in New York from Canada with little more than a suitcase, a failed literary magazine in his past and a keen sense of ambition. He landed a job at Time, went on to work at Life, cofounded Spy magazine and edited The New York Observer before catching the eye of Condé Nast chairman Si Newhouse, who tapped him to run Vanity Fair.

With his inimitable voice and raconteur's quip, Carter brings readers inside the drawing rooms of the great and not-always-good of America, Britain and Europe. He assembled one of the best-ever stables of writers and photographers under one roof, and here he recreates in real time the steps he took to ensure that Vanity Fair during his 25-year run cemented its place as the epicentre of art, culture, business and politics. C harming, candid and brimming with humour, When the Going Was Good perfectly captures the last golden age of print magazines from the inside out.©2025 Graydon Carter (P)2025 W.F. Howes Ltd. Art & Literature Journalists, Editors & Publishers Social Sciences
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Read beautifully by the author who has a deep Canadian drawl, this is a thoroughly entertaining and revealing book. Some fantastic insights into the New York publishing world and the fascinating, clever people who inhabit it. Thoroughly recommend.

Candid and illuminating

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Loved this; As gossipy and interesting as i thought it would be. His voice is lovelyband easy tomlisten to

Great narration

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Quite possibly the most beautifully written and edited bio I’ve ever read. Graydon’s narration is flawless, naturally, and the shape and flow of the texts is very engaging; moving back and forth in time and linking references, events and people in a naturalistic style. I learned a lot too.

Fascinating, funny and beautifully written

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Fantastic storytelling, really enjoyed the insights into the running of the magazines as well as the wonderful anecdotes

Excellent

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I re-listened to many chapters because I enjoyed them so much.

A fantastic memoir, Graydon is self deprecating, funny, kind and loves life.

An inspiring listen.

Wonderful

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