Nancy Mitford

Nancy Mitford (28 November 1904–30 June 1973) was an English novelist, biographer, and journalist. thumb|alt=A photo of Nancy Mitford taken in 1932|Nancy Mitford in 1932 (Unidentified photographer for Bassano Ltd, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons) Quotes I think housework is far more tiring and frightening than hunting is, no comparison, and yet after hunting we had eggs for tea and were made to rest for hours, but after housework people expect one to go on just as if nothing special had happened. The Pursuit of Love (1945). The great advantage of living in a large family is that early lesson of life’s essential unfairness. The Pursuit of Love (1945). I am sometimes bored by people, but never by life. The Blessing (1951) If somebody could write a book for people who never read they would make a fortune. Love from Nancy (Houghton Mifflin, 1993). Quotes about Nancy Mitford Nancy Mitford's Voltaire in Love (1957) is regarded by many as her best book. Theodore Besterman, Voltaire (1969; 3rd edn. 1976), p. 582, n. 8 A motion was introduced to censure authoress Nancy Mitford for writing in the ‘Sunday Times’ that Marie Antoinette, "putting class before country, sent military secrets to the enemy through her lover Fersen, and deserved a traitor's death."One of the hottest debates of the year ensued. Miss Mitford was accused of cutting the ground from under the European aristocracy.A French countess said it was a "cruel and beastly thing to write."The only one who came to Miss Mitford's defense was an English duchess who said: "We've always been critical of Nancy because she's more French than British. But this time we're pleased with her. I, for one, have always thought Marie Antoinette was a stinker." Art Buchwald, 'Business Meeting of The International Set', The Everyday Magazine (26 July 1955), p. 2, in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch (26 July 1955) Incontestably her best book, Madame de Pompadour is beautifully written in a rapid, nervous, gay and enthusiastic manner which carries the reader through from first page to last. Cyril Connolly, review of Madame de Pompadour in the Sunday Times, quoted in The Times (12 March 1954), p. 10 Better than Mme. de Pompadour...a most exhaustive, witty and absorbing account of one of the great love stories of the world. Cyril Connolly, review of Voltaire in Love in the Sunday Times, quoted in The Times (8 November 1957), p. 12 This is history—authentic history—without tears...told with spirit, insight, sympathy and abundant learning. G. P. Gooch, review of Madame de Pompadour in the Daily Telegraphy, quoted in The Times (1 April 1954), p. 8 Brilliantly readable...her scene is illuminated with the sparkle of wit we have learnt to appreciate in her novels. John Lehmann, review of Madame de Pompadour in Broadcasting, quoted in The Times (1 April 1954), p. 8 She presents her characters with all her usual wit and vivacity...her touch never flags. Rose Macaulay, review of Voltaire in Love in the Sunday Times, quoted in The Times (27 February 1958), p. 11 A theme well adapted to her own interest, scholarship and vivacity. A book that will give please to learned and unlearned alike. Harold Nicolson, review of Voltaire in Love in the Observer, quoted in The Times (8 November 1957), p. 12 She was a person who aroused great devotion in those around her. For example, she fell into the habit of staying in Venice most years, going to write in the island of Torcello. I can vouch for the fact that her name, mentioned casually in the bar or restaurant of the Torcello hotel, would arouse an immediate reaction of remembrance and affection among the staff. Anthony Powell, Miscellaneous Verdicts: Writing on Writers 1946–1989 (1990), p. 335 Crammed with diverting detail and full of illuminating portraits...this is one of the most succulent biographies I have read for a very long while. Peter Quennell, review of Madame de Pompadour in the Daily Mail, quoted in The Times (21 April 1954), p. 8 External links Category:1904 births Category:1973 deaths Category:Novelists from England Category:Biographers from England Category:Women authors from England Category:People from London Category:Women journalists from England Category:Women born in the 1900s