Sassoon: The Worlds of Philip and Sybil

Rating:
Summary: Anglo-Judaic Assimilated Aristocracy
Review: Prof. Stansky writes a very well researched book that most Anglophiles, particularly ones enamored of the aristocracy and politics in the UK circa 1900-1938, will love. One can't blame an author for a not very-likable subject but Sir Philip was clearly a very needy person who compensated for his insecurities by being a brilliant host and spreading around his money lavishly in an effort to be loved. Both he and his sister,
while exceptionally generous and likely kind-hearted, learn at a very early age to try and camoflauge their Judaism. Unlike the Rothschilds, who intermarried as well but were visible leaders of the Jewish community, this Sassoon brother and sister abdicated any kind of role. The book overwhelmingly is focused on Philip, so those wanting more substance about Sybil Sassoon may be disappointed, but the author does ask all the questions a reader my have about what led these two individuals to lead the life they did.