Right Places, Right Times: Forty Years in Journalism, Not Counting My Paper Route

Written by the former editorial director of Time Inc. (1959-1979), this entertaining account of his early years and his distinguished career in the journalistic empire built by Henry Luce is an expression of delight and gratitude for his ``richly privileged job.'' Donovan is self-effacing and generous in spirit, full of praise of editors, writers and photographers who worked for him. Although devoid of gossip or revelations about Luce, the memoir is rich in details of Donovan's management of Time Inc. There's a chapter on Time magazine's controversial support of the Vietnam war (Donovan argues that the nation was not morally soiled by the war experience). The most disappointing moment in his career: the day he had to announce the end of Life magazine. The memoir is an extended account of how Donovan ``relished the nonstop effort'' to make Time Inc.'s ``successful magazines still more successful.'' Photos. First serial to Fortune. (Oct.)