The Cliveden Set: Portrait of an Exclusive Fraternity

The Cliveden Set's pedigree was impeccable, and its social standing beyond reproach. Its persuasive powers permeated the clubs and institutions of London, the corridors of Oxbridge colleges, the pages of the quality press, and the great country houses of England. Its proceedings were conducted at Cliveden, the fabled country estate of Nancy and Waldorf Astor. Suddenly, in the late 1930s, this distinguished group was catapulted into notoriety. It had been identified as a cabal that sought to manipulate, even determine, British foreign policy. It would use any means—even negotiate a dishonorable settlement with Nazi Germany—to maintain its privileges, those of a decaying ruling class. But was the Cliveden Set a traitorous cabal or simply a think-tank of harmless do-gooders? Norman Rose probes this fascinating story, brilliantly setting this privileged clique in the wider perspective of its times.