On June 30, 1973 Nancy Mitford, author and socialite, passed away at the age of 68. Born in London on September 28, 1904, the eldest of six children, she grew up to become one of the most beloved and entertaining figures in post-war Britain. An author of twelve books, her first novel, Highland Fling, was published in 1931. Her best known works include the semi-autobiographical novels The Pursuit of Love (1945) and Love in a Cold Climate (1949), as well as the tongue-in-cheek essay The English Aristocracy (1955). She later wrote biographies on Voltaire, Madame de Pompadour, and Frederick the Great, and collaborative works of history such as The Sun King and Cardoaden or Versailles. Her popularity was not only limited to her native England, however. Nancy Mitford was also widely known internationally, particularly in America, where her novels were popular and her automobiles were featured in the classic films The Ipcress File (1965) and The Thomas Crown Affair (1968). Nancy Mitford was not just an author, but also a witty and sophisticated socialite. She was an enthusiastic traveler who maintained relationships and friendships with many of the celebrities of the day, including Evelyn Waugh, George Orwell, and Osbert Lancaster. In later years, Nancy suffered from ill health and was criticized by the public for her outspoken political views. Nancy Mitford's legacy endures in her works, which remain beloved worldwide.