The Cliveden Set's pedigree was impeccable, and its social standing beyond reproach. Its persuasive powers permeated the clubs and institutions of London, the corridors of Oxbridge colleges, the pages of the quality press, and the great country houses of England. Its proceedings were conducted at Cliveden, the fabled country estate of Nancy and Waldorf Astor. Suddenly, in the late 1930s, this distinguished group was catapulted into notoriety. It had been identified as a cabal that sought to manipulate, even determine, British foreign policy. It would use any meanseven negotiate a dishonorable...

Born in the late Victorian age, Harold Nicolson was a man of extraordinary talentsdiplomat, politician, historian, biographer, diarist, novelist, literary critic, essayist, journalist, and gardener. His position in society and politics gave him insight into the most dramatic events of world history. Married to Vita Sackville-West, one of the most famous writers of her day, their marriage prospered despite their sexual orientations, for both were practicing homosexuals. Unashamedly elitist, bound together by their literary, social, and intellectual pursuits, moving in the refined circles of...

First Published in 1973. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.