Precipice

A Novel

By: Robert Harris

Narrated by: Samuel West

“Robert Harris is, simply put, masterful.”—Karin Slaughter

A spellbinding novel of passion, intrigue, and betrayal set in England in the months leading to the Great War from the bestselling author of Act of Oblivion, Fatherland, The Ghostwriter, and Munich.

Summer 1914. A world on the brink of catastrophe.

In London, twenty-six-year-old Venetia Stanley—aristocratic, clever, bored, reckless—is part of a fast group of upper-crust bohemians and socialites known as “The Coterie.” She’s also engaged in a clandestine 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 with Scotland Yard is assigned to investigate a leak of top-secret documents. Suddenly, what was a sexual intrigue becomes a matter of national security that could topple the British government—and will alter the course of political history.

An unrivaled master of seamlessly weaving fact and fiction, Precipice is another electrifying thriller from the brilliant imagination of Robert Harris.

©2024 Robert Harris (P)2024 HarperCollins Publishers

outstanding in every way

First, this reading was superb. I am admirer of Samual West an actor in many different roles, brilliant as an admirable character and equally good as a despicable one.
The story was as well written as all Harris' books and has the added value of being historically accurate. It is a wonderful insight into a terrible period of British history.

untold story

liked it all. Robert Harris' novels have terrific pace. I learn so much in each one. great storyteller. If I could write a book, this is how I'd do it. thank you Mr Harris

Early death throws of imperial Britain in the onset of modern warfare

As always, Robert Harris has produced an extremely insightful novel focused on actual moments of history. Great book! Highly recommend.

Understanding History

I have read several nonfiction history books which address the events leading toward WWI. Precipice provides the most memorable as it conveys not just dates, locations and historic characters but feelings and emotions. “The Prime”,Asquith, has never lodged in my memory. Now he will, but not just his name but the emotional stresses of world events and personal conundrums. Thank you Mr. Harris.

Eloquent storyteller

Such a fine writer. Abundance of historical detail, maybe too much for some, but I felt transported into a very consequential moment in time through the private torments of these few characters.

An excellent work of historical fiction

Knowing little about the opening days of World War 1, this is an excellent, though fictional look at what those days were like. The PM at the time is a figure I've not researched. His research and attention to accuracy is incredible.

Everything!

Brilliantly researched and mesmerizing and narration superb. A combination of history, fiction and perfect writing

Interesting historical novel, not gripping

The history is quite interesting, the historical setting an interesting time. The story is good, but not gripping. I’d recommend it, but don’t expect it to be at the level of the best of Robert Harris, not because it isn’t written well or told well, but because the story of a kind of pathetic character as Prime Minister is not such an impressive story. The narrator did a fine job.

A shocking and gripping historically accurate novel.

A devastating and shocking look at the incompetence of the self absorbed, hubristic British aristocracy, the irresponsiblity of its elected officials, and the corruption of its civil service as they failed to prevent WWI and utterly botched the conduct of the war effort.

Harris has outdone himself with this history, based on the actual letters of Prime Minister HH Asquith to his paramor, Venetia Stanley. Eye opening and relevant even today.

Beautiful narrator voice

A fascinating look into British WW1 history. Accurate, never before known. Astonishing security lapses and a love story.