Black Diamonds: The Downfall of an Aristocratic Dynasty and the Fifty Years that Changed England
by Catherine Bailey
Kindle & Paperback, 542 pages
Penguin Books
December 30, 2014
ISBN: 0143126849
Book Blurb:
From the New York Times–bestselling author of The Secret Rooms, the extraordinary true story of the downfall of one of England’s wealthiest families
Fans of Downton Abbey now have a go-to resource for fascinating, real-life stories of the spectacular lives led by England’s aristocrats. With the novelistic flair and knack for historical detail Catherine Bailey displayed in her New York Times bestseller The Secret Rooms, Black Diamonds provides a page-turning chronicle of the Fitzwilliam coal-mining dynasty and their breathtaking Wentworth estate, the largest private home in England.
When the sixth Earl Fitzwilliam died in 1902, he left behind the second largest estate in twentieth-century England, valued at more than £3 billion of today’s money—a lifeline to the tens of thousands of people who worked either in the family’s coal mines or on their expansive estate. The earl also left behind four sons, and the family line seemed assured. But was it? As Bailey retraces the Fitzwilliam family history, she uncovers a legacy riddled with bitter feuds, scandals (including Peter Fitzwilliam’s ill-fated affair with American heiress Kick Kennedy), and civil unrest as the conflict between the coal industry and its miners came to a head. Once again, Bailey has written an irresistible and brilliant narrative history.
Curious and want to know more? Check out this Q&A with the author about this book.
Where to Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | RJ Julia
About the Author:
Catherine Bailey studied history at Oxford University and is an award-winning television producer and director, making a range of critically acclaimed documentary films inspired by her interest in twentieth century history. Her previous book The Secret Rooms was a New York Times bestseller. She lives in West London.
Also by Catherine Bailey:
The Secret Rooms
Giveaway!
Courtesy of the publisher I have one paperback copy of Black Diamonds by Catherine Bailey to giveaway. Giveaway is open to USA residents. Please read the full giveaway rules under 'Policies' at the top of the page. Entries are made through the Rafflecopter below. Good luck! Last day to enter is March 15th.
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I am reading The Secret Rooms and it is very interesting. I am also looking forward to this book. Thank you for sharing
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you are enjoying The Secret Rooms. I have that one on my shelf to read/review as well.
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