The Secret Life of the Savoy cover art

The Secret Life of the Savoy

and the D'Oyly Carte family

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The Secret Life of the Savoy

By: Olivia Williams
Narrated by: Sophie Roberts
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In 1889, Victorian impresario Richard D'Oyly Carte opened The Savoy, Britain's first luxury hotel. Allowing the rich to live like royalty, it attracted glamour, scandal and a cast of eccentric characters, with the D'Oyly Carte family elevated to a unique vantage point on high society.

The Secret Life of the Savoy will tell their story through three generations: Richard (the founder, who died in the same year as Queen Victoria), Rupert (a moderniser who saw the hotel through two world wars and the roaring twenties), and Bridget (a Queen-like figure who was one of mid-20th century Britain's wealthiest women).

The book will explore their rollercoaster achievements, lifestyles and private lives, through the prism of this iconic hotel and its many distinguished guests - from Oscar Wilde to the Beatles.

(P)2020 Headline Publishing Group Ltd©2020 Olivia Williams Europe Great Britain Political Science Politics & Government Royalty
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Critic reviews

A thoroughly entertaining account of some of London's most treasured history, with its beloved The Savoy at the heart of a fascinating and delightful plot. Bravo to Olivia Williams and her fantastically colourful cast of characters.
An elegantly crafted, yet spritely and sparkling book, perfectly befitting its subject. Williams uses group biography to beautifully illuminate some of London's greatest hotel and theatre landmarks.
A cracking good read and a fascinating story that - amazingly - has not been told before.
A feast of gloriously eccentric and compelling characters... a veritable cornucopia of explanations and clarifications... endlessly compelling.
This is a fascinating story, and it could not be better told. Elegant, great fun, and with a finely-judged personal touch: much like the Savoy hotel itself.
Williams writes with authority and style, making her ideal to chronicle the story of the Savoy.
The story of how one family's vision shaped not only a British institution but the very idea of luxury. From Belle Epoque scandals to Hollywood gossip, and from kitchen politics to corporate swashbuckling, Williams' writing is deliciously alive with the type of behind-the-scenes drama that will transport you back in time.
A new book by Olivia Williams is to be welcomed as a reminder that "at their height", the D'Oyly Cartes ranked as "the greatest impresarios and hoteliers in the world" - as dynamic, innovative and powerful in their way as any of today's media dynasties.
Whether it's The Beatles being blocked from entry or Marilyn Monroe sipping tea in a daring dress, London's Savoy Hotel has seen its share of intrigue and controversy for more than a century. Olivia Williams reveals its most decadent moments.
From Churchill to the real 007 via the suffragettes - an unbelievable reel of secrets is revealed
A transportive story
This sumptuous book offers a delicious insight
Delves into the 5 star hotel's illustrious history, from Oscar Wilde's weekly £6,000 bills to whisky heir Thomas Dewar's 40 YEAR stay
A real triumph, beautifully written, with many wonderful stories of the Savoy
A remarkable biography
A fascinating glimpse into the past. . . Williams' biography is informative and hugely entertaining, painting a deliciously decadent picture of the glamour, theatre and scandal that surrounded the D'Oyly Cartes.
All stars
Most relevant
Not just a hotel but a family life a fascinating insight to an entrepreneur and his rise to fortune and fame. Heartache and fortune it would make a great film but who would believe it?

Fascinating insight to an interesting family

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This is a great book, going through all the history and people running and staying at the Savoy Hotel. Also festinating history of the family who owned it.

I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone interested in historic London.

Fantastic historical book

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Sophie Roberts is brilliant as the narrator, I could have listened to her all day especially during pronunciations in French. I literally couldn’t wait to listen to this every day on my daily dog walk. Great historical information making me want to visit and explore much of the areas around London and beyond that we’re mentioned. Great book!!

Thoroughly enjoyable!

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I found the book interesting in that it gives a detailed history of the D’Orly Carte family and the establishment of the G&S Opera company and the setting up and running of the Savoy Theatre, hotel and other hotels within the group. However the vocal performance lacked energy and felt a bit flat throughout.

Interesting if you’re a G&S fan

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