The Lunatic at Large

by J. Storer Clouston

The best-bred lunatics in England live in Clankwood, and Francis Beveridge is that community's newest resident. Rather than attending the asylum's Saturday dances, though, Beveridge goes on the lam in London.And thus, when a traveling German noble finds himself at the luxurious Hotel Mayonnaise without a guide to England's customs, who better to escort him than the amnesiac Englishman who materializes by his side?Beveridge provides the German with much useful knowledge, like giving a splendid tutor in bringing rail stations to a standstill, revealing the best way to fake a rabies attack, and showing how to crash London's most exclusive clubs - quite literally.A much-loved Victorian comic masterpiece, this is the original anarchic novel that ushered in the age of Wodehouse and Waugh.

Genres: Fiction, Humor, Literature, Comedy, 19th Century, Classics

Paperback

First published January 1, 1899

About the author

Joseph Storer Clouston, although born in Cumberland, was classed as an Orcadian author and historian as he originally came from an old Orkney family.

He was the son of psychiatrist Sir Thomas Smith Clouston and his wife Harriet (nee Storer). He was educated at Merchiston Castle School, Edinburgh and Magdalen College, Oxford. Although he was called to the bar at the Inner Temple in London in 1895, he never practised as a lawyer.

His first published book was Vandred the Viking; or The Feud and the Spell (1898) and the following year he published what was to be his most celebrated work, The Lunatic at Large, to which there were a number of sequels.

He married his wife Winifred at St Andrews and St Leonards, Fife on 11 March 1903 and at one time they lived in St John's Wood, London. They had two sons and one daughter.

His novel The Spy in Black (1917) was made into a successful film in 1939 and starred Conrad Veidt. It was released in the USA as 'U-Boat 29'.

He was also a historian and as such was the author of a couple of histories of Orkney, Records of the Earldom of Orkney 1299 - 1614 (1914) and A History of Orkney (1932). He was a founder member and the second president of the Orkney Antiquarian Society, and a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland.

He died at his home Smoogro House, Orphir, Orkney on 23 June 1944.

Gerry Wolstenholme
October 2012

Reviews

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This light and silly late Victorian is fun, especially the first 1/3 of the book. Our hero, who changes his name to suit the situation, is normally called Mr. Bunker, or to his poor Bavarian Baron friend Mr. Bonker (yes the man is a little bonkers.). The amnesiac hero finds himself in an asylum called Clankwood, a shelter for the well off insane. Is he crazy or crazy like a fox? About 1/3 of the way through he escapes and we follow him on many wild adventures. Unfortunately, his adventures with the Baron though meant to be silly can drive the reader nuts. The dialog meant to represent what a German would say goes like this … “Vat means zis, Bonker? Vat had I done? Vy should ze treat me so?” The story depends on many convenient accidents that go on a little too long, but Mr. Bonker is a fun character, zany and a lot like Groucho Marx with somewhat nicer manners.

[Gerry · Rating 2 out of 5]

A piece of typical Victorian frippery, which in the 21st century loses some of its charm and comicality.

Mr Francis Beveridge, the escaped lunatic, meets up with the German Baron von Blitzberg, whose broken English becomes somewhat wearing as the novel goes on, and they trip around Victorian London, mostly causing chaos wherever they go. They also visit the seaside and a stately home all of which give rise to the lunatic's antics.

Whilst not completely unreadable, it was a relief when the book was finished ... what exactly was it all about?

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

This recently reprinted title from 1899 made me feel like such a blissfully irresponsible reader, which was just the thing right now. The story concerns one Francis Beveridge, who may or may not be insane, but is definitely loony. Bundled off into an asylum in the countryside by his supposed caretakers, he cunningly engineers and escape with the unwitting assistance of a bewildered love interest, and proceeds on a madcap jaunt around London under the name of Bunker, leading in tow his good natured foil the Baron Rudolph von Blitzenberg, whom Bunker (or as the Baron calls him, “Bonker,” – the source of the term “bonkers”) has taken under his wing. Beveridge is clearly a Marxist, though I’m hard put to say whether he favors Harpo or Groucho. On the one hand, there is plenty of physical comedy, and it is not hard to envision what a terrific vehicle for slapstick the long-lost silent film must have been for its star, Leon Errol. There are carriage chases, tomfoolery on skates, bizarre ballroom antics, a funny anarchist bit at a train station, and lots of daft flourishes as Beveridge smashes top hats, steals food, and generally runs rampant. But he’s also very quick with droll, verbal nonsense, running rings around his interlocutors and talking his way into and out of anything, and a hellcat with the ladies. The whole thing is light as a feather with the flimsiest of farcical plots, but infused with a brazing anarchic zaniness that cocks a snook at all pretense and seriousness. My laughter was gentle, but I never stopped smiling. (There’s an odd bit in Jonathan Ames’ rambling introduction to the new edition in which he talks about an encounter with a lunatic in the very library where I work, which was an added treat for me, anyway.) I’ll end with this charming summation from the book’s 1899 review in Bookseller and Stationer: “…inasmuch as it is now generally recognized that the main value of novels is to give mental relaxation and divert thought from the exhausting work and perplexing problems of life then The Lunatic at Large may claim a special adaptation to this useful purpose. … People who do not want any amusement or who think it a sin to laugh had better avoid reading this book.” P.G. Wodehouse fans, take note.

