Precipice

By: Robert Harris

Narrated by: Samuel West

Brought to you by Penguin.

FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES NUMBER ONE BESTSELLING AUTHOR

Summer 1914. A world on the brink of catastrophe.

In London, 26-year-old Venetia Stanley – aristocratic, clever, bored, reckless – is having a love affair with the Prime Minister, H. H. Asquith, a man more than twice her age. He writes to her obsessively, sharing the most sensitive matters of state.

As Asquith reluctantly leads the country into war with Germany, a young intelligence officer is assigned to investigate a leak of top secret documents – and suddenly what was a sexual intrigue becomes a matter of national security that will alter the course of political history.

Seamlessly weaving fact and fiction in a way that no writer does better, Precipice is the thrilling new novel from Robert Harris.

‘A riveting tale of politics, war and erotic obsession’ Sunday Times

'Harris writes with a skill and ingenuity that few other novelists can match' Financial Times

©2024 Robert Harris (P)2024 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

I’m not fond of the word masterpiece, but this is a masterpiece (Nigella Lawson)

Gripping drama (Jake Kerridge)

Brilliantly blurring fact and fiction, Sunday Times bestselling author Robert Harris is back in full force

Fans of this hugely popular author should lap up this tale that mixes fact with fiction, as is his trademark

'A beautifully crafted novel . . . a dexterous blend of the political and the personal . . . Precipice is Robert Harris's 16th novel, and there hasn’t been a dud among them' (Allan Massie)

Precipice hones in on those vital summer days when Britain hovered on the brink of war, before plunging into the abyss that arguably destroyed European civilisation

Robert Harris is one of those authors you know you can rely on. His 16th novel, Precipice, is no exception

Robert Harris is a sort of genius . . . I am knocked out by the assurance of his portrait of a time, a relationship, and the perils to which Britain’s leader exposed himself amidst a supreme historic catastrophe. The book is yet another triumph for the author (Max Hastings)

Few have mastered the alchemy of the popular historical novel quite like Harris

Rollicking . . . Harris’s best book since Conclave

Almost unbelievable story

I enjoyed this book to the very last page. It is scarcely believable that a prime minister could be so indiscreet with classified information. The phrase that springs to mind is that "there is no fool like an old fool". I also found it incredible that a woman like Venetia Stanley endured his manipulation, demands and intrusion into her life. I can only assume that she was bored and liked the intrigue and the attraction for the illicit. The narration was fantastic.

Such an excellent book

The narrator was excellent. His handling of the different characters’ voices was superb. It was the first time that I had heard of the relationship between the Prime Minister and Venetia Stanley and found it intriguing.

Engaging

Love, war, politics, fact and fiction beautifully woven into an engaging and insightful story. What more could one want?

Excellent story served by excellent performance

Once again I enjoyed Robert Harris latest novel. It gave a riveting journey into this troubled and dramatic time. I also enjoyed the performance that makes so much for the experience!

Harris remains unparalleled in historical fiction

A sneak peak into the inner lives of some key historical figures on the verge of the Great War. Entertaining as well as insightful. Some of the actual correspondence used is a bit melodramatic for this day and age but historically accurate.