Summer In February

Description

Sir Alfred Munnings, retiring President of the Royal Academy, chooses the 1949 Annual Banquet to launch a savage attack on Modern Art. The effect of his diatribe is doubly shocking, leaving not only his distinguished audience gasping but also many people tuning in to the BBC's live radio broadcast. But as he approaches the end of his assault, the speech suddenly dissolves into incoherence when he stumbles over a name - a name he normally takes such pains to avoid - that takes him back forty years to a special time and a special place. Summer in February is a disturbing and moving re-creation of a celebrated Edwardian artistic community enjoying the last days of a golden age soon to be shattered by war. As resonant and understated as The Go-Between, it is a love story of beauty, deprivation and tragedy.

Jonathan Smith was educated at St John's College Cambridge and has subsequently been a schoomaster in Scotland, Australia and Tonbridge. He has also established a reputation as a distinguished radio dramatist.

'an engrossing and surprisingly dark novel...' SUNDAY TELEGRAPH 'This is a book rich in incident and richer still in its subtle and intricate analysis of emotional depths. It is also a meticulous re-creation of artistic life near the beginning of this century.' THE TIMES 'Imaginative.' DAILY MIRROR 'Subtle and affecting, a tender Edwardian love story.' GOOD HOUSEKEEPING 'Jonathan Smith, whose detailed historical research included first-hand help from surviving family members, shows a masterly gift for storytelling. His latest book is a wonderfully absorbing and moving read- the more so for being based upon historical fact. Highly recommended.' HOME AND COUNTRY