David Irving's Diary 2019 (January-May)
Overview
This diary covers the first five months of 2019, a period of introspection and continued work despite growing health challenges. Based primarily in London, David Irving grapples with age-related concerns including memory issues and a developing speaking impediment while maintaining his historical research and family relationships. The period shows both vulnerability and determination as he continues work on the Himmler manuscript and maintains his publishing operations.
Date Range & Structure
- Period: January 1, 2019 - May 30, 2019
- Total Length: Approximately 14,969 lines
- Primary Locations: London (UK), St Augustine (Florida) - travel at end of period
- Word Count: ~596,000 characters
Key Themes
Health and Aging Concerns
Significant focus on developing health issues including a mild speaking impediment that threatens income sources, memory decline, and failing eyesight and hearing. Frank acknowledgment of aging effects while maintaining determination to continue work.
Himmler Manuscript Progress
Ongoing work on the Heinrich Himmler biography, with periods of both progress and distraction. Recognition that this major project has been delayed throughout 2018 and requires renewed focus.
Housing and Financial Insecurity
Continued homelessness after losing Holme Rose House, creating ongoing stress and uncertainty. Financial challenges affecting ability to complete major projects and maintain stability.
Family Relationships and Concerns
Deep concerns about family members including brother Nicky, thoughts about deceased daughter Josephine, worry about Jessica's increasing distance, and complex relationship with Paloma. Recognition of generational gaps and changing family dynamics.
Professional and Social Isolation
Acknowledgment of professional challenges, with speaking impediment affecting income sources. Continued book orders and reader correspondence but awareness of changing circumstances.
Notable People Mentioned
- Jessica Irving - Daughter, described as "a joy" but increasingly distant
- Paloma Irving - Ongoing family relationship and reminders about housing
- Bente Hogh - Complex relationship affecting financial decisions
- Brother Nicky - Family concern at other end of London
- Josephine - Deceased daughter, frequently in thoughts and prayers
- John Netherwood - Supporter thanking for Real History tour
- John Lukacs - Historian whose obituary mentions confrontation with DI
- Kathy - Companion for Florida travel
Key Locations
- London - Primary residence and work base
- St Augustine, Florida - Travel destination at period end
- Brother Nicky's location - "Other end of London"
- Various book shipping destinations worldwide
Key Quotes
New Year reflections on 2018:
"The year 2018 was clouded by my homelessness since losing Holme Rose House, of which Paloma kindly reminded me, and by my growing awareness of a mild speaking impediment, which I will seek to overcome."
On health and aging:
"Otherwise my health is good. My memory is beginning to crumble with age, Bente is right; and my eyesight and hearing are failing."
On professional challenges:
"I have worked hardly at all on the finished Himmler manuscript all year, 2018, which may be proving brother John right in his warnings."
Family concerns:
"Jessica is a joy, but spinning off in silence into her own life, increasingly unreachable by barely perceptible stages."
On deceased daughter Josephine:
"I find myself thinking more about poor Josephine as the years pass, seemingly such a normal and beautiful girl, and regularly pray for her soul – sometimes two or three times a day."
Cross-References
Research Notes
This period represents a particularly introspective phase in DI's life, with unusual candidness about aging, health concerns, and family relationships. The speaking impediment represents a significant professional threat given his reliance on lectures and tours. Despite challenges, he maintains active correspondence and book operations. The contrast between professional capability and personal vulnerability is particularly evident in these entries. The period ends with travel to Florida, suggesting continued efforts to maintain American operations despite growing challenges.