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In 1889, Victorian impresario Richard D’Oyly Carte opened The Savoy, Britain’s first luxury hotel. Allowing the rich to live like royalty, it attracted glamour, scandal and a cast of eccentric characters, with the D’Oyly Carte family elevated to a unique vantage point on high society.
The Secret Life of the Savoy will tell their story through three generations: Richard (the founder, who died in the same year as Queen Victoria), Rupert (a moderniser who saw the hotel through two world wars and the roaring twenties), and Bridget (a Queen-like figure who was one of mid-20th century Britain’s wealthiest women).
The book will explore their rollercoaster achievements, lifestyles and private lives, through the prism of this iconic hotel and its many distinguished guests – from Oscar Wilde to the Beatles.
(P)2020 Headline Publishing Group Ltd
The Secret Life of the Savoy will tell their story through three generations: Richard (the founder, who died in the same year as Queen Victoria), Rupert (a moderniser who saw the hotel through two world wars and the roaring twenties), and Bridget (a Queen-like figure who was one of mid-20th century Britain’s wealthiest women).
The book will explore their rollercoaster achievements, lifestyles and private lives, through the prism of this iconic hotel and its many distinguished guests – from Oscar Wilde to the Beatles.
(P)2020 Headline Publishing Group Ltd
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Reviews
A thoroughly entertaining account of some of London's most treasured history, with its beloved The Savoy at the heart of a fascinating and delightful plot. Bravo to Olivia Williams and her fantastically colourful cast of characters.
Whether it's The Beatles being blocked from entry or Marilyn Monroe sipping tea in a daring dress, London's Savoy Hotel has seen its share of intrigue and controversy for more than a century. Olivia Williams reveals its most decadent moments.
A new book by Olivia Williams is to be welcomed as a reminder that "at their height", the D'Oyly Cartes ranked as "the greatest impresarios and hoteliers in the world" - as dynamic, innovative and powerful in their way as any of today's media dynasties.
An elegantly crafted, yet spritely and sparkling book, perfectly befitting its subject. Williams uses group biography to beautifully illuminate some of London's greatest hotel and theatre landmarks.
This is a fascinating story, and it could not be better told. Elegant, great fun, and with a finely-judged personal touch: much like the Savoy hotel itself.
A feast of gloriously eccentric and compelling characters... a veritable cornucopia of explanations and clarifications... endlessly compelling.
Williams writes with authority and style, making her ideal to chronicle the story of the Savoy.
A cracking good read and a fascinating story that - amazingly - has not been told before.
The story of how one family's vision shaped not only a British institution but the very idea of luxury. From Belle Epoque scandals to Hollywood gossip, and from kitchen politics to corporate swashbuckling, Williams' writing is deliciously alive with the type of behind-the-scenes drama that will transport you back in time.
From Churchill to the real 007 via the suffragettes - an unbelievable reel of secrets is revealed
A transportive story
This sumptuous book offers a delicious insight
Delves into the 5 star hotel's illustrious history, from Oscar Wilde's weekly £6,000 bills to whisky heir Thomas Dewar's 40 YEAR stay
A real triumph, beautifully written, with many wonderful stories of the Savoy
A remarkable biography
A fascinating glimpse into the past. . . Williams' biography is informative and hugely entertaining, painting a deliciously decadent picture of the glamour, theatre and scandal that surrounded the D'Oyly Cartes.