Scouts in Bondage: And Other Violations of Literary Propriety
by Michael Bell
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 24)
Read in January, 2008
Scouts in Bondage is a photographic collection of book covers of titles that have not withstood the test of time. Compiled by a retired British secondhand book seller, this is an amusement for the bibliophile with a taste for the double entendre. This is a very short book with minimal text. Highlighted are about 45 photos of book covers whose intent was serious at the time but, over time, have developed unintended secondary meanings. Facing these covers is the bibliographic details (Author, titl...more
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Read in January, 2008
recommends it for:
fans of humour
This book is a series of photographed books that some old British dude has collected over the years. All have titles that are double entendres, ironic how-tos, or that are just plain weird and at some point (supposedly) must have made sense to the buying public. I don't want to give too many gems away because they are limited--hopefully a sequel is on the horizon--but if "Scouts in Bondage" and others like "The Day Amanda Came" don't grab you, then the old British dude has ...more
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Be advised not to read this while eating or drinking. You might choke! (or at least spit out all your mouth's contents as you succumb to hysterical fits of laughter.) This book is a riot. It is truly fascinating that at some point in the history of our language some well-meaning people published books with titles like : Autobiography of the Best Abused Man in the World, Muffs and Morals, Simple Hints for Mothers on the Sex-training of Boys, Christie's Old Organ etc...A highly entertaining read.
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Read in October, 2007
recommends it for:
lovers of double entendres
This is a quirky little book of covers from older books. The author, an antiquarian, has taken from his collection a variety of covers from old, British books that, today, have a very different context. For example, a woman in hoop skirts is sidled up next to a gentleman, looking at him coyly. The name of the books: "All the Best Balls". It's funny, but it also makes one reflect how language evolves throughout time and space.
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Read in December, 2007
this is an hilarious book highlighting the absurd in vintage book titles. for the same reason someone (not me, surely) might collect vintage vinyl for the big hair and orchid dresses of the good, Christian womyn portrayed on the covers, this book makes you want to hunt through thrift and antique stores to find some badly-named treasures of your own. a continual source of amusement.
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Read in March, 2008
recommended to Penny by:
gift from Kat & Lirecommends it for: anyone over 30
It would be wise to thoroughly swallow whatever you may be drinking/snacking on before reading this. I laughed so loud I scared the cat!
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Read in February, 2008
A fun, quick read. Funny antiquarian book titles. See my brief review at http://oxypoet.blogspot.com.
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