HOLY DREAD

ANCESTRAL VOICES

The gentle and sharply-observed diary of the young James Lees-Milne who, invalided out of the Army before the end of the Second World War, joins the tiny staff of the National Trust, visiting stately homes to discover whether they are suitable for acquisition by the Trust.

ANCIENT AS THE HILLS: DIARIES 1973-1974

Witty, candid and honest, the author's observations and anecdotes are a delightful and entertaining read.

ANOTHER SELF

In one of the funniest autobiographies ever written, the author recalls the earlier years of his life.

CAVES OF ICE

Continuing his witty accounts of life amongst the upper classes, this volume of the diaries opens with an account of Lees-Milne’s visit to Charlecote Park on behalf of the National Trust.

DEEP ROMANTIC CHASM: DIARIES 1979-1981

The eighth volume of diaries from James Lees-Milne, written with his usual candour and wit, and highly readable.

FOURTEEN FRIENDS

In this sequence of sketches, the diarist brings to life fourteen friends who, unknowingly, formed his values, framed his views and added relish to his days.

A MINGLED MEASURE

In 1953 the author resumed keeping a diary and this volume continues to 1972. Although he no longer works full-time for the National Trust, he still enjoys a varied life making the diaries funny and riveting.

PEOPLE AND PLACES

In 1936 the author became Country Houses secretary to the newly formed National Trust. Here he tells of the transfer of fourteen houses to the Trust.