Marquess chronicles his life

The Marquess married Hugarian Anna Gael

The eccentric Marquess of Bath has launched the first volume of his autobiography, 'Strictly Private to Public Exposure'.

Readers of 'A Plateful of Privilege' can expect a narrative on the controversial Marquesses ancestors, and troubled early years.

Those interested in the more salacious aspects of the man, known by the tabloids as 'The Loins of Longleat', will have to wait.

A second and third volume is expected out by mid-March - but over 50 are planned.

It is full of humour and very elegant

Countess Artsrunik

The first volume details the Marquesses privileged but unhappy childhood.

As a teenager, he became estranged from his parents when he realised his mother was having affairs, and when his father beat him.

He says this contributed to his open views on matrimony.

"I wanted to try to create something different and get away from the norm.

"I wanted to create a family with all the women I particularly fancied and admired living together and us all helping to bring up lots of children together."

Candour and empathy is my private motto

The Marquess
of Bath

For much of his life the Marquess has lived in his stately home, Longleat House, complete with safari park, lions and a steady stream of over 70 mistresses - or 'wifelets' as they became known.

'Totally honest'

This belief in an alternative to the traditional family is matched by a commitment to devolution, and a need for tolerance in religion.

These were topics the Marquess frequently spoke on when at the House of Lords.

"Candour and empathy is my private motto - I always try to be totally honest even if it is painful," he added.

Countess Artsrunik, a friend of the Marquess and owner of the publishing company behind his book, said it read like a cross between Proust and Nancy Mitford.

"It is full of humour and very elegant," she added.