Harold Acton (1904–1994)

It is perhaps understandable that Acton wished to complete the work begun in his admirably entertaining The Bourbons of Naples, 1734-1825 but the subjects of this volume are just too dull to justify this detailed 500+ page account. With the belated exception of the last Queen they are all none-too-bright and charisma-free, with personal lives of the dullest bourgeois respectability. Acton’s style is of course erudite and witty, and given that history is normally written by the winners it show more is interesting to see a less-than-heroic portrait of Garibaldi. But I am reminded of the book report on an ornithological work allegedly given by a little girl: “This book told me more than I wanted to know about penguins.” If we substitute the word “Bourbons” that about sums it up. show less

References I saw to this book invariably commented on its apposite title. I was aware that Acton wrote it as a condition of getting his poetry published. But it started out so well that I was led to believe that this was an underappreciated gem whose merit I alone had spotted. Alas, all went pear about half way through. Acton apparently ran out of plot and contented himself with portraits, no doubt recognisable, of the usual BYT party-goers. Writing remains sharp and stylish but adds up to show more nothing much. Disappointing. show less

Very evocative biography. Nancy's voice is clear, the end of her life not presented in depressing sadness, her love life not presented as miserable. Harold and her letters show an upbeat, hardworking, intelligent, humorous woman who was loved and led a full life. I really enjoyed how this biography was written, a very individual style about a very individual one. Nancy Mitford was famous and deservedly so.

Born in Florence of a British father and an American mother, educated at Eton and Oxford, resident in Paris, the early part of Acton’s memoir is full of ex-pat and Bright Young Thing interest. Then Acton settles in China. The latter part of the book describes his own immersion in Chinese culture, and then the political situation as the Japanese prepare to invade. All in Acton’s brilliant prose. A wonderful book on many levels.