The inevitable clash between a penniless British aristocracy, its depleted estates & decaying values with the tidal wave of social changes that hit postwar England is at the center of this delightful journey through the difficult transformation of a nation and its stunning rebirth from the ashes of a long and painful conflict. Teeming with delicious anecdotes & unforgettable portraits, this book is a glorious tapestry of British social life and customs during the second part of the 20th century. A trip to be enjoyed without any moderation!

Many thanks to Netgalley and Perseus for this wonderful ARC

I have so many books on the topic of the country house. This one is really exciting and extremely informative. A must read!

Noble Ambitions: The Fall and Rise of the English Country House After World War II by Adrian Tinniswood is a great nonfictional account of the life, times, and societal shifts of not only the stately " English country homes", but also of English society in general.

I really enjoyed being able to have the objective to stand and look back at the place in history at this specific time where there was a monumental tipping point of societal shift in society within Great Britain s/p WWII. It was interesting to see how looking at estates and homes and their transitions, we can also look at how the country's people, its priorities, and standards also changed. It is a window into a long-lasting transition.

The author clearly has done the research and has presented a well-thought out book depicting all of these changes, the reasoning, and the far-outstretching outcomes. Enjoyable read.

4/5 stars

Thank you NG and Basic Books for this arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon and B&N accounts upon publication.