THIS biography of Swallows and Amazons author Arthur Ransome has caused media controversy because of its claim that he was a double agent, spying for both the Russians and the British.
But the evidence in Roland Chambers’s book is neither as dramatic nor as sinister as the headlines might suggest.
Nonetheless, the book includes an intriguing account of the Russian period of Ransome’s life during which he witnessed the Bolshevik revolution at first hand and fell in love with Trotsky’s private secretary.
This is an eminently readable book about a man who was at the heart of an astounding period of early 20th century history, but who later preferred a much quieter life in his beloved Lake District.
THE LAST ENGLISHMAN: Roland Chambers, Faber and Faber, £20
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here