Serious Pleasures: The Life of Stephen Tennant [Hardcover]

Philip Hoare (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1990

The illustrated biography of 20s and 30s socialite, contemporary of the Mitfords, model for Cecil Beaton and friend of Sassoon, Stephen Tennant.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

As the subject of his first book, British journalist Hoare chooses a glamorous figure from England's past. The Hon. Stephen Tennant, artist/writer, accomplished little professionally during his life (1906-1987) but his beauty and wit dominated his circle of productive companions: Cecil Beaton, E. M. Forster, the Sitwells, the Bloomsbury group, etc. Admirers from abroad as well (Greta Gardo, the young Truman Capote) visited Wilsford Manor, Tennant's country estate in Wiltshire; Willa Cather, despite her initial impressions of the flashy youth, became a loyal friend. A cold side of Tennant, however, is revealed in his cruel break with his lover, poet Siegfried Sassoon, who never recovered from the rejection. Hoare's extensive research is backed by excerpts from the subject's correspondence, interviews with survivors of the glittering age and striking photos, all heightening interest in a definitive Peter Pan.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Blessed with literary and artistic talents, friend to E.M. Forster, Virginia Woolf, and other prominent writers of his time, Tennant never acquired the self-discipline to achieve substantial success. Journalist Hoare suggests that this wealthy, flamboyantly effeminate British aristocrat may actually have been too insecure to risk failure. He was also self-destructive, as the account here of his stormy afair with Siegfried Sassoon demonstrates. Of equal interest are the author's discussions of Tennant's social milieu and the many artists and writers he knew. Extensive use of diaries, letters, and interviews gives this well-written, often moving account an undoubted authenticity. Highly recommended for college and public libraries.
- Judy Mimken, Cardinal Stritch Coll . , Milwaukee
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 463 pages
• Publisher: Hamish Hamilton; 1ST edition (December 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0241124166
• ISBN-13: 978-0241124161
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.3 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #914,457 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Philip Hoare is the author of several books, including 'Serious Pleasures: The Life of Stephen Tennant'; 'Noel Coward: A Biography'; 'Oscar Wilde's Last Stand'; 'Spike Island' and 'England's Lost Eden'. He lives in Hoxton, London, and Southampton, and each summer visits Cape Cod, where, as a member of the Center for Coastal Studies, he undertakes twice-daily expeditions to watch its whales.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Serious Pleasures, fun reading., February 25, 2000

By 

Helen Mitford (Paris, France) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Serious Pleasures: The Life of Stephen Tennant (Mass Market Paperback)

This is a very good book. It makes for fun reading and is a must for anyone who loves, as I do, to read about all those folk who knew each other and popped into each other's houses, loves and lives. And then popped each other into their books with easily recognisable portraits. It has been very carefully researched, too.

It's easy to point out mistakes, and I take no pleasure in it, but I do disagree with Mr Hoare that Coco Chanel's post war re-opening was a success that she could 'ride high' on.

This book is an absolute must for the way it captures the little wheels within the little wheels of smart, and not so smart, English circles of [most] of last century. Wonderful.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Beauty, December 1, 2004

By 

mojosmom (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Serious Pleasures: The Life of Stephen Tennant (Hardcover)

"When Stephen Tennant was a little boy in Edwardian England, his father asked him what he would like to be when he grew up. 'I want to be a Great Beauty, Sir,' he replied".

With a cover blurb like that, how could one resist this book?

Extremely well-researched biography (the author had access to Tennant's journals and correspondence, and had the cooperation of family and friends). Tennant's was an interesting but ultimately sad life. One of those Edwardian eccentrics who knew everyone. His mother was one of the Wyndham sisters who were painted by Sargent. He had an affair with Siegfried Sassoon. He was buds with Cecil beaton, knew Virginia Woolf (et al.) and provided literary inspiration for Waugh and Mitford. One of the last photographs of him (by Beaton) is of him entertaining David Hockney.

Tennant seems to have had a modicum of literary and artistic talent (he studied at the Slade), but could never bring it to fruition. He spent most of his life TALKING about writing a book. He apparently suffered from some form of depression; perhaps that's why. It seems a sad waste.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating reading!, February 15, 2000

By 

Richard Harrold (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Serious Pleasures: The Life of Stephen Tennant (Mass Market Paperback)

A very good biography of an extraordinary man. The text follows a chronological format and does very well at relating information in a readable and interesting style. The author makes no judgment regarding Tennant's sexuality, but merely relates the subject's actions and the reactions of his friends and others. The reader is still able to remain sympathetic with the subject despite Tennant's occasional and extreme arrogance and caprice with his friends. I would have liked more photographs, but the ones included are excellent additions to the text. If you have interests in the British upper class and want some insight into the "Fine Young Things" of the 20s and early 30s, this book will be a welcomed addition to your library.