David Astor

Jeremy Lewis has written a definitive account of Astor and his world. -- Robert McCrum * Observer * Lewis’s affectionate and endearing biography is also a nostalgic celebration of the liberal intelligentsia and metropolitan elite…from the 1940s to the 1970s. There are many rewards in this book, which is full of old Fleet Street gossip, big names and good jokes. -- Richard Davenport-Hines * The Times * Jeremy Lewis’s excellent new bio­graphy brings out both sides of this complex figure, tracing the contradictions of his character to his privileged but painfully conflicted upbringing… He gives a marvellous description of the golden age of the Observer. -- John Campbell * Financial Times * A fascinating, well-written and brilliantly researched account…. The book is a great achievement. -- Piers Brendon Excellent new biography. -- Richard Astor * Observer * Admiring yet fair biography… Gripping. -- Nicholas Shakespeare * Daily Telegraph * A lively, gossipy and affectionate biography. * The Economist * Astor at last gets the posthumous recognition he deserves. * Oldie * Jeremy Lewis brilliantly analyses the extraordinary family background and Astor’s won personality and manner. -- Peter Wilby * New Statesman * He [Lewis] masters several complex strands of material, writing confidently and entertainingly, while leaving Astor’s halo justifiably intact. -- Andrew Lycett * Spectator *