Coronet acquires ‘definitive history’ of Condé Nast magazines
Coronet has acquired Empire of the Elite, the “definitive history” of Condé Nast magazines – which include Vanity Fair, Vogue, the New Yorker and GQ – by New York Times media correspondent Michael M Grynbaum.
Harriet Poland bought UK and Commonwealth rights from Rachel Clements at Abner Stein, with Veronique Norton publishing the book on 15th July 2025. This is Grynbaum’s first book.
The publisher said: "With fresh, behind-the-scenes reporting on a sprawling cast of boldface names, Empire of the Elite comprises new interviews with Tina Brown and Graydon Carter, an inside look at the world-famous Vanity Fair Oscar Party, Anna Wintour’s Met Gala, the ways in which Fleet Street editors changed the global media landscape and how Donald Trump’s little-known affiliation with the magazines’ top movers and shakers propelled his fame and influence, and its political consequences."
Grynbaum said: "Empire of the Elite draws on my fascination with the golden age of glossy magazines and the towering egos and personalities that ran Condé Nast over many decades, and my lifelong love of New York City and its status-crazed social scene and creative ferment. I am so pleased that Coronet will be bringing my book to UK readers this summer."
Norton added: "Empire of the Elite is utterly compelling. I’ve long been fascinated by the inner workings and influence of this media empire and Michael M Grynbaum brings the history, power, politics and fashion of its heyday to life with fervour. This is a definitive journalistic account that reads like fiction – appealing to fans of The Devil Wears Prada and Feud."
