SOME of Beaton's friends also appear in Robin Maugham's autobiography. Escape from the Shadows (McGraw-Hill; $8.95). The shadows that dimmed Maugham's sunlight for much of his life were his famous and difficult father, lord chancellor for a time, and his even more difficult and famous uncle, W. Somerset Maugham. His other trouble was being, like his uncle, homosexual. He discusses his private life, and his uncle's, with extreme frankness.

Some readers may feel a little embarrassed now and then, but chances are they will keep right on reading.