Rasputin and the downfall of the Romanovs
This has been lately published by Sir Anthony Beevor. But I have found it very difficult to follow mainly because of all the many Russian names which cannot be be readily followed. For this reason alone, absurd though it may appear, I do not recommend this book.
7 hours ago1 min read
Death penalty
The late Enoch Powell pointed out that there was no evidence that the threat of the death penalty reduced the murder rate.
10 hours ago1 min read
Georgette Heyer
Ms Heyer married a mining engineer and lawyer, a Mr Rougier. But my introduction to the family Rougier was through appearing as an expert witness of and for a Mr B, an unpleasant fellow, in the High Court. Sir Richard was very kind to me as I muddled through the misfiled papers given to me by Mr B's lawyers. Nonetheless Mr B won and I like to think that this was because of my efforts in large part. Anyway, a few weeks after the trial I invited Sir Richard to dinner at The Caf
2 days ago1 min read
Flutter
What used to be Betfair is now contemplating leaving the LSE. I am not entirely surprised. HMG has gone about destroying Flutter's UK business and so has Flutter. There used to be a case for Flutter displaying its wares to a UK public but that argument hardly applies when the company itself sets about destroying its business. Written by Simon Cawkwell, May 2026
4 days ago1 min read
