Peers and Plebs

First published in 1975, Peers and Plebs is about the rise and fall of two families, one aristocratic and the other plebian of origin. It forms a microcosm of a small section of social history during sixty important years, 1878-1938. It shows how British society, though veined with snobbery, has remained fluid enough to adapt itself to change and necessity without, so far, a violent revolution. The author wittily reveals how this was achieved: how when it came to the nitty-gritty no class has been afraid to marry into another, despite snobbery or even religious prejudice. This book will be of interest to students of history and literature.

Madeleine Bingham

Foreword Acknowledgements and Bibliography Genealogical Tables 1. Fanfare for a Victorian Marriage 2. A Mixed Bag of Forbears 3. A More Elevated Society 4. 'Getting On' in Peace and War 5. England, Home and Beauty 6. At the Convent 7. Have Coronet - Will Travel 8. Our Galleries at West Halkin Street 9. Mademoiselle du Couvent 10. Public Schoolboy - Go Anywhere 11. Interlude for Music 12. The Sordid World of Commerce 13. Unmeaningful Relationships 14. The Reporter and the Typist 15. A Catholic at the Castle 16. The Street of Ink and Uncertainty