Page "Hugh Walpole" Paragraph 84

The first, in 1952, was written by Rupert Hart-Davis, who had known Walpole personally.

It was regarded at the time as " among the half dozen best biographies of the century " and has been reissued several times since its first publication.

Writing, as he was, when homosexuality was still outlawed in England, Hart-Davis avoided direct mention of his subject's sexuality, so respecting Walpole's habitual discretion and the wishes of his brother and sister.

He left readers to read between the lines if they wished, in, for example, references to Turkish baths " providing informal opportunities of meeting interesting strangers ".

Hart-Davis dedicated the book to " Dorothy, Robin and Harold ", Walpole's sister, brother, and long-term companion.