Product Description

The eighth volume of James Lees-Milne's diaries, this volume differs from previous collections in that they show Lees-Milne developing an overwhelming tendresse for a much younger man. He records the doubt, happiness, guilt and other turbulence that accompany an emotion he did not expect to feel again. This is also the first volume to be edited not by the diarist himself but by his literary executor - the younger man with whom Lees-Milne fell so deeply in love.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #590275 in Books
• Published on: 2000-10-26
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 276 pages

About the Author
James Lees-Milne, who died in 1997, ran the National Trust's operation to rescue historic houses from 1936 to 1951. His prolific output as a writer includes many works on architecture and several biographies, along with the much-acclaimed memoirs Another Self, People and Places and Fourteen Friends. His eight other volumes of diaries, all rapturously received, are Ancestral Voices, Prophesying Peace, Caves of Ice, Midway on the Waves, A Mingled Measure, Ancient as the Hills, Holy Dread and Through Wood and Dale. Diana Mosley described the last as 'a comic masterpiece'. Michael Bloch, the editor of this volume, was appointed by James Lees-Milne to be his literary executor, and is now writing his biography. He lives in London.

Customer Reviews

A new level of honesty and openness
Unlike his previous volumes which were edited by Lees-Milne, 'Deep Romantic Chasm' has been edited by Michael Bloch, his friend and last romantic attachment who was appointed by Lees-Milne to be his literary executor. There is a deeper level of honesty and openness in these diaries as many of the characters are no longer living, in particular his wife, Alvilde, so that painful intimacies can now be revealed. The questions concerning his relationship with Alvilde are addressed and answered. How does a marriage survive when the husband is attracted to 'beautiful young men' over the many years spanning their union? We read about his pain, anger and disappointment for himself, as well as his anguish for the pain he is causing her. We learn of his respect and affection for his wife's qualities and accomplishments, and his deep-seated need for personal freedom. That they are able to confront these issues and to make a life together speaks volumes about their levels of tolerance and sophistication. These diaries, as always, are filled with snippets from the lives of the titled and famous giving the reader an insight into their 'ordinariness' despite their fame and position. Sometimes hotly critical, but mostly without judgement, merely commenting on the human condition. The love he has for friends deepens over time. John Betjemann is 'most endearing', and Eardley Knollys, a friend since his early National Trust days, continues to provide a listening ear, acceptance and a welcome escape from pressures. Sadly we learn of the deterioration through age and illness of many formerly beautiful and talented people introduced in previous volumes. Fears for relationships are divulged. Very early into the Charles-Diana partnership, he makes an accurate summation of Prince Charles' true feelings towards Diana witnessed at their engagement party, and which later events proved accurate. His skill as a writer continue to please, especially his ability to describe nature with the eye of an artist and lover of beauty. Lees-Milne's love of life, and need for laughter and naturalness is emphasised when we learn of his boredom and dread of the stuffy formal dinners and guests that were arranged in their honour when he and Alvilde were on a visit to Australia.'We only consort with the stuffies...., and thinks longingly of the spontaneous giggles he enjoys with Eardley. This most recent volume of diaries only strengthens my enjoyment of Lees-Milne's world and work, and fills me with anticipation for the next volume that should surely follow.