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Lady Diana Cooper was in her prime widely regarded as the most beautiful woman in England and the idol of her generation. She was witty, outrageous, generous and loyal. Famous as a member of the aristocratic and intellectual group 'The Cotorie', she later edited the magazine Femina before starting a career as an actress on the stage and then in films during the 1920s. Her husband, Duff Cooper, was parliament in 1924 and Diana continued as a society hostess until his retirement in 1947. Diana wrote three volumes of memoirs in the 1950s which are also published by Faber Finds, and she died in 1986 aged 93. Philip Ziegler's biography is a compulsive read, telling the story of a remarkable woman and her passionate life. 'For nine decades a symbol of all that is dashing and daring, a synonym for courage and wit and inspired friendship.' Sunday Telegraph 'Combines total honesty with total affection... A portrait which you can laugh over, cry over and think over as well.' Punch 'No wonder Evelyn Waugh loved her.' Scotsman
This biography investigates the life and social influence of Lady Diana Cooper, a central figure in early 20th-century British aristocratic and intellectual circles. Author Philip Ziegler utilizes primary source materials and Cooper's own memoirs to construct a comprehensive portrait of a woman who navigated the shifting cultural landscapes of the 1920s through the post-war era. The text examines her roles as a socialite, magazine editor, and actress, framing her life as a reflection of the broader societal changes occurring within the British upper class.
What You Will Find
Scope Limits
Critics and readers frequently note the balanced approach Ziegler takes, blending historical rigor with a narrative style that remains accessible. Experts highlight this work as a definitive biographical account that successfully captures the spirit of its subject while maintaining objective distance.
Page Count:
384
Publication Date:
1983-01-01
Publisher:
Sun Books
ISBN-10:
0140060375
ISBN-13:
9780140060379
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