Uploaded June 2018 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Those who enjoyed NETFLIX's singular production of "The Crown" will readily recall Pip Torrens' memorable portrayal of Sir Alan "Tommy" Lascelles, whose service to the House of Windsor extended through no less than four successive reigns. From acting as Assistant Private Secretary to George V and Edward VIII, he became Personal Private Secretary to both George VI and, before retiring, Elizabeth II, whose difficult accession he is openly acknowledged to have largely manoeuvred and smoothed.
When release of Sir Alan's diaries, most ably edited by Duff Hart-Davis, was personally authorised by The Queen in 2006, they were not only immediately revealing, but filled important historical gaps. The old adage that it takes an outsider looking in to see what an insider looking out does not, was instantly turned on its head, particularly vis-a-vis the demise of Edward VIII and the Crown's handling of Whitehall during the War.
The view from within is fascinating. Having long foreseen Edward's tawdry demise, Sir Alan's legendary percipience and discretion throughout this difficult period of British history is clearly manifest in these splendid diaries, which must have been as tricky to edit as his letters (of which more anon). They are also, however, great fun, none more so than those involving Churchill.
Top notch from start to glorious finish (speaking of letters).
More diary reviews at:
bookreviewsandvideos.com/category/belles-lettres
Those who enjoyed NETFLIX's singular production of "The Crown" will readily recall Pip Torrens' memorable portrayal of Sir Alan "Tommy" Lascelles, whose service to the House of Windsor extended through no less than four successive reigns. From acting as Assistant Private Secretary to George V and Edward VIII, he became Personal Private Secretary to both George VI and, before retiring, Elizabeth II, whose difficult accession he is openly acknowledged to have largely manoeuvred and smoothed.
When release of Sir Alan's diaries, most ably edited by Duff Hart-Davis, was personally authorised by The Queen in 2006, they were not only immediately revealing, but filled important historical gaps. The old adage that it takes an outsider looking in to see what an insider looking out does not, was instantly turned on its head, particularly vis-a-vis the demise of Edward VIII and the Crown's handling of Whitehall during the War.
The view from within is fascinating. Having long foreseen Edward's tawdry demise, Sir Alan's legendary percipience and discretion throughout this difficult period of British history is clearly manifest in these splendid diaries, which must have been as tricky to edit as his letters (of which more anon). They are also, however, great fun, none more so than those involving Churchill.
Top notch from start to glorious finish (speaking of letters).
More diary reviews at:
bookreviewsandvideos.com/category/belles-lettres
![Lady Muck by William Mayne, with [inspired] woodcuts by Jonathan Heale, reviewed by Nicholas Hoare](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/EwgbMuHt3zQ/mqdefault.jpg "Lady Muck by William Mayne, with [inspired] woodcuts by Jonathan Heale, reviewed by Nicholas Hoare
A pig named Boark lived in the mud, and one day to his wife, he said, Sowk, my Sowk, what can I do to please and happy you, my Sowky dear?
Oink, said she, go snuffly and diggy fat sweet rooties. That will happy me, Boark, my Boarky dear, from grunt to squeal.
This is, unashamedly, a childrens book for adults. In deliciously Lennon-like prose, one is not merely introduced, but transported to our heroes: two immensely portly pigs, whose devotion to each other is unquestioned, but whose predilection for truffles leads them into trouble plenty.
William Mayne is a master storyteller, who remains curiously forgotten. This book, which was first published in 1997, remains a minor (and most decorative) classic. Go forth with our blessing and procure this splendid piece of nonsense soonest. It will pleasure you, as the author might say, to such an extent that, if you have any sense of performance at all - and relish rhythm and rhyme - even your youngest will respond in kind.
https://thisoldhoarehouse.com")
