The classic story of one of the twentieth century's most extraordinary families.

Among the six daughters and one son born to David, second Lord Redesdale, and his wife Sydney were Nancy, the novelist and historian; Diana, who married fascist leader Sir Oswald Mosley; Unity, friend of Hitler; Jessica, who became a communist and then an investigative journalist; and Deborah, Duchess of Devonshire and mistress of Chatsworth.

'The Mitford Girls,' as John Betjeman called them, were one of the twentieth century's most controversial families; said to be always either in shrieks of laughter or floods of tears, they were glamorous, romantic and - especially in politics - extreme. Yet the teasing, often bordering on cruelty, the flamboyant contrasts and the violent disagreements, hid a powerful affection, subtle likenesses in character, and a powerful underlying unity.

The classic story of one of the twentieth century's most extraordinary families - an extensively updated new edition.

About the Author
Jonathan Guinness is the elder son of Diana Mosley by her first marriage to Bryan Guinness, now Lord Moyne. He has worked in journalism and banking. Catherine Guinness is the eldest of his five children. She has been a journalist with Interview magazine and has also worked for a firm of investment advisers. She is married to James, Lord Neidpath, the historian.

Reviews
Bigger, better and back on the shelves. Lord Moyne's lively account of the swishest society sextet has been updated. It's an oldie but it's a goodie * TATLER *
This entertaining book continues to promote the Mitfords' historical interest * THE TIMES *
A fine group portrait of a truly remarkable tribe * THE ATLANTIC *
Readers are afforded a rare glimpse of the tangled undergrowth of English snobbery, prejudice and reactionary politics - not just of 50 years ago but of today * NEW YORK TIMES *
The book is delightfully readable, filled with fascinating peeps into personal letters and secret diaries. The earlier generations, wonderful Victorian eccentrics of wealth and privilege, are as amusing to read about as the later ones * KIRKUS *
A most lively and readable portrait of the Mitford girls' and their forebears. Written with detachment and good-humoured affection * ECONOMIST *
'Bigger, better and back on the shelves. Lord Moyne's lively account of the swishest society sextet has been updated. It's an oldie but it's a goodie'. -- Camilla Long * Tatler *
'This entertaining book continues to promote the Mitfords' historical interest' * The Times *



Book Information
ISBN 9780753818039
Author Jonathan Guinness
Format Paperback
Page Count 688
Imprint Weidenfeld & Nicolson
Publisher Orion Publishing Co
Weight(grams) 477g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 133mm * 32mm