«A charming, imaginative and elegantly written memoir of his adventures in central Europe»

Victor Sebestyen, Evening Standard

«A gem of a book ... a charming and engaging memoir of a world now gone»

Clovis Meath Baker, Standpoint

«If Oscar Wilde was correct that "history is gossip," then Bassett serves up a delicious cocktail of the very best kind-polite, learned, and insightful, merely leavened with touches of history and geopolitics, making one thirsty for more. ... A memoir can breathe life into history, and this is indeed Bassett's achievement as he breathes new life into shattered kingdoms, their now-moldering cast of characters, and all of the fascinating stories that would otherwise vanish with them.»

Kevin J. McNamara, Kirk Centre

«With these vivid, wistful memoirs, he joins the great chroniclers of Europe - the Prousts, Zweigs, Lampedusas, Leigh-Fermors and Bassanis»

Economist