For almost 50 years (until his death in 1963) Jean Cocteau held a unique place in French cultural life. The breadth of his artistic success bears witness to the variety of his talents. In these fields - theatre, cinema, art, ballet and literature - Cocteau made many life-long friends. Portraits of these friends and intimates make up this volume.

Until his death in 1963. Jean Cocteau held a unique place in French culture. To commemorate his friends and contemporaries. Cocteau wrote intimate portraits of celebrities from the fields of his many talents - theatre, cinema, art, ballet, and literature. Gathered in this collection, his descriptions illustrate everything that is accessible, sympathetic, memorable, durable, all-pervading, or dazzling about them. Ranging from moving and atmospheric to hilarious, it is in these portraits that the essence of Cocteau's own work can be found.