Novelist Robert Harris tells Henley Literary Festival that 20th-century politicians in love had it easier

Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Novelist Robert Harris said 20th-century politicians in love and wanting to conduct affairs had it easier than today, in a talk at the Henley Literary Festival. open image in gallery Harris discussed his latest book, Precipice, during an inquisitive and wide-ranging talk at the event in Henley-upon-Thames, Oxfordshire Speaking to an audience on Sunday, Harris noted that this was enabled by Asquith’s ability to largely go about his life unrecognised, unlike the leaders of today’s governments. “So he could get away with things that a modern prime minister couldn’t, simply because he passed unrecognised.” Harris added: “Also because I think there was much more of an understanding that certain things took place and one didn’t necessarily talk about them.” open image in gallery HH Asquith was prime minister from 1908 to 1916 He went on to describe the many society children who were not raised by their biological fathers as a result of these 20th-century affairs. Harris also told the Henley audience that Asquith’s car, in which the pair would take 90-minute drives every week, played a key role in concealing their affair.