Banker, Traitor, Scapegoat, Spy?

The Troublesome Case of Sir Edgar Speyer

Biography & Memoir, Historical
Cover of the book Banker, Traitor, Scapegoat, Spy? by Antony Lentin, Haus Publishing
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Antony Lentin ISBN: 9781908323170
Publisher: Haus Publishing Publication: April 16, 2013
Imprint: Haus Publishing Language: English
Author: Antony Lentin
ISBN: 9781908323170
Publisher: Haus Publishing
Publication: April 16, 2013
Imprint: Haus Publishing
Language: English

Sir Edgar Speyer was a conspicuous figure in the financial, cultural, social and political life of Edwardian London. Head of the syndicate which financed the construction of the deep "tube lines" and "King of the Underground", he was also a connoisseur and active patron of the arts who rescued the "Prom" from collapse, enhanced the nation's musical and artistic life at his own expense and directed the funding of Captain Scott's Antarctic expeditions. Speyer and his wife, the concert violinist, Leonora Speyer lived in fabulously magnificent style. Early in the early summer of 1914 they stood at the peak of their success and celebrity in London society. Within weeks, on the outbreak of war, they became pariahs, objects of suspicion and aversion. Despite having been a naturalised British citizen for over 20 years and an ubiquitous public benefactor, Speyer found himself ostracised by society and mercilessly harried by the Northcliffe press. Under the Aliens Act of 1918, Speyer was summoned in 1921 before a judicial enquiry which found him guilty of disloyalty and disaffection and of communicating and trading with the enemy. He was stripped of his citizenship and membership of the Privy Council. Pilloried by The Times as a traitor, Speyer vehemently denied the charges, but he never returned to England thereafter and never forgot his ordeal.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Sir Edgar Speyer was a conspicuous figure in the financial, cultural, social and political life of Edwardian London. Head of the syndicate which financed the construction of the deep "tube lines" and "King of the Underground", he was also a connoisseur and active patron of the arts who rescued the "Prom" from collapse, enhanced the nation's musical and artistic life at his own expense and directed the funding of Captain Scott's Antarctic expeditions. Speyer and his wife, the concert violinist, Leonora Speyer lived in fabulously magnificent style. Early in the early summer of 1914 they stood at the peak of their success and celebrity in London society. Within weeks, on the outbreak of war, they became pariahs, objects of suspicion and aversion. Despite having been a naturalised British citizen for over 20 years and an ubiquitous public benefactor, Speyer found himself ostracised by society and mercilessly harried by the Northcliffe press. Under the Aliens Act of 1918, Speyer was summoned in 1921 before a judicial enquiry which found him guilty of disloyalty and disaffection and of communicating and trading with the enemy. He was stripped of his citizenship and membership of the Privy Council. Pilloried by The Times as a traitor, Speyer vehemently denied the charges, but he never returned to England thereafter and never forgot his ordeal.

More books from Haus Publishing

Cover of the book Cinnamon by Antony Lentin
Cover of the book Kidnapped Nation by Antony Lentin
Cover of the book Rommel by Antony Lentin
Cover of the book Sybil Thorndike by Antony Lentin
Cover of the book Skidoo by Antony Lentin
Cover of the book Commons and Lords by Antony Lentin
Cover of the book Bealport by Antony Lentin
Cover of the book Bel Canto Bully by Antony Lentin
Cover of the book Stealing with the Eyes by Antony Lentin
Cover of the book Seeking Provence by Antony Lentin
Cover of the book Hashemites by Antony Lentin
Cover of the book Asquith by Antony Lentin
Cover of the book My House in Damascus by Antony Lentin
Cover of the book Ascension to Death by Antony Lentin
Cover of the book Pants on Fire: Leaving My Marriage to a Sex Addict and My Journey back to Me by Antony Lentin
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy