Description
Pre-owned. There are highly amusing accounts of Lord Monboddo (who believed that all babies are born with tails); of Jonas Hanway (who was convinced that tea drinking was a social evil leading to adultery, divorce and suicide); of Gladstone traipsing the streets of London in an endeavour to redeem fallen women; and of Squire Osbaldestone – that archetypal British eccentric – who defeated the French tennis champion using only his hand as a racquet; and saved an important cricket match by bowling in a drunken stupor whilst suffering from a broken shoulder. From Afganistan we have the exotic King Amanulla, who was forced to abdicate after attempting to pass a law requiring his male subjects to wear bowler hats. Whilst America is represented by the incredible Howard Hughes – who despite assets of $150 million ended his days an insane drug-ridden recluse with personal possessions amounting to one pair of shorts and an old trilby hat. Another American eccentric, the despotic Glenn Wilbur Voliva, reigned for twenty years over Zion City, outlawing everything from lipstic to life assurance and persuading his ‘subjects’ that the earth was flat. In a world of increasing conformity, in which our individuality is being eroded almost daily, the proper study of mankind continues to be man. He is nowhere better displayed than here – in his crochets. In good condition with no tears or inscriprions – some tanning to the dust jacket. Hardcover. Published by George Allen and Unwin 1984
