When the Going Was Good cover art

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 - contributor
Narrated by: Graydon Carter
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About this listen

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 listeners 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. Charming, 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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All stars
Most relevant  
The tales were wonderful truly of a golden age. Has anyone considered making a film of the ongoing feud with Trump? Ryan Murphy or Will Ferrel would be my tips.

What’s not to love

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Loved every bit of this. Yes, he could have dished more dirt and stories on famous people, but there are enough anecdotes to keep it interesting, and a lot of humour. Was sorry when I finished it.

Great story and narration

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I loved all of it. So interesting and well told. Best part? He is as lovely as I always imagined!

His attention to detail and incredible grace and charm. Fascinating history lesson.

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The long lists of name dropping got somewhat tedious at times but loved the droll anecdotes and warmth of the story teller. It gelled with moments in my own life. Very entertaining with some gems of life advice.

Warmth

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Enjoyed every minute. Very nice voice made listening a pleasure. Many well known people featured adding to the interest.

Interesting life story of a very talented man.

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Listening to Graydon Carter narrate the book was a real bonus to a fabulous fast paced listen

Wonderful stories with context and colour

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this was a joyous, interesting & inspiring ride. lots of name dropping (though unavoidable i suppose). a lucky, talented man at the helm in the golden age. thoroughly enjoyed!

an epic telling of a career that no longer exists in its former glory

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I think if you’d worked in the industry for a similar amount of time as Grayson then this would be the memoir for you. It just wasn’t gossipy enough. It was safe and spent too long on his time before his magazine editorship.

Not as good as I hoped

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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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pompous self satisfied & dull
A journalism goes this is second division
Some bits about ny in 1980s interesting what largely superficial - the sort of social climbing country club member you want to avoid

dull

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