In an attempt to write an honest, rounded account of this much-loved man, Jonathan Croall has conducted in-depth interviews with more than 100 of his contemporaries, including John Mills, Peter Ustinov, Sarah Miles, Dirk Bogarde, Michale Pennington, Edward Albee and Peter Brook. The book recounts his childhood as a member of one of Britain's great theatrical dynasties - the Terry family - his rise to fame, and his triumphant Shakespeare performances at the Old Vic. It also explores Gielgud's work with contemporary playwrights such as Harold Pinter, his Oscar-winning movie roles, as well as the influence he had on actors such as Alec Guiness and Michael Redgrave.