There Were Giants of Old

An enticing text of Genesis referring to the existence of giants in the past is often used of elder statesmen. George Curzon and Lloyd George were such and both have been recently served up more shabbily than admirers wish. Denigration sets the tone of modern biographies if they and their heroes are to be sold.

Lloyd George’s life by the present Earl is unusual, for father is flayed by son Richard. Flayed morally is the only description for an exposure of illegitimates and concubines, one of whom became the great man’s widow. The excuse is that the son is avenging his mother, who was wife before the widower married his secretary. Excitement began early in the career of a statesman who was fortunate to find immorality passed over in Wales which would have sunk Parnell early in life. As a child Richard protested against his father with “Don’t hurt Mamie!” and these pathetic words seem to excuse the book. As brutal realism this is the best of biographies. Absolutely nothing is hidden or buried. No doubt the sordid background brings out the brilliant life. Lloyd George feared neither God nor man, according to his son, who must have been nettled by something more than his mother’s dishonor. Possibly he was disinherited? He has committed what is called the “Sin of Ham,” who we remember spoke unkindly of Father Noah.

SL

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Sir Shane Leslie

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An enticing text of Genesis referring to the existence of giants in the past is often used of elder statesmen. George Curzon and Lloyd George were such and both have been recently served up more shabbily than admirers wish. Denigration sets the tone of modern biographies if they and their heroes are to be sold.

Lloyd George’s life by the present Earl is unusual, for father is flayed by son Richard. Flayed morally is the only description for an exposure of illegitimates and concubines, one of whom became the great man’s widow. The excuse is that the son is avenging his mother, who was wife before the widower married his secretary. Excitement began early in the career of a statesman who was fortunate to find immorality passed over in Wales which would have sunk Parnell early in life. As a child Richard protested against his father with “Don’t hurt Mamie!” and these pathetic words seem to excuse the book. As brutal realism this is the best of biographies. Absolutely nothing is hidden or buried. No doubt the sordid background brings out the brilliant life. Lloyd George feared neither God nor man, according to his son, who must have been nettled by something more than his mother’s dishonor. Possibly he was disinherited? He has committed what is called the “Sin of Ham,” who we remember spoke unkindly of Father Noah.