A VERY ENGLISH SCANDAL

The TV drama starred Hugh Grant and Ben Whishaw in an adaptation of this page-turning political thriller of sex, lies and a murder plot at the heart of the establishment. It is the gripping real life story of a British politician accused of trying to murder his secret male lover. While Jeremy Thorpe served as an MP and Leader of the Liberal Party in the 1960s and 70s, his bad behaviour went under the radar. Police and politicians alike colluded to protect one of their own, and his homosexual affairs and harassment of past partners, along with his propensity for lying and embezzlement, only escalated as he evaded punishment. Until a dark night on the moor with an ex-lover, a dog, and a hired gun led to consequences that even his charm and power couldn't help him escape. Dubbed the 'Trial of the Century', Thorpe's climactic case at the Old Bailey in London was the first time that a leading British politician had stood trial on a murder charge, and the first time a prominent public figure had been exposed as a philandering gay man, in an era when homosexuality had only just become legal. It is an entertaining mix of tragedy and farce involving people in high and low places which has been named one of 10 Best History Books in 2016. We have discovered this paperback edition, first time discounted, 340pp, photos.