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The Secret Life of the Savoy

and the D'Oyly Carte family
3.61 goodreads logo

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( 721 ratings, 104 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 Secret Life of the Savoy by Olivia Williams delves into the fascinating history of the iconic Savoy Hotel, exploring its creation and evolution under the guidance of the influential D'Oyly Carte family. It highlights the hotel's role in shaping London's social and cultural life, captivating readers with tales of glamour, ambition, and innovation. Through rich anecdotes and historical insights, the book unveils the vibrant tapestry of events and personalities that defined this legendary establishment.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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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?

This book may appeal to you if you're fascinated by iconic hotels and the colourful history woven through their walls, particularly one that hosted royalty and cultural icons. Through a rich tapestry of anecdotes, it explores the opulent yet intricate lives of those who made this legendary establishment a hub of glamour and creativity. If you enjoy a charming blend of societal history and fascinating personalities from a bygone era, you'll likely find this memoir captivating.

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The story of the Savoy's founders, through three generations and a hundred years of luxury

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

'A real triumph, beautifully written, with many wonderful stories of the Savoy.' — Lady Anne Glenconner, author of Lady in Waiting

'An elegantly crafted, yet spritely and sparkling book, perfectly befitting its subject.' — Ophelia Field, author of The Favourite

In three generations, the D'Oyly Carte family pioneered the luxury hotel and the modern theatre, propelled Gilbert and Sullivan to lasting stardom, made Oscar Wilde a transatlantic celebrity, inspired a P. G. Wodehouse series, and popularised early jazz, electric lights, and Art Deco.

Following the history of the iconic Savoy Hotel through three generations of the D'Oyly Carte family, The Secret Life of the Savoy revives an extraordinary cultural legacy.

"For The Gondoliers-themed birthday dinner, the hotel obligingly flooded the courtyard to conjure the Grand Canal of Venice. Dinner was served on a silk-lined floating gondola, real swans were swimming in the water, and as a final flourish, a baby elephant borrowed from London Zoo pulled a five-foot high birthday cake."

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 Secret Life of the Savoy by Olivia Williams is praised for its entertaining and captivating portrayal of London's historic Savoy Hotel. Reviewers commend the book's elegant writing and colourful cast of characters, highlighting its insightful revelations of behind-the-scenes drama and its rich depiction of cultural figures and historical moments. Williams' narrative is considered both informative and fun, painting a vivid picture of the luxury and scandal surrounding the iconic establishment.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781472269805

Publisher: Headline Publishing Group

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 10 June 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Headline Book Publishing

Illustration: 40 photographs

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 28.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 260g

Pages: 352

About the Author

Olivia graduated with a scholarship in Modern History from St Edmund Hall, Oxford, where she remained for her master's degree. She worked as a journalist before writing her first book Gin Glorious Gin, and now works as a freelance writer living in London.

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