The Mitfords in Print: A Reading Guide to the Most Fascinating Family of the 20th Century

Few families have captivated the public imagination quite like the Mitfords. Witty, outrageous, brilliant, and often deeply controversial, the six Mitford sisters — Nancy, Pamela, Diana, Unity, Jessica, and Deborah, lived lives that spanned country estates, prison, communist revolutions, literary salons, and royal courts. 

Each sister carved out her own story, and thankfully, many of those stories have been preserved in books: some written by the sisters themselves, others penned by historians, biographers, and curious admirers. Whether you're diving into Nancy's sparkling novels, exploring Decca's radical memoirs, or reading deeply researched biographies of their extraordinary lives, this guide will introduce you to the essential Mitford library — a rich, entertaining, and sometimes shocking literary journey through one of Britain’s most unforgettable families.

A note from Elliott: Hello! If you click on one of the links below to purchase, I may earn a small commission (literally pennies). It doesn’t cost you a thing, but it truly helps support the time, research, and storytelling that go into bringing these fascinating lives to light — through words, art, and a lot of late-night tea.

Thank you for your support! EB

Published Works about the family

The House of Mitford, by Jonathan Guinness

The Sisters: The Saga of the Mitford Family, by Mary S. Lovell 

The Mitfords: Letters Between Six Sisters, edited by Charlotte Mosley

 

Nancy Mitford 

Published Works

Highland Fling (1931) Nancy’s first novel published in 1931.

The Penguin Complete Novels of Nancy Mitford (Kindle edition)

Wigs on the Green  (1935) A political satire mocking British fascism (banned in the family. Was withdrawn from circulation until 2010, with an introduction by Charlotte Mosley, Nancy’s niece)

The Pursuit of Love (1945) A romantic comedy inspired by her own eccentric family.

Love in a Cold Climate (1949) Continuation of 'Pursuit', filled with sharp wit and aristocratic antics.

The Blessing  (1951) A cross-cultural comedy of manners.              

Madame de Pompadour  (1954)

Noblesse Oblige (1956), edited by Nancy Mitford)

Don't Tell Alfred  (1960) Final installment in her Fanny trilogy.

The Sun King (1966)

Frederick the Great (1969)

 

Diana Mitford (Mosley)

A Life of Contrasts – Candid memoir of her privileged and controversial life.

The Duchess of Windsor – Her biography of Wallis Simpson.

 

Jessica Mitford

Hons and Rebels – Her brilliant memoir of rejecting aristocracy and embracing rebellion.

The American Way of Death – A muckraking exposé of the funeral industry.

Decca: The Letters of Jessica Mitford – A sweeping chronicle of her life through letters.

 

Deborah Mitford (Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire)

Wait for Me! – Warm, funny memoir from the youngest sister turned duchess.

Chatsworth: The Hoause – A love letter to her ancestral home.

Counting My Chickens – Essays and reflections on chickens, home life, and rural joys.