The Pocket Guide to Scandals of the Aristocracy - Brossura

Often referred to as nobles, this book shows why aristocrats are not really such a noble lot - in reality, they are no different to anyone else. Scandals there are a plenty, covering kidnapping, murder, poisoning, violence, torture, and much, much more. Take the 6th Marquess of Bristol for example - he took part in numerous robberies, was regarded as a criminal mastermind, and was involved in dubious arms deals during the Spanish Civil War. The numerous affairs of the Countess of Warwick created a famous music hall song. Then there was the aristocrat who dressed all his male servants in yellow from head to toe, and yet another who arranged for his wife to be raped. Some interesting and amusing stories among this collection; but compared to earlier volumes in this series it does feel as though it is a bit of a make weight. There are too many filler chapters - who is an aristocrat, lists of stately homes, details of membership of the House of Lords. Hughes would have been off digging up a few more scandals rather than indulging in the filler material. 2 1/2 stars --Monsters and Critics

Andy K. Hughes has worked as a journalist for almost twenty years, working for organisations such as ITN, the BBC and London's LBC Radio; his voice has also been heard on Classic FM in the UK as well as on National Public Radio in the U.S; in addition to this he has also been a regular contributor to several well-known magazines. Andy, who has four sons, studied history at university and lives in High Wycombe with his wife Bridget.