Word: beavered
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...explanation seemed to fit the widespread belief that Lord Beaverbrook's standing orders to his editors are to reprint anything uttered about him, good or bad. That is a myth which has gained credence in recent years from the Beaver's increasing appetite for reading about himself. What few Express readers knew was that Driberg's biography had turned "hostile" after Beaverbrook had lavished cooperation, money and high hopes on it. Nevertheless, the serialization once again showed how the Beaver, handed a lemon, can turn it into lemonade...
When Driberg informed Beaverbrook in 1954 that a London publishing house had signed him up to do the biography, the Beaver was delighted. Driberg had worked for him from 1928 to 1943, and, despite political differences, they had always hit it off. The Beaver gave him material and interviews, put him in touch with friends, introduced him frequently at luncheons and dinners as "my biographer." After Driberg had completed three chapters, Beaverbrook liked them so well that he bought the British serial rights for ?5,000 ($14,000)-a whopping purchase by London standards...
What emerged in the Express, after editing by the Beaver's own crafty hand, was pretty tame stuff compared to Driberg's harsh portrait of a man who pursued power with "ruthlessness" and "want of principle," only to win widespread distrust, ridicule, disapproval and bantering affection, but no real power. Beaverbrook passed up Driberg's most damaging thrusts. Samples...
...After the outbreak of World War II (in which Driberg applauds the Beaver's work as Minister of Aircraft Production), Beaverbrook urged the British public to "revolt" against proposed food rationing and scorned the need for a larger army...
...actually do know how to sit back and live. These benefits may be nullified, however, by the recommendations of America's athletic Bernard Baruchs. While Russia is currently presenting itself as the essence of gentlemanly sportsmanship, America's coaches are stressing their newly discovered political responsibility, adopting the eager-beaver attitude of the Soviet Union and lamenting the fact that our social system doesn't breed Amazons. Soon IBM machines will be clicking in Washington, and selected Harvard freshmen will be abducted to Dartmouth to be taught the diplomatic art of skiing...