OLLI101108 - Conde Nast: The Man and His Empire

Course Description

Critically acclaimed biographer Susan Ronald will discuss her biography of Condé Nast, the publishing legend of Vogue and Vanity Fair and other illustrious publications. Condé Nast moved to New York in the early twentieth century with just the shirt on his back, and he soon became the highest paid executive in the United States, acquiring Vogue in 1909 and Vanity Fair in 1913. Alongside his editors, he built the first-ever international magazine empire, introducing European modern art, style, and fashions to an American audience.

Credited with creating the “café society,” Nast became a permanent fixture on the international fashion scene and a major figure in New York society. His superbly appointed apartment on Park Avenue became a gathering place for the major artistic figures of the time. Nast launched the careers of icons such as Cecil Beaton, Clare Boothe Luce, Lee Miller, Dorothy Parker and Noel Coward.

Born and raised in the United States, Ms. Ronald has lived in England for more than twenty-five years. She is the author of A Dangerous Woman, Hitler's Art Thief, Heretic Queen, The Pirate Queen, and Shakespeare’s Daughter.

Books will be available for purchase at this event.