Princes under the volcano

The 'Princes' of the title are Anglo-Saxon merchant princes in Sicily who arrived at the time of Nelson when it was virtually a British colony, and who rose to heights of luxury and esteem on a par with the Lampedusas (who also feature in the book).

This incomparably beautiful island has its famous volcano, but was subject to eruptions from revolutions, earthquakes, cholera epidemics, bandits and the Mafia.

Based on unpublished letters, diaries and papers, many of great historical interest, the story begins with the discovery of Marsala wine by Benjamin Ingham, an irascible tycoon from Leeds who wielded immense power and made huge profits out of interests in America (including land in Manhattan).

The next stage moves on to the the period of the Belle Epoque when Palermo was at its most fashionable and ambitious hostess, Tina Whitaker, married to Ingham's great-nephew.

She knew Wagner, Mussolini, the Kaiser and Edward VII, Empress Eugenie and Queen Mary.

Attracted by homosexual company, she unwittingly found herself in a circle involved in the Irish Crown Jewels scandal.

First published in 1972. This edition contains a new introduction.