Nancy

The Story of Lady Astor

Adrian Fort

$32.99

Paperback

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English

Pimlico
15 November 2013

Biography; Biography: historical, political & military

A new biography of Nancy Astor, American socialite and social crusader who blazed a trail through British society amid two World Wars.

In 1919, Nancy Astor became the first female Member of Parliament elected to the House of Commons--she was not what had been expected. Far from a virago who had suffered for the cause of female suffrage, Lady Astor was already near the centre of the ruling society that had for so long resisted the political upheavals of the early twentieth century, having married into one of the richest families in the world. She wasn't even British, but the daughter of a famous Virginian family, and fiercely proud of her expatriate ancestry. But her moral drive was strong, and she would utilise her position of privilege and influence to blow a bracing American wind into what she regarded as the stuffy corners of British politics.

This account charts Nancy Astor's incredible story, from relative penury in the American South to a world of enormous countryside estates and townhouses, and the most lavish entertainments, peopled by the great figures of the day - Churchill, Chamberlain, FDR, Charlie Chapin, J. M. Barrie, and Lawrence of Arabia were all part of her social circle. But hers was not to be an easy life of power and pure glamour; it was also defined by principles and bravery, war and sacrifice, love, and the most embittered disputes.

With glorious, page-turning brio, Adrian Fort brings to life this restless, controversial American dynamo, an unforgettable woman who left a deep and lasting imprint on the political life of a nation.

By: Adrian Fort
Imprint: Pimlico
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 197mm, Width: 128mm, Spine: 24mm
Weight: 287g
ISBN: 9781845951610
ISBN 10: 1845951611
Pages: 400
Publication Date: 15 November 2013
Audience: General/trade , Professional and scholarly , College/higher education , ELT Advanced , Undergraduate
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Adrian Fort was educated at Eton and Oxford where he was subsequently a Clarendon Fellow. He practised as a barrister and became involved with politics before pursuing a financial career. He has published many articles on financial and economic matters and has broadcast frequently on the radio. His previous books include Prof: The Life of Frederick Lindemann and Archibald Wavell: The Life and Times of an Imperial Servant.

Reviews for Nancy: The Story of Lady Astor

Fort casts fresh light on a remarkable woman, whose toughness and independence of opinion allowed this outsider to chart a new course for women. * Good Book Guide * The spirited story of the indomitable girl from America who married a millionaire and fought fiercely to become Britain's first female MP * Sunday Times * Fort's well researched biography is excellent -- Janet Christie * Scotsman * Adrian Fort does justice to her energetic, forceful and outspoken personality -- Christopher Silvester * Daily Express * A masterful and compassionate book, every bit as multi-facet as the extraordinary woman * Country Life *

Short-listed for Paddy Power Political Biography of the Year 2013 (UK)
Short-listed for Paddy Power Political Book Awards: Political Biography of the Year 2013
Shortlisted for Paddy Power Political Book Awards: Political Biography of the Year 2013.