Sassoon: The Worlds of Philip and Sybil

by Peter Stansky

Sir Philip Sassoon (1888–1939), a glamorous and well-known figure in Britain for the first four decades of the twentieth century, was the most eligible bachelor and the greatest host of his time. He attained prominence in the art world, high society, and politics. In contrast, his sister Sybil (1894–1989) lived a much more private life. Yet she was fascinating in her own right, marrying into the grandest level of the English aristocracy, restoring Houghton—formerly the house of Sir Robert Walpole—to magnificence, and serving in the high command of the Women’s Royal Naval Service during both world wars.

In this generously illustrated book, distinguished historian Peter Stansky brings the Sassoons and their period into sharp focus. He also explores what their lives reveal about the nature of English life, particularly at the highest reaches, and its relation to wealth, power, politics, Jewishness, and art.

310 pages, Paperback

First published April 4, 2003

About the author

Peter Stansky was educated at Yale University, King's College, Cambridge and Harvard University. He taught at Harvard and then at Stanford University, retiring in 2005 as the Frances and Charles Field Professor of History. At Stanford he taught modern British history, directed PhD dissertations, chaired his department as well as holding various administrative posts and in the course of his career was awarded several outside fellowships. He is also former President of the North American Conference on British Studies.

Reviews

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book, to look at, to hold, to savor. The illustrations are plentiful, and the writing excellent. Philip Sassoon was like no other man of his time, and he had the vast wealth to realize his visions of beautiful living. Although he died young, there are many interesting anecdotes from people who knew him and enjoyed his lavish hospitality. He and his sister Sybil (she married into the British aristocracy) were important patrons of the arts and preservationists of country homes. Because they were Jewish, they both contended with racism despite the real services they rendered to Great Britain. This is an excellent book that I'll read again and again.