At Her Majesty's Pleasure

by Robert Douglas

Robert Douglas completes his autobiographical trilogy in this enchanting personal memoir, taking us through the 1960s and into the 1980s with his memories of life as a prison officer and, later, as an electricity chargehand driving around the Yorkshire Dales. His prison tales are laced with anecdotes about many of the most famous criminals in British history—the Krays, the Richardsons, the Great Train Robbers, Soviet spies, and many more. Along the way, Douglas evokes the strong sense of social change that gripped the country as Britain emerged from the post-war gloom into the bright lights of the Beatles years and beyond.

336 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2007

Reviews

[ms daisy mcinnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poignant and thought provoking

Although I have read the famous Hannah's autobiography 's, Pirrepoints and Allen's, it was their story's, not the prisoner's,I found Douglas's account of the time watching over a condemned man, both fascinating and poignant.A part of social history before I was born, but felt inside that condemned man's cell with him. Certainly the best account of such a tragic events I have ever read, sadly I didn't know this was not the first book he has written so will be certainly hunting out the other's. Felt transported back in time to a better time? Well the jury's out on that one. One of the most enjoyable books I have read for a long time, and I read about ten books a week. Looking forward so much to learn more about this author's life.

[TommyMonaghan · Rating 1 out of 5]

My Way.

Considering Mr.Douglas describes this as the end of his autobiography, I cannot help feel he is not a likeable person. I cannot identify one occasion in any of his books from childhood up until this last when he does something that is not designed for self gain. He likes to identify as a Glaswegian but careful reading doesn't indicate he has the heart of one. His selfish behaviour in middle age leaves a very very bad taste in the mouth. I won't be reading any more of his output.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great fun and a fitting end to the trilogy.

What an interesting and varied life the author has led. This final phase covering his career as a prison officer guarding some very well known prisoners was fascinating although the first book is still my favourite of the three - this one is a close second though.

Glad that he was able to prove the publishers wrong that it is “difficult to sell an autobiography if you’re not famous”!

[Jack Bush · Rating 4 out of 5]

i read this because of the account of the author's time as a death watch officer, guarding the convicted murderer Russell Pascoe before he was hanged in Bristol in 1963. I suspect from my reading of other sources that a few details are mis-remembered, but overall this part of the book is fascinating and very moving. The rest of the book was interesting enough but not particularly my cup of tea.

[Paul Forrester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read ,had me hooked from first page.Robert is a great story teller .Highly recommended .

Can't wait to read the next book in the series.The book takes you on a journey of highs and lows but always had me gripped and wanting more .

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel too much emphasis is given to celebrity biographies when we should be seeing more of this type of story. Everyday people like Robert have fascinating lives. Thanks to the publishers for taking a risk and hopefully it paid off. I really loved it and felt like he was a friend of the family.

[John Franklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

At Her Majesty's Pleasure

Liked the time spent in prison, mostly Brum went off a bit after that but still an enjoyable read for me

[Robert ruffler · Rating 5 out of 5]

One not to put down

What an enjoyable read. It had me transfixed from the first minute. Should be made into a film. Robert it has been a pleasure

[Jackie Sykes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good read

After reading the first two books one after the other I had to read the third, it was every thing as good as the first two

[D J KERR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Loved this book from beginning to end. True to life characters. The poor downtrodden wife and mother was commonplace in the 50s and 60s Glasgow

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to come

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mine was th paperback version. This is Douglas's third book - Night Song of the Last Tram and Somewhere to Lay my Head were the earlier two. Born in Maryhill Glasgow, Douglas had a hard upbringing, and in this book finds satisfaction as a prison warder. Brutal in places - things are different now - coarse and vulgar in places, prison on either side of the cell door was no picnic in those days. Later as a meter reader for an electricity company, remarriage and a much happier scenario, Douglas looks back. 'I'm settled at last' he concludes.

[anusha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful is not enough

I've read all and this concludes them. I have a doubt about the standards of English publishers. They couldn't recognize the unbelievable exceptional writing and self expression of Robert for three years!!. Robert Douglas is undoubtedly the best writer way above all the so called best selling authors of all times. Every one across the globe SHOULD read these to understand what a great book is. It's pathetic that we don't see in in net including Wikipedia.

[Bernie Mcquillan · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is the final installment of the authors autobiography. it was more serious than the first 2 but just as enjoyable. the way he describes working in the prisons, u feel like ur standing beside him waiting for trouble 2 brew. this book leads up 2 him releasing his 1st book and leaves u wanting 2 hear more

[Seumas Gallacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this one in a different way from his first and second parts of a life story that tracks many of us from the same origins.. tough life in being a prison warder, but again, the humour romances the heck out of all of that ..

[Jo Marlow barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading this & feeling thankful that I wasn't brought up in this area or time ....
Life was hard in Glasgow

Enjoyed the book, remember feeling sad, & hopeful throughout the book.

Will deffo read read other of Robert Douglas books.

[Am Daubney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read Nightsong, I just had to read Somewhere to Lay my Head. Having read Somewhere, I just had to read At Her Majesty's Pleasure. Robert Douglas feels like an old friend: I laughed and cried with him all the way.

[Janet]

I enjoyed this last part of the trilogy, though I did lose a bit of sympathy for the author in this one: history repeating itself perhaps?

[Duncan Maccoll · Rating 3 out of 5]

The closer to the current period Douglas writes, the less I like him. His style changes and, in my opinion, the character he is describing is less friendly.