December 1999 marks the 100th anniversary of Noel Coward's birth; this book tells the story of his life in his own words - and Noel Coward used words in a way that rivalled Oscar Wilde. The witticisms and truthful insights cascaded from him throughout his life - in his plays, musicals, and in his own diaries and speeches. Barry Day, with the full co-operation of the Noel Coward estate, has gathered together highlights of Coward's wit and wisdom, and linked them together to tell the story of his life. Chapters include his early days ("Why Must the Show Go On?"), his love of England ("Mad Dogs and Englishmen"), and his last, celebrated years ("The Party's Over Now"). The book is illustrated with cartoons and caricatures of Coward.