This is the only biography of Maria Callas which the diva commissioned herself. Afraid of those whom she knew would exploit her legend after her death, she entrusted Nadia Stancioff to write a biography which would reflect her true history. The author tells of the eight years she spent with Callas beginning in 1969 during the filming of Pasolini's "Medea" for which she was doing the public relations. She pieces together remembered conversations, interviews with friends, fans and even enemies. She talks to Maria's sister Jackie, who had previously remained silent. She examines the background of the singer, her family, her struggle to the top professionally, and some of the more private aspects of the singer's life including the relationship with Aristotle Onassis, who reputedly broke the diva's heart. Nadia Stancioff is a writer and public relations consultant, currently living in New York.