King's Counsellor Abdication and War: The Diaries of Sir Alan Lascelles [Paperback]

Sir Alan Lascelles (Author), Duff Hart-Davis (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2008

Tommy Lascelles's 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 World War II as seen from a key courtier—Lascelles is first assistant and soon private secretary to the King and Queen. In the post-war discussions, topics include Queen Mary's concern over the marriage of her grandson George Harewood (Lascelles' 2nd cousin) and Princess Margaret's relationship with the equerry, Peter Townsend. There is one additional element: Winston Churchill. Lascelles shows the Prime Minister and the King and how they worked together and how Churchill didn't always get his way. Lascelles was a fine writer and his diaries are a delight to read as well as being invaluable history.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This fascinating volume is as much a contribution to royal legend as to the history of the war." -- KENNETH ROSE DAILY TELEGRAPH "Most - though by no means all - of the facts we know already: it is the angle from which they are viewed and the humour and intelligence of the observer which make these diaries both brilliantly entertaining and historically priceless." -- PHILIP ZIEGLER THE SPECTATOR "Lascelles' diary - now expertly edited by Duff Hart-Davis - offers fascinating and hitherto unseen glimpses of some of the most significant figures of our age... however, none emerges more engagingly than the diarist himself." -- JOHN ADAMSON SUNDAY TELEGRAPH "a biography of Sir Alan Lascelles, crafty manipulator, and clandestine homosexual, would be a fascinating book." LITERARY REVIEW "sharply written diaries" -- PAUL JOHNSON THE SPECTATOR "an elegant and precise diary... a revealing glimpse into the drawing rooms of the great during the years of crisis and victory... Lascelles was an excellent judge of character and posterity has almost always proved him right." -- DOMINIC SANDBROOK EVENING STANDARD "offer genuine insights into the role of the King's adviser." THE INDEPENDENT "What he has written might upset many of the royal inner circle, but is undeniably riveting reading." THE RESIDENT "A great read, written with humour and elegance." BELFAST TELEGRAPH --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Duff Hart-Davis is a writer and journalist; his books include Fauna Britannica and Audubon's Elephant.

Product Details

• Paperback: 480 pages
• Publisher: Phoenix (January 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0753822253
• ISBN-13: 978-0753822258
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,505,413 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting view of WWII, September 30, 2008

By 

Katherine Leftwich - See all my reviews
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This review is from: King's Counsellor Abdication and War: The Diaries of Sir Alan Lascelles (Paperback)

This was a very good book, and Sir Lascelles's viewpoint of WWII (from 1942-1945) was incredible interesting; I really enjoyed the insights about how the invasion of Normandy was planned.

The only disappointment I had with this book is the fact he did not write much about the Abdication and none at all about their Majesties trip to U.S. or the begining of WWII.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Courtier, July 31, 2009

By 

Christian Schlect (Yakima, Washington/USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: King's Counsellor Abdication and War: The Diaries of Sir Alan Lascelles (Hardcover)

The diaries of a man superior to those he served. Alan Lascelles was the perfect right hand man for King George VI: intelligent, loyal, tactful, and discreet. One should not expect a tell-all-expose from such a servant. However, I did come away thinking Sir Alan privately respected the idea of the British monarchy more than he did the specific flawed humans that he served in that same monarchy.

From this book, a reader acquires a better understanding of the occupation of British royals during time leading up to war and war itself, from important matters (civilian morale building and political issues of empire) to the more often petty work, such as kingly honors to be bestowed (or withheld) and what to do with the dismal Duke of Windsor.

Those interested in Winston Churchill, the early career of the present Queen Elizabeth II, and/or the atmosphere in London during World War II would have a special interest in reading this literate and quietly entertaining book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Too discreet?, December 19, 2007

By 

HopewellMom "HopewellMom" (Red State) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: King's Counsellor Abdication and War: The Diaries of Sir Alan Lascelles (Paperback)

Tommy Lascelles saw it all, but was raised in the grand tradition of the English Gentleman so censored himself way to often in writing his diary. So much has, therefore, been lost. Still, I highly recommend it for the "feel" it gives to a now gone era.