They are an unlikely pair, the young William Beckwith and the old Lord Nantwich. William is living life to the fullest—young, in love, carefree. It is the last summer before AIDS sweeps across the world. The gay underground of London is his home. He frequents the sports clubs and swimming pools, the adult cinemas, the smoky bars and clubs, always in search of the next adventure. When he saves the Lord's life in a public restroom, he has no idea that he will soon be writing the memoirs of the former colonial officer. Immersed in Nantwich's diaries, a subculture of forbidden erotic relationships comes alive for him. The magnificent novel by Alan Hollinghurst—ironic, sexy, and brilliantly told.