Precipice

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What to expect

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

Critics Review

I’m not fond of the word masterpiece, but this is a masterpiece
Nigella Lawson
Gripping drama
Telegraph
Brilliantly blurring fact and fiction, Sunday Times bestselling author Robert Harris is back in full force
Dead Good Books - The best crime and thriller books of 2024
Fans of this hugely popular author should lap up this tale that mixes fact with fiction, as is his trademark
Sunday Express - Best Summer Reads
'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'
The Scotsman
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
Spectator
Robert Harris is one of those authors you know you can rely on. His 16th novel, Precipice, is no exception
The Times
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
i News
Rollicking . . . Harris’s best book since Conclave
Spectator

User Reviews

Book 4.4
Narration 4.9
3.0
5.0
I thought, perhaps mistakenly, that this was entirely fictional and for the first half of the book was expecting more intrigue and 'dirty dealings' to arise. It was only later that I became aware of how close to the truth the story was. As real life never seems to be as exciting as fiction, there were episodes, particularly closer to the end that became a little dreary. Nevertheless, an interesting book and a lesson in history.
Beaniebag 14/10/2025
5.0
5.0
Tremendous. Remarkable story/history presented so very well. My first Robert Harris novel and will be looking for more.
Teaeee 18/09/2025
5.0
5.0
gillianplummer 19/07/2025
5.0
5.0
linda parker 09/05/2025
4.0
5.0
I really enjoyed this. I like fiction based on fact novels and was quite astounded to learn of the relationship and letters that would have been scandalous if exposed at the time. Having said that, it wasn't a very exciting novel, more intriguing. This was the first time I've heard Samuel West narrate. He was wonderful and I shall look for more novels by Harris and/or narrated by West.
SotonGal 07/05/2025
4.0
4.0
Defendman 02/11/2024
5.0
5.0
Very interesting!
peterstod 18/10/2024

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