Smooth Operator: The life and times of Cyril Lakin, editor, broadcaster and politician

Cyril Lakin was a Fleet Street editor, radio presenter, and war-time member of parliament who came from a humble background in Barry. He was at the center of a vibrant and radical generation of writers, poets, and critics and was a talent-spotter and catalyst for new projects.

Format: Hardback
Length: 350 pages
Publication date: 01 October 2021
Publisher: Parthian Books

Cyril Lakin, born in Barry, a modest town, with his father serving as a butcher and local politician during the formative years of the new town, embarked on a remarkable journey. He pursued his education at Oxford, enduring the harrowing realities of the First World War, and ultimately found himself at the helm of a Fleet Street editorial position, as well as a radio presenter and wartime member of parliament. Lakin's literary prowess shone as the literary editor of both the Daily Telegraph and the Sunday Times, where he played a pivotal role in nurturing a vibrant and radical generation of writers, poets, and critics. Many of these individuals were recruited as reviewers under his guidance. His influence extended beyond the realm of literature, as he secured a parliamentary seat and served in the National Government during World War II.

Lakin's life was a tapestry of diverse experiences, traversing the worlds of Walworth to Westminster, and across class, profession, and party lines. His relaxed disposition, affable company, and remarkable ability to cultivate influential contacts facilitated his seamless navigation through these various realms. As a talent-spotter and catalyst for new projects, Lakin valued pragmatism over ideology and non-partisanship in politics, aligning himself with a moderate Conservative perspective for the modern era. His multifaceted career and remarkable journey serve as a testament to the enduring impact of education, determination, and a willingness to embrace the complexities of a changing world.

Weight: 510g
Dimension: 144 x 222 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913640187