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The Mountbattens

Their Lives & Loves: The Sunday Times Bestseller
3.66 goodreads logo

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( 1,552 ratings, 175 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Mountbattens by Andrew Lownie offers an intimate portrayal of the influential couple, Louis and Edwina Mountbatten. This biography delves into their tumultuous marriage, individual achievements, and significant roles during pivotal moments of the 20th century, including World War II and the decolonisation of India. Through extensive research and private diaries, it provides a detailed look at their personal and public lives.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you are intrigued by the complexities of British aristocracy, historical figures, or 20th-century history. It provides an in-depth exploration of two prominent individuals, their personal and public lives, and their significant influence on global events. The blend of personal anecdotes and historical context could appeal to those interested in the intersection of personal narratives and broader historical impacts.

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Drawing on four years of research around the world, a new biography of the glamorous couple behind the modern royal family, from the award-winning author Andrew Lownie.

Drawing on four years of research around the world, a new biography of the glamorous couple behind the modern royal family, from the award-winning author Andrew Lownie.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The Top Ten Sunday Times Bestseller

Richly entertaining... impressively well-researched - Daily Mail
Incisive... strongly recommend - The Times
A study in aggressive social climbing [with] quick-moving fluency - Sunday Times

The intimate story of a unique marriage that spans the heights of glamour and power to infidelity, manipulation and disaster through the heart of the 20th century.

DICKIE MOUNTBATTEN: A major figure behind his nephew Philip's marriage to Queen Elizabeth II and instrumental in the Royal Family taking the Mountbatten name, he was Supreme Allied Commander of South East Asia during World War II and the last Viceroy of India.

EDWINA MOUNTBATTEN: Once the richest woman in Britain and a playgirl who enjoyed numerous affairs, she emerged from World War II as a magnetic and talented humanitarian worker loved around the world.

From British high society to the South of France, from the battlefields of Burma to the Viceroy's House, The Mountbattens is a rich and filmic story of a powerful partnership, revealing the truth behind a carefully curated legend.

Was Mountbatten one of the outstanding leaders of his generation, or a man over-promoted because of his royal birth, high-level connections, film-star looks and ruthless self-promotion? What is the true story behind controversies such as the Dieppe Raid and Indian Partition, the love affair between Edwina and Nehru, and Mountbatten's assassination in 1979?

Based on over 100 interviews, research from dozens of archives and new information released under Freedom of Information requests, prize-winning historian Andrew Lownie sheds new light on this remarkable couple.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Mountbattens by Andrew Lownie provides an intriguing blend of indulgent gossip and descriptions of opulent lifestyles alongside an analysis of Mountbatten's complex military career and Edwina's humanitarian efforts. It's particularly appealing to those interested in royal affairs.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781788702980

Publisher: Bonnier Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 25 June 2020

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: BLINK Publishing

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 30.0mm

Width: 132.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 410g

Pages: 496

About the Author

Andrew Lownie was educated at Magdalene College, Cambridge, where he was Dunster History Prizeman and President of the Union, before taking his Masters and doctorate at Edinburgh University. A Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and former visiting fellow of Churchill College, Cambridge, he has run his own literary agency since 1988. A trustee of the Campaign for Freedom of Information and President of The Biographers Club, he has written for the Times, Telegraph, Wall Street Journal, Spectator and Guardian and formerly served in the Royal Naval Reserve.

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