Geordie Greig Book order

For ten years Geordie Greig was among a very small group of friends who regularly met Lucian Freud for breakfast at Clarke's restaurant on Kensington Church Street. Over tea and the morning papers, Freud would recount stories of his past and discuss art. It was, in effect, Freud's private salon. In this kaleidoscopic memoir, Greig remembers Freud's stories: of death threats; escaping from Nazi Germany; falling out with his brother Clement; loathing his mother; painting David Hockney; sleeping with horses; escaping the Krays; painting the Queen; his controversial role as a father; and why Velazquez was the greatest painter. It is revelatory about his art, his lovers, his children, his enemies and his love of gambling. Freud dared never to do dull, speaking candidly of dancing with Garbo as well as painting Kate Moss naked

"A treasure trove that throws new and entertaining light" on the friendship between the WWII-era king and the man who inspired The King's Speech (The Times, London). Louis Greig, a war hero and rugby international, entered the privileged world of the British royal family as mentor, physician, and friend to a young and hesitant Prince Albert, the man who became King George VI and whose challenges were so vividly brought to life in the award-winning film The King's Speech. Greig's influence helped to guide the prince from a stammering, shy schoolboy to become one of the most respected constitutional monarchs, seeing the nation through the Second World War and bringing the monarchy closer to the people. Geordie Greig, grandson of Louis Greig, has drawn on private family papers and public archives to reveal an intimate friendship that lasted almost half a century.

"A memoir about the author's relationship with renowned painter Lucian Freud that includes interviews with many close friends and family members as well as critical analyses of Freud's art"--Provided by publisher.

The King Maker is the unlikely yet fascinating story of a powerful friendship between a Scottish naval surgeon and the future King George VI.