David Irving's Diary 2017 (May-November)
Overview
This diary covers David Irving's extended period in the United States from May through November 2017, documenting his ambitious speaking tour across multiple states, his time in Key West, Florida, and ongoing family communications. The period represents a significant effort to rebuild his lecture circuit and book sales operation in America while managing complex family dynamics from afar.
Date Range & Structure
- Period: May 30, 2017 - November 2017
- Total Length: Approximately 32,545 lines across two files
- Primary Locations: Key West (Florida), Miami, North Carolina, Iowa, Nebraska, Louisiana, and various US tour locations
- Word Count: ~1.28 million characters
Key Themes
American Speaking Tour
DI embarked on an extensive speaking tour across the United States, though attendance was lower than expected. The tour included multiple cities across various states, with careful logistics around venue bookings and audience management.
Key West Operations
Significant time spent in Key West, Florida, managing book sales operations and financial matters. The closed bank account contained approximately $20,600 from card sales, providing crucial funding for the tour.
Family Communications
Ongoing correspondence with daughters
Paloma Irving,
Jessica Irving, and partner
Bente Hogh. Complex arrangements around car storage, property management, and family logistics while abroad.
Book Sales & Distribution
Active management of book orders and shipping, with assistance from supporters like Gabrielle Nicklas. Continued focus on Churchill's War volumes and Goebbels biography sales.
Financial Pressures
Constant attention to tour costs, accommodation expenses, and the challenge of making the speaking tour financially viable with lower-than-expected attendance.
Notable People Mentioned
- Paloma Irving - Ongoing correspondence about logistics
- Jessica Irving - Family communications
- Bente Hogh - Partner relationship discussions
- Hugo - Associate helping with car arrangements
- Gabrielle Nicklas - US supporter assisting with book operations
- Howard Smith - Book customer inquiring about orders
- Robert Mountford - Correspondent
- Rudolf v. Ribbentrop - Contact established through Robert Mountford
Key Locations
- Key West, Florida - Primary US base of operations
- Miami International Airport - Entry point to US
- Homestead, Florida - Initial accommodation
- Raleigh, North Carolina - Tour stop
- Davenport, Iowa - Tour location
- Omaha, Nebraska - Speaking engagement
- Various unnamed tour cities across the American Midwest and South
Key Quotes
On the tour challenges:
"I reach decisions, as the tour is not filling up some locations. A lot of my old list friends are not repeating; they may be dead, or moved. Perhaps I got the address list wrong. I will cancel the now evidently empty days at Fargo and Bismarck."
From Gabrielle Nicklas on the tour:
"I count on you finishing up your Himmler biography, and count on it being every bit as definitive and pertinent as your other work."
Reflecting on tour attendance issues:
"I have ended the tour as planned, but attendances have been much lower than expected. I suspect several causes: You were not on the tour... Christmas and Thanksgiving looming... Enemy interference with my computer since the theft... Price too high."
On Key West operations:
"Did most of the jobs here in Key West today. The closed bank account has about $20,600 waiting for me from the card sales. Sprint gave me an iPhone 7, as free upgrade."
Cross-References
Research Notes
This period shows DI's continued efforts to maintain his international speaking presence despite various obstacles. The extensive US tour represents both ambition and the practical challenges of rebuilding his lecture circuit after earlier legal difficulties. The detailed financial tracking and customer correspondence reveals the hands-on nature of his book distribution operation.