Cold Cream: My Early Life and Other Mistakes

Cold Cream is a memoir by British writer and political commentator Ferdinand Mount chronicling his early life through his years at Oxford and into his career as a journalist. The book takes its title from Mount's lifelong habit of using cold cream on his face, a practice inherited from his mother. The narrative follows Mount's path through England's elite educational institutions and his entry into London's literary circles in the 1950s and 60s. His accounts include encounters with notable figures in British politics and literature, offering perspectives on post-war British society and culture. Mount examines his family relationships, particularly with his mother and his cousin Mary Fleming, while documenting his evolution as a writer and political thinker. His story encompasses experiences at Eton, Oxford, and various London publications where he worked as a journalist and editor. The memoir presents an insider's view of British upper-class life while exploring themes of social mobility, family loyalty, and the intersection of personal and political identity in mid-twentieth century Britain. Through his personal story, Mount illustrates broader cultural shifts in post-war British society.

Most readers note the memoir offers intimate glimpses into British upper-class life and politics through Mount's experiences at Eton, Oxford, and as Margaret Thatcher's speechwriter. Readers liked: - The self-deprecating humor and wit - Behind-the-scenes details about Conservative Party politics - Vivid portrayals of eccentric family members - Rich descriptions of post-war British society Common criticisms: - Too many names and family connections to keep track of - The upper-class focus feels inaccessible to some - Pacing slows in later chapters about political years Average ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (42 ratings) Amazon UK: 4.1/5 (28 reviews) Reader quote: "Mount writes with grace and humor about a vanished world of privilege, but never takes himself too seriously." - Amazon UK reviewer Several readers compare the style and tone to Evelyn Waugh's autobiographical works.

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🔷 Ferdinand Mount served as head of Margaret Thatcher's Policy Unit from 1982-1983, providing unique insider perspectives on British conservative politics during a pivotal era. 🔷 The book's title "Cold Cream" refers to Mount's mother's devotion to Pond's Cold Cream, which she religiously applied every night—a ritual that becomes a metaphor for upper-class English habits and traditions. 🔷 Mount is the cousin of British Prime Minister David Cameron and penned this memoir partly as a reflection on the privileges and peculiarities of his elite social background. 🔷 The memoir details Mount's experiences at Eton College, where he was a contemporary of renowned authors like Antony Lambton and Jonathan Gathorne-Hardy. 🔷 The book received the Spear's Book Award for Memoir of the Year, praised particularly for its unflinching honesty about both personal and political matters.