When Sir John Gielgud died in May 2000 he was honoured as the giant of twentieth century theatre. Making his first appearance at the Old Vic in London in 1921, he would dominate his profession through eight decades, first as a classical actor, later in plays by Harold Pinter and Alan Bennett, then emerging late in his career as a Hollywood star, winning his first Oscar at the age of 78. This book is a celebration of the life and work of a unique actor, film star, director and raconteur. The author draws on his own conversations with Gielgud over 30 years (written with Gielgud's blessing), plus previously unpublished contributions from a host of friends and colleagues.