Harold Acton (1904–1994)

References I saw to this book invariably commented on its apposite title. I was aware that Acton wrote it as a condition of getting his poetry published. But it started out so well that I was led to believe that this was an underappreciated gem whose merit I alone had spotted. Alas, all went pear about half way through. Acton apparently ran out of plot and contented himself with portraits, no doubt recognisable, of the usual BYT party-goers. Writing remains sharp and stylish but adds up to nothing much. Disappointing.… (meer)

It is perhaps understandable that Acton wished to complete the work begun in his admirably entertaining The Bourbons of Naples, 1734-1825 but the subjects of this volume are just too dull to justify this detailed 500+ page account. With the belated exception of the last Queen they are all none-too-bright and charisma-free, with personal lives of the dullest bourgeois respectability. Acton’s style is of course erudite and witty, and given that history is normally written by the winners it is interesting to see a less-than-heroic portrait of Garibaldi. But I am reminded of the book report on an ornithological work allegedly given by a little girl: “This book told me more than I wanted to know about penguins.” If we substitute the word “Bourbons” that about sums it up.… (meer)