John Julius Norwich’s life has reflected an appetite for living, enlivened by a sense of personal theater. Trying to Please is an engaging and amusing memoir that describes a glamorous but vanishing world. From the monasteries on Mt. Athos to a camel trek across the Sahara, the book shows how Norwich’s passions for history, travel, and music have combined with simpler pleasures like friendship and a close family. A remarkable life and a thoroughly enjoyable read.

• The Duff Cooper Diaries: 1915-1951
• Autobiography: 'The Rainbow Comes and Goes', 'The Light of Common Day' and 'Trumpets from the Steep': Rainbow Comes and Goes WITH The Light of Common Da
• Old Men Forget
• Charlotte and Feodora: A troubled mother-daughter relationship in imperial Germany
• Darling Monster: The Letters of Lady Diana Cooper to her Son John Julius Norwich 1939-1952