Whispering Gallery: Leaves from a Diplomat's Diary

by Hesketh Pearson

First published in 1926, this celebrated hoax became an immediate bestseller--and the subject of a famous court case. The originally anonymous author put forth delicious, intimate recollections of his friends and acquaintances in the highest social and diplomatic circles all across Europe. From the "Napoleon of Fleet Street" to warriors, empire builders, and despots (Lenin and Mussolini), these hilarious and illuminating descriptions actually revealed how these movers and shakers manipulated the public and their associates alike. "One of the most audacious literary confidence tricks of the twentieth century."--Michael Holroyd.

Genres: History

258 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1926

About the author

Edward Hesketh Gibbons Pearson was an English actor, theatre director and writer. He is known mainly for his biographies; they made him the leading British biographer of his time, in terms of commercial success.