ABSTRACT
There were few television and radio chat shows on to which authors, faute de mieux, could be wheeled, fewer press profiles, promotional lunches, public readings or signing sessions. The planned and predictable public-relations-laboratory creating of the best-seller of each month or season was in its infancy. Payment was infrequent and then usually slight. For the most taxing of all, the public committees, there was rightly no payment and only modest expense allowances. ‘Public image’ writing is less of a threat than self-protective writing; or than lecturing – since these pitfalls are aggravated if reader accept many invitations to speak on what are thought to be ‘your subjects’. The Countess was a handsome lady, friendly in the relaxed manner assured status can bring to those who want to be friendly, and well regarded in Whitehall for her extensive and effective public work.
