" Manuscript on paper, originates from 1910 till 1952, 341 pp., format 25 x 17,5 cm, 29 lines per page, (ca. 55.000 words). Very regular handwriting. Bound in full green morocco, with title in gilt on the front cover, within a gilt frame with floral decorations, raised gilt spine, top edge gilt. Fine binding. Leaf 7 has been removed by the author (his pagination does not count the missing leaf). The same occurs after leaf 22/23. Loosely inserted are a few notes and letters and tipped in a few newspaper cuttings. Finely preserved manuscript. The author writes, as a sort of diary, yearly summeries of his activities and events in his private and public life. He starts in 1910, the year of his marriage. The years 1914-1918, when he was in exile consist of one entry, comprising 68 pages. At page 160 is tipped in a last letter from his father. Loosely inserted at page 279 (the year 1940) is a typed note of 5 points. The author writes that he discussed these points with king Leopold III when he was received by the king on july 13th 1940. With also a handwritten report on his discussion with the king. (1,5 pp). Edmond Carton de Wiart was a person of the utmost importance in belgian politics and economics of first half of the 20th c. . In 1901 he became, at the age of 25 years, the most important person in the private cabinet of King Leopold II. He was during a period of 36 years executive at the Société Général ; Belgium's most important bank and holding company. He was a regular adviser to the belgian monarchy, while his wife was also an intimate of queen Elisabeth of Belgium. (see at length the biography article of Jean-Michel Bruffaerts in '' Nouvelle Biographie Nationale '' Volume 4 (1997)."