Henry 'Chips' Channon: The Diaries (Volume 2): 1938-43

The second volume of Chips Channon's diaries, covering the period from the Munich Agreement to the Second World War, provides a fascinating insight into British politics and society in the 1930s. Channon was an eye-witness to many key events, and his diaries offer a unique perspective on the period. The volume includes encounters with famous figures such as Noël Coward, Prince Philip, and General de Gaulle, as well as personal reflections on his marriage and his friendship with a young officer.

Format: Hardback
Length: 1120 pages
Publication date: 09 September 2021
Publisher: Cornerstone

The remarkable, Sunday Times bestselling diaries of Henry Chips Channon continue in this second volume, taking readers on a journey through British politics and high society at the end of the 1930s. A masterpiece, this time machine transports readers back to a pivotal period in history, offering an uncensored and unvarnished glimpse into the thoughts of one of the greatest diarists of the 20th century.

Robert Harris, in his review of the book, hailed it as a "masterpiece," describing it as a "time machine that transports the reader back to British politics and high society at the end of the 1930s." He further praised Channon's "uncensored, unvarnished thought," calling him one of the greatest diarists of the 20th century.

The diaries offer an unparalleled guide to the social and political life of Britain in the first half of the 20th century. The Times praised them as "Books of the Year," while the New Statesman described them as "fascinating." The Daily Mail exclaimed, "Never a dull day, never a dull sentence."

The second volume of the diaries takes readers from the aftermath of the Munich agreement, when Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain was widely admired for his role in averting a general European conflagration, to the rapid unravelling of appeasement. Channon was present as events unfolded, serving as an eye-witness to the political battles and the unfolding of the war.

In May 1940, as Chamberlain fought for his political life, Channon reassured him, offering words of support and encouragement. A few months later, he had the opportunity to chat with Winston Churchill as the two men inspected the bombed-out chamber of the House of Commons. From his desk at the Foreign Office, Channon charted the progress of the war, providing insights into the decisions and strategies being made by the government.

However, Channon's life would undergo a significant change with the departure of his boss, Rab Butler, to the Ministry of Education, and his subsequent exclusion from the corridors of power. This shift in circumstances would alter the preoccupations and tone of the diaries, as Channon became more focused on personal matters and his observations of the war.

The conduct of the war remained a constant theme throughout the diaries, but Channon also delved into more personal preoccupations. He reflected on his relationships with friends and colleagues, his thoughts on politics and society, and his experiences of life in the diplomatic corps.

The diaries provide a unique and intimate glimpse into the life of a prominent figure in British politics and society during a pivotal period. They offer a window into the minds of those who shaped the course of history, and their words continue to resonate with readers today.

In conclusion, this second volume of the bestselling diaries of Henry Chips Channon is a masterpiece that transports readers back to a critical period in British history. With his uncensored and unvarnished thought, Channon offers an unparalleled guide to the social and political life of Britain in the first half of the 20th century. The diaries are a testament to his talent as a diarist and his ability to capture the essence of a moment in time. Whether you are interested in politics, history, or simply want to explore the thoughts of a remarkable individual, this book is a must-read.

Weight: 1888g
Dimension: 173 x 242 x 72 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781786331823