Dimensions
152 x 233 x 37mm
Tommy Lascelles' diaries begin with Edward VIII's abdication and end with George VI's death and his daughter Elizabeth's coronation. In between we see George VI at work and play, a portrait more intimate than any other previously published. The early part about Edward VIII is a damning profile: the bulk of the book is WWII as seen from a key courtier - Lascelles is first assistant and soon Private Secretary to the King and Queen. The last part, enititled Royal Crises, is post-war. Here is Queen Mary's concern over the marriage of her grandson George Harewood (Lascelles' second cousin) and Princess Margaret's relationship with the equerry, Peter Townsend. There is one additional element: Winston Churchill. Lascelles shows the PM and the King and how they worked together. Nor did Churchill always get his own way. Lascelles was a fine writer - like most of the best diaries, his are a delight to read as well as being invaluable history.
