Diaries, 1971-1983

Acute observation is coupled with entertaining literary style and ever-present humour . . . Michael Bloch has edited these diaries formidably well - Bevis HillierWoefully funny, elegantly observed, appallingly indiscreet, these diaries are the best record we have of a world still recognizable but fast vanishing beneath the waves of history - Peter ParkerHis pages abound in delightful shafts of self-revelation . . . a singularly funny, modest, sweet, lovable gentleman whose controversial prose is yet infused with a poetic vision of the essence of Old England - Hugh MassingberdRaw emotions, fearlessly expressed, spice every page - Duff Hart-DavisAlways honest, always curious, always lovable - Lynn BarberWhat matters the clash of titans, when a clear and fastidious intellect shares its preoccupation with the minutiae of a civilised gentleman's day? - Alan ClarkThe qualities which make his diaries addictive reading include a sense of the ridiculous, and a total frankness about whatever shows him at a disadvantage. He is wonderfully observant, and his sheer humanity shines out on every page - The FieldUnquestionably one of the greatest English diarists, a rival to Pepys - David Watkin