Friday, November 16, 2007

Fascinating Lives

Two obituaries worth reading: Elizabeth Nel (subject link), who was the last surviving personal secretary who worked for Winston Churchill during World War II; and Monty Westmore, a member of Hollywood's legendary family of makeup artists.

Nel and Westmore were relatively little-known yet significant contributors to two very different areas of 20th Century history. What interesting lives they led.

4 Comments:

Blogger Dana said...

Laura, thanks so much for linking to Elizabeth Nel's obit. I will be ordering the book. And you are so right, what a fascinating life.

I can only imagine the richness of history and conversation she had when dining with Mrs. Thatcher. What admirable women, those two!

1:36 PM  
Blogger Laura said...

Loved the way Churchill greeted her on VE Day: "Well, the war's over, you have played your part."

For those who are interested, here is a link to Nel's book, WINSTON CHURCHILL BY HIS PERSONAL SECRETARY. Should be a great read.

The Cabinet War Rooms is one of the sites we most enjoyed when we visited London in the late '80s...

Best wishes,
Laura

1:46 PM  
Blogger jau said...

And they are exactly why reading obituaries can be so enthralling because how else to learn about vital people like these? Thank you so much for mentioning them - I will mention them on just muttering by myself, too. Thanks again!

2:13 PM  
Blogger Laura said...

I agree. I love the interesting "slices of history" one can glean from reading obituaries.

London's Daily Telegraph, which published the Nel story, is one of my favorite places to read obituaries.

Best wishes,
Laura

2:26 PM  

Post a Comment

<< Home

Newer›  ‹Older