‘A marvel of clarity, fluency, and (Morris’s favourite word in her final days) kindness.’ The Sunday Times

‘A measured and elegant biography that Morris aficionados will find fascinating.’ The Times

The first full account of a truly remarkable life. 

When Jan Morris passed away in 2020, she was considered one of Britain’s best-loved writers. The author of Venice, Pax Britannica, Conundrum, and more than fifty other books, her work was known for its observational genius, lyricism, and humour, and had earned her a passionate readership around the world. 

Morris’s life was no less fascinating than her oeuvre. Born in 1926, she spent her childhood amidst Oxford’s Gothic beauty and later participated in military service in Italy and the Middle East, before embarking on a career as an internationally fêted foreign correspondent. From being the only journalist to join the first ascent of Mount Everest in 1953 to covering the trial of Adolf Eichmann, Morris’s reportage spanned many of the twentieth century’s defining moments. 

However, public success masked a private dilemma that was only resolved when she transitioned genders in the 1960s, becoming renowned as a transgender pioneer. She went on to live happily with her wife, Elizabeth, in Wales for another five decades, and never stopped writing and publishing. 

Here, for the first time, the many strands of Morris’s rich and at times paradoxical life are brought together. Based on a wealth of interviews, archival material, and hitherto unpublished documents, Jan Morris: life from both sides portrays a person of extraordinary talent, curiosity, and joie de vivre. 

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‘Paul Clements, a journalist and travel writer who knew Morris for 30 years, has produced a lovely and scrupulous biography … a boon companion to Morris’s sprawling oeuvre.’

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‘A marvel of clarity, fluency, and (Morris’s favourite word in her final days) kindness.’

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‘Engaging … meticulously researched.’

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‘Lively and well-written … Clements deserves plaudits.’

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‘A measured and elegant biography that Morris aficionados will find fascinating.’

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‘A judicious, richly researched book.’

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‘A textured portrait brimming with details of Morris’s life and work.’

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‘Meticulously researched biography.’

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‘Fascinating.’

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‘Clements’ respectful approach does raise some fascinating questions.’

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‘A work worthy of its complex and much admired subject, and one that is unlikely to be surpassed … a painstakingly assembled portrait which brings her vividly to life.’

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‘Clements shows an insatiable appetite in immersing himself in Morris’ 70-year career … he has produced here an account which the author herself would unhesitatingly recommend. An amazing life captured as a fly in amber in this riveting study.’

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‘An important new biography.’

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‘Extremely readable.’

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‘A striking biography.’

"‘For anyone interested in world history, it makes for absorbing reading.’" - The Herald

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‘The book of the moment ... Remarkable.’

"‘A fascinating account.’" - The Gloss

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‘This is careful, sifted, footnote-heavy stuff, a chronological canter through a century of an utterly captivating and outrageously blessed life … Clements leaves no research stone unturned.’

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‘Humane, reliable, and rounded — a rich, multifaceted portrait of someone whose own daughter, Suki, concurred was “a really complicated person”.’

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‘A stunning and hefty biography … It’s a beautiful tribute … Clement’s book will inspire you to discover Jan Morris if you haven't already, and for people like me who know a little of her work, well, it made me want to read more.’

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‘This is a chaste, sparkling book.’

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‘Clements presents an intimate portrait of a writer of a writer of some of the world's most-read travel books.’

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‘Clements presents an engaging and loving tribute to a life well lived.’