The Yellow Earl: Almost an Emporer, not quite a Gentleman

Good read. An in-depth look at profligacy, excess and arrogance. The Kardashians have nothing on this guy! However, Hugh Lowther, 5th Earl Lonsdale did do good: he initiated the Lonsdale Belt to get illegal boxing off the streets. He instigated the Horse of the Year Show. He created the AA, yes the Automobile Association. Remember those yellow and black phone boxes, AA rescue motorcyclists who saluted as you drove by with an AA badge on your car? Hence the title of the book.

Another life another time. Reading this book you think it must relate to the seventeenth or eighteenth century. Hugh Lowther lived life as if every day was his last. As the book makes clear he did so partly because he had no direct heir, but also because he viewed himself as a almost royalty. His character was complex. He revelled in being lorded as the Lord of a very big manor, on good terms with George V and a man of the turf as well as a keen supporter of boxing. He loved the colour yellow as the reader will discover.

Interesting book, perhaps a little long winded in parts.

A very good read,about an extraordinary gentleman!

Both my husband & nephew were thrilled to receive this & were very interested in this unusual character’s life