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