The Harold Nicolson Diaries

By Harold Nicolson

Book Overview

One of the great 20th century political diaries

Harold Nicolson was one of the three great political diarists of the 20th century (along with Chips Channon and Alan Clark). Nicolson was an MP (Conservative, 1935-45, who also flirted with Labour after WWII). He had previously been in the Foreign Office and attended the Paris Peace Conference in 1919, and material from his period is included in this new edition for the first time.

Nicolson never achieved high office, but rarely a day went by when he didn't record what was going on at Westminster. He socialised widely, was married to the poet and author Vita Sackville-West, and together they created the famous garden at Sissinghurst. Both were bi-sexuals and had affairs outside their marriage. This new edition also draws on diary entries and letters previously considered too sensitive for inclusion.

The diversity of Harold Nicolson's interests and the irony in his writing make his diary a highly entertaining record of his life and times, as well as a document of great historical value.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 075381997X
• ISBN13: 9780753819975
• Release Date: October 2005
• Publisher: Phoenix House
• Length: 511 Pages
• Weight: 0.93 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 5.0" x 7.8"

Customer Reviews

English Days

A very rewarding book containing some letters and many diary entries of a well-positioned and thoughtful English political and literary figure of the first half of the last century. A good purchase for those desiring background information on an important stretch of years in England and Europe; it encompasses first hand takes on the likes of Winston Churchill and events such as the Paris Peace Conference. Those with a special interest in the poet and wife of Mr. Nicolson, Vita Sackville-West, will also enjoy reading this book. Nicely edited by the diarist's son.