A Very English Scandal by John Preston Summary
Overview of A Very English Scandal
Jeremy Thorpe's political downfall - dubbed "Trial of the Century" - exposes shocking homophobia and establishment corruption in 1970s Britain. Adapted into Hugh Grant's acclaimed BBC series, this page-turning true crime thriller reveals how far powerful men will go to hide their secrets.
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A Politician's Fatal Charm: The Rise of Jeremy Thorpe
In the shadow of Big Ben, Jeremy Thorpe cut a dazzling figure in 1960s British politics. With his velvet-collared cashmere overcoats, Savile Row suits, and trademark brown bowler hat, he wasn't just another politician-he was a spectacle. The youngest party leader in Parliament at just 36, Thorpe possessed an almost supernatural gift for remembering constituents' names, their children's ages, and their personal concerns years after meeting them. This charisma propelled him to leadership of Britain's Liberal Party, where he promised to lead "as ruthlessly as Lloyd George." Yet beneath this carefully crafted public persona lurked dangerous secrets. In an era when homosexuality remained a criminal offense, Thorpe confided to fellow MP Peter Bessell over dinner in the near-empty Members' Dining Room: "Peter, we're nothing but a pair of old queens." He admitted being "80 percent gay"-a revelation that could instantly destroy his political career if made public. What made Thorpe truly remarkable was his clinical ability to compartmentalize his life. He could transition seamlessly from charming rural voters to coldly calculating the elimination of threats to his career. This psychological duality would eventually lead to his spectacular downfall when his most dangerous secret-a young stable hand named Norman Josiffe-refused to remain hidden.
A Political Scandal: The Relationship That Changed History
The Reluctant Conspirator: Bessell's Descent
From Scandal to Murder: The Desperate Escalation
The Unraveling: When Silence Breaks
Justice on Trial: The Establishment Protects Its Own
The Price of Power: Broken Lives and Lasting Legacy
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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
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