FROM THE PUBLISHER

Here are some of the most famous images of Diana ever published ... and here also are hundreds of never-before-seen candids, outtakes, and portraits, the definitive photographic document of Diana's life - as fiancee, wife, and then ex-wife of the Prince of Wales; as mother to Princes William and Harry; as philanthropist, as ambassador, as fashion muse. But more than a simple collection of images, Diana: Portrait of a Princess is a personal and deeply felt memoir with behind-the-scenes insight into the moods and complex personality of Diana. This narrative, a collaborative effort with royal writer Judy Wade, incorporates detailed impressions and experiences gathered in photographing the Princess. Featuring more than 500 pictures - three-quarters of them never before seen - and including dozens of revealing anecdotes, Diana: Portrait of a Princess is an exquisite tribute to a woman who carried the hearts of the world in the palm of her hand.

SYNOPSIS

Diana. Just one year after her horrific death, the world still mourns her loss, and she stands as one of this century's most compelling and revered women. Diana: Portrait of a Princess by royal photographer Jayne Fincher, with text by Judy Wade, is an extraordinary collection of more than 500 photographs -- 75 percent never before published -- that celebrates the life of Diana, Princess of Wales.

One might ask, Why another book of photos? The answer is simple. Most of these photos have never been seen before, and the collection creates an unprecedented visual record of Diana's transformation from an awkward teenager to an elegant and sophisticated woman. Jayne Fincher, the only female royal photographer working with the explicit approval and full cooperation of Buckingham Palace, was granted full access to Lady Diana and the royal family for 18 years. Thus she created one of the largest (with more than 30,000 images) and most dramatic sets of Diana photos extant, truly the most striking images of the Princess.

From shy Di to the last heartbreaking month of her marriage and finally, to the world-telecast funeral, Fincher was there. Here is Diana, the fiancée, wife, and then ex-wife of the Prince of Wales; Diana as mother to Princes William and Harry; and Diana, philanthropist, ambassador, and fashion muse.

But more than a simple collection of images, Diana: Portrait of a Princess is a personal, heartfelt, behind-the-scenes memoir offering insight into the moods and complex personality of Diana. The more than 500 snapshots and dozens of revealing anecdotes celebrate the life of a woman who carried the hearts of the world in her palm.

FROM THE CRITICS

People

[Fincher's] . . .picture book is a cut above most.

Dorothy Rompalske

...more than 500 pictures in this coffee-table book attest....this volume presents the many facets of the Princes of Wales' personality and caputures the complexity that's at the core of her phenomenal worldwide appeal. --Biography

Kirkus Reviews

A collection of several hundred color photographs of 'the people's princess', taken by the only female photographer granted access to Diana by Buckingham Palace. Ranging from Diana's emergence on the scene in 1980 up to the extraordinary events surrounding her funeral, Fincher's workmanlike photographs serve to remind the viewer both how exhausting Diana's public schedule was and how uniquely photogenic she was.

Ranging from diplomatic receptions to balls to sporting events, the chronologically arranged photos also chart Diana's emergence as a confident public figure, as well as the deterioration of her marriage (there are some memorable shots of an acutely embarrassed couple at public events, clearly anxious to be away from each other). The most memorable shots are of Diana and her sons; her love for them is almost palpable. Judy Wade, a journalist, sets down Fincher's carefully diplomatic recollections of Diana and Charles. Those who were fans of the princess and pictorial icon will find this a vivid review. Others may be moved to a contemplation of the peculiar modern fixation with celebrity.