The West End Front

Name: The West End Front
Brand: Allen & Unwin
SKU: 9780571234783
Price: 36.99 NZD
Availability: InStock

The Wartime Secrets of London's Grand Hotels

By Matthew Sweet

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Summary

The West End Front by Matthew Sweet delves into the fascinating world of London's grand hotels during the Second World War. These establishments served as more than mere lodgings; they were havens for spies, the stage for political intrigues, and refuges for refugees and exiles. The book provides a vivid historical narrative that intertwines the glamour and chaos of war, offering a compelling glimpse into the lives and secrets behind the hotel facades.
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Format: Paperback / softback

$36⁹⁹

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The West End Front

$36⁹⁹

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?

This book may appeal to you if you have an interest in the intriguing, lesser-known stories of political intrigue, espionage, and scandal that unfolded in the grand hotels of wartime London. Set against the backdrop of World War II, it's perfect for those who enjoy a mix of history and the personal tales of both the famous and the infamous figures who frequented these luxurious establishments.

The West End Front

It's the Second World War and the bedrooms, hallways and grillrooms of the Savoy, the Dorchester and Claridge's teem with those who are determined not to allow Hitler to impact on their way of life.

In The West End Front, Matthew Sweet draws a sumptuous, witty and eye-opening history of the Ritz, the Savoy, the Dorchester and Claridge's - and the eccentrics, stars, aristocrats and criminals living in London's grand hotels during the Blitz.

Description

Spies: Meet Marie-Jacqueline Lancaster, the woman from M15 who has the gravy browning licked from her legs by Dylan Thomas.

Royals: Meet Crown Prince Alexander of Yugoslavia, born in a suite at Claridge's that was declared Yugoslav territory for the night.

Players: Meet Joyce Stone, whose husband leads the band at the Dorchester, keeping dancers foxtrotting even as the shudders of bombardments penetrate the sound-proofed walls of the hotel.

The West End Front is a witty and eye-opening account of the extraordinary events that unfolded under the reinforced ceilings of London's grand hotels.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780571234783

Publisher: Faber & Faber

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 07 June 2012

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Faber & Faber

Edition: Main

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 26.0mm

Width: 127.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 305g

Pages: 400

Collections

European History History & Military Matthew Sweet Military History Non-Fiction

About the Author

Matthew Sweet presents Night Waves and Freethinking on BBC Radio 3, and is the summer presenter of The Film Programme on Radio Four. He is the author of Inventing the Victorians and Shepperton Babylon, which he adapted as a film for BBC Four. His TV programmes include Silent Britain, A Brief History of Fun, The Age of Excess, Truly, Madly, Cheaply and The Rules of Film Noir.

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