The Sitwells and the Arts of the 1920s and 1930s

Edith, Osbert, and Sacheverell Sitwell often promoted themselves or denounced their enemy, the Philistine. Unconventional and aristocratic, they were bold, talented, and provocative, making them media targets. This book celebrates their lives and artistic crusade, which brought them into contact with key figures of the early 20th century, including Gertrude Stein, T.S. Eliot, Dylan Thomas, and Evelyn Waugh, while clashing with enemies like Wyndham Lewis, Noel Coward, and D.H. Lawrence.
It starts with their childhood at Renishaw in Derbyshire and their eccentric parents, Sir George and Lady Ida. The book follows them to London’s Bloomsbury and Paris’ art scene, their involvement with the Russian ballet, early literary ventures, and collaboration with composer William Walton on Facade.
In 1925, Sacheverell married Georgia Doble, leading to the breakup of the trio. The final chapters cover their individual lives, friendships, successes, and continuing battles.