Jan Morris by Sara Wheeler review

TL;DR

Jan Morris had two stipulations for her National Portrait Gallery painting: her cat Ibsen and one of her calves had to be included.
Morris was a historian of empire who became a Welsh nationalist and an author of over 50 books across various genres.
Born James Morris, she experienced the world as a man, gaining advantages in education and career before transitioning to Jan in the 1970s.
Her career highlight was scooping the world with the news of the 1953 Everest expedition's success.
Morris's memoir "Conundrum" detailed her transition, facing a mixed press response but finding reader support.
Her marriage to Elizabeth was complex, with Elizabeth raising five children largely alone while Morris was often autocratic and selfish.
Wheeler's biography is described as sensitive, beautifully written, and masterful, presenting Morris's life with complications and occasional judgments.
Morris is characterized as a brilliant writer who could be intensely private and difficult in personal relationships.

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