BONFIRE of HISTORY by Christopher Joll
In 1925 a fire ripped through the Marylebone premises of Madame Tussauds waxworks. Little was left beyond a few grotesquely distorted models. It had also been a museum of 'priceless' curiosities. With unique access to archives, the authors expose some major discrepancies relating to Madame Tussaud herself and the authenticity of her collection.
“Today Madame Tussaud’s is one of the most successful and well-known brands in the location-based entertainment industry with 23 attractions spanning four continents… But in many ways this is something of a miracle – for Madame Tussaud’s is a great British survival story… Penny and Christopher have brought our lost collection back to life. In so doing, they have also filled in much of the missing historical background relating to the collection and have uncovered some uncomfortable truths about the authenticity of some of the items that were on display.” Sir Nick Varney, founder of Merlin Entertainments Group – owners of Madame Tussaud.
CHRISTOPHER JOLL MA is the regimental historian of the Household Cavalry, an advisor on militaria to auctioneers Cheffins and Sworders, a lecturer for several cruise lines, and the author of 17 books of ‘faction’, fact, and biography, and has co-authored a further three. As an historian, he is fascinated by the coincidences, quirks and trivia of history. PENELOPE, VISCOUNTESS COBHAM CBE is a Trustee of the British Napoléonic Bicentenary Trust, and the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. For 8 years she was Chairman of VisitEngland, the national tourist board, and in 2020 stood down as Director General of The 5% Club. Inter alia, she has been a Director/Trustee of Historic Royal Palaces and the V&A.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9781910533697 |
| ISBN 10 | 1910533696 |
| Title | BONFIRE of HISTORY |
| Author | Christopher Joll |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Hardback |
| Publisher | Nine Elms Books |
| Year published | 2023-11-13 |
| Number of pages | 240 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |