Smooth Operator

The life and times of Cyril Lakin, editor, broadcaster and politician

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Pub Date 01 May 2022 | Archive Date 17 Dec 2021

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Description

From a humble background in Barry, where his father was a butcher and local politician in the formative years of the new town, Cyril Lakin studied at Oxford, survived the First World War, and went on to become a Fleet Street editor, radio presenter, and war-time member of parliament. As literary editor of both the Daily Telegraph and the Sunday Times, Lakin was at the centre of a vibrant and radical generation of writers, poets, and critics, many of whom he recruited as reviewers. He gained a parliamentary seat and served in the National Government during World War II. The different worlds he inhabited, from Wales to Westminster, and across class, profession, and party, were facilitated by his relaxed disposition, convivial company, and ability to cultivate influential contacts. An effective talent-spotter and catalyst for new projects, he preferred pragmatism over ideology and non-partisanship in politics: a moderate Conservative for modern times.

From a humble background in Barry, where his father was a butcher and local politician in the formative years of the new town, Cyril Lakin studied at Oxford, survived the First World War, and went on...


Advance Praise

The crown prince of the Sunday Times, who had winning ways, and was handsome, like a milder version of Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes…”

Leonard Russell


‘ This... exciting biography rescues James Klugmann from the condescension of posterity... ’

Donald Sassoon, author of One Hundred Years of Socialism

A well-written and thought-provoking account.’

Alan Judd, Literary Review

‘ Compelling... Geoff Andrews’s research is extensive and exemplary.’

Morning Star

The crown prince of the Sunday Times, who had winning ways, and was handsome, like a milder version of Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes…”

Leonard Russell


‘ This... exciting biography rescues James...


Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781913640187
PRICE $30.00 (USD)
PAGES 350

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