The Legacy: A Memoir: One family's role in Britain's cover-ups

In her memoir, Jean Barr explores the life of her great-great-uncle Alexander, an evangelical Presbyterian minister in late nineteenth-century Italy, uncovering the cover-ups in Britain's history of Empire and revealing the ingenious ways in which a handful of families continue to shore up their wealth. She reveals a series of marriages that placed Alexander within shouting distance of a network of powerful families, enabling him to flourish in Italy and become a cheerleader for a dictator.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 28 November 2022
Publisher: The Book Guild Ltd

Jean Barr, in the captivating memoir "The Legacy: A Memoir," delves into the intricate tapestry of her great-great-uncle Alexander's life as an evangelical Presbyterian minister in late nineteenth-century Italy. With a keen eye for detail, Barr unravels the secrets of Britain's history of Empire, shedding light on the hidden narratives that have shaped the nation's past. Through her meticulous research, she unveils the ingenious yet ordinary ways in which a handful of families, even today, continue to safeguard their wealth, preserving their legacy for generations to come.

Barr's journey takes her deep into the heart of Italy, where she uncovers a series of marriages that placed Alexander within striking distance of a network of powerful families, whose influence extended across generations. These families, known for their unwaveringpersistence in hoarding land and capital, played a pivotal role in shaping Alexander's extraordinary life. Their enduring presence enabled him to flourish in Italy, and in his final years, he became a fervent supporter of a dictator, a testament to the enduring power of family ties and the complexities of history.

"The Legacy: A Memoir" is a captivating blend of family history and world history, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of personal and collective narratives. Barr's storytelling is rich in detail, painting a vivid portrait of her great-great-uncle Alexander and the intricate web of relationships that surrounded him. Through her memoir, she invites readers to explore the legacy of wealth, power, and influence that has shaped Britain's history and continues to resonate in the present day.

Weight: 388g
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781915352392