Mountbatten

by Brian Hoey

Lord Louis Mountbatten accepted the Japanese surrender in 1945, was the last Viceroy of India, and was murdered by the IRA. Behind the public acclaim which his wartime achievements brought him, he had vanity and a controversial lifestyle. He had influential connections with the Royal Family but made many enemies, including Winston Churchill, who never forgave him for his part in "giving away India", while courtiers in the Royal Household disliked him for his arrogance and interference. Both Mountbatten and his wife were widely known to have had numerous affairs, but this was rarely spoken of outside their circle. He was an egotistical man, fascinated by Royalty and his own relationship to the Royal Family, and delighted in being seen with celebrities. His biographer, Brian Hoey, knew Mountbatten for ten years and interviewed him on radio and television. Hoey talked to many in the Royal Household, and also to Prince Philip, Prince Michael of Kent and King Constantine of Greece about their memories of Mountbatten. Both of Mountbatten's daughters, and his grandchildren also agreed to speak.

Genres: Biography

298 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 22, 1994

About the author

Brian Hoey is one of the united Kingdom's best informed royal chroniclers. He has written a wide variety of books on the royal family.

He was one of the BBC's first television newscasters and has been a writer and broadcaster for over 40 years at 2002.

He lives in South Wales with his wife and the couple have three grown-up children.

Reviews

[Gail · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn’t expect a full-blown, heavily annotated biography here.
I did, however, expect more than a poorly organized set of anecdotes in which the author is far more interested in dropping famous names than in presenting a picture of Lord Mountbatten the man.
This is a sadly disappointing book that would have been better represented as an extended piece from Entertainment Weekly. (Which is fine, but not a biography.)

[Chrissie Boyer]

I have started Mountbatten by Brian Hoey. I am not so sure I will finish it - the literary style is poor and there are some grammatical errors. What is "clambouring"? Also it mentions the Governor General of the Isle of Wight. It is just Governor. I find mistakes like that spoil a book for me - what other mistakes can are there in his research??
He is also quite gushing about the rich and famous.

[Sue Maycock · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not really very impressed with this book. Found myself actively disliking Mountbatten as a result of it. No illustrations and very repetative.

[Philip Grimes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprisingly Good

This book showed the human side of Mountbatten and I was surprised to find that I felt sorry for him.

[JAH]

Unvarnished with more than a ring of truth. If you enjoy bios of people who have very much shaped history, I highly recommend.

[Teresa Vines · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed

[David A. Devine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mountbatten

Concise review of a large topic. Provides a good feel of Lord Mountbatten the person, while providing context to his many accomplishments.

A worthy read.

[jean sargent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant read there was I lot I didn’t know about him it was very interesting

[Jodee Moline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Personal Bio?

So often discussing vanity as his paramount flaw, but not including a single photograph of his legendary riveting stature and handsome face??