<DIV>The Mitfords were one of the 20th century's most intriguing and controversial families?glamorous, romantic, and especially in politics, extreme. Among the six daughters and one son born to Lord and Lady Redesdale were Nancy, the novelist and historian; Diana, the wife of fascist leader Sir Oswald Mosley; Unity, friend of Hitler; Jessica, a communist-turned-investigative journalist; and Deborah, Duchess of Devonshire. Yet, as this intimate portrait shows, the violent disagreements and flamboyant contrasts that characterized the family obscured a powerful affection and a strong underlying unity. Journalist Jonathan Guinness is the elder son of Diana Mosley. Catherine Guinness, a former writer for Interview magazine, is his daughter.</DIV>