[Sharon Zink · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good story about an inmate escaping from an insane asylum and eluding his captors, except for the trick ending. It was confusing and maddening. I'm still confused and resentful about it.

[Kyle Pennekamp · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second time I've read this book, and it might be even more fun the second time around -- once you know that it will never delve too deep, or get too maudlin, or really even spend any time figuring out the backstory of the main character.

It was billed on the back of the very nice McSweeney's edition as the comic masterpiece that linked the Wilde age of British comedic writing with the age of Wodehouse and Waugh. And it is funny as hell. A psychiatrist and his drunken friend are put, through ridiculous circumstances, in charge of a lunatic who comes with a large sum of money meant to be used to take him on a relaxing European holiday. Instead, the drunk Welshman decides to impersonate the lunatic, go to Europe with the psychiatrist, and they lock the lunatic up in an asylum til they get back. This very intelligent, though completely amnesiac, lunatic escapes from the asylum and makes his way to London to find out who he really is. Broke, he befriends a wealthy German baron, and offers himself as a tour guide. An insane tour guide. He leads him from adventure to adventure through London, running from asylum magistrates, seducing women, etc. The friendship between the Baron and the Lunatic is hysterically touching, and the Baron's accent-heavy dialogue is classic.

Check it out. It's also available for free through Project Gutenberg.

[Padraigh Mchale · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a funny, dry, quick read, written in the 1890's, about a man breaking out of an insane asylum for the well bred in London. He then hooks up with a German diplomat, and gives him a tour of London. Not only an amusing classic, but historically significant, as well, being both one of the first books turned into a movie, there were three silent films made based on the story, and the book where we get the term "Bonkers", as the alias our lunatic uses with the German is Bunker, and our German friend can't quite pronounce it correctly. Very funny, won't take long, and written very much like a British comedy, I found this book both amusing and, in the end, surprisingly touching.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Unexpected choice for me so it was a pleasant surprise. It had a lot of surprises and plot twists, tied together different characters in interesting ways, and developed each character nicely. It was also well-written and funny enough to make me laugh out loud. The last sentence really drove it home. Definite read-again!

[Chris Browning · Rating 4 out of 5]

As Hugh Greene says in the introduction, this feels far more Edwardian than Victorian and is especially like a prototype for Wodehouse: there’s something of the Ukridge to Welsh and you can imagine him easily coming up with a ludicrously bad idea like this for a friend as credulous as Twidell. And the lunatic and the Baron’s dance around the capital and beyond, in and out of high society, is definitely the kind of caper Wodehouse would develop with a lot more plotting and structure and wit.

Not that this isn’t funny - Clouston has a real zip and liveliness to his writing and there’s some beautiful turns of phrase - because it’s incredibly funny in places: no, what’s fascinating is how much Clouston leans into the idea that Bunker/ Beveridge etc is actually a genuine and proper lunatic, albeit one who in one of the loveliest sections of the book kind of humanises himself to the Baron (who’s a joy, a really genuinely lovely character) in a really unexpected way. Clouston teases a romantic plot which would be very awkward to get away with, but wisely dashes that at the last minute. No, he’s very upfront that our titular lunatic is in fact utterly mad, just very charismatically and pleasantly so. There’s a real anarchism and amorality to Bunker/ Beveridge which is sometimes incredibly shocking and not a little dangerous. That Clouston happily leans into the danger is what makes the book so good, taking what would’ve otherwise been a delightful minor comic romp and adding a palpable danger to it

[David Hambling · Rating 3 out of 5]

A thistledown-light comedy very much of its age. Wackier than Wodehouse but not as witty or well written

[Sloweducation · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amusing if somewhat slight novel about the antics of an amnesiac who awakens from a daze to find him confined to an asylum, escapes, and goes for a wild romp about London with a German nobleman. A few very choice parts, and much good slapstick.

The introduction by Jonathan Ames is notable for its striking insipidity. One generally enters into introductions by well-known authors with low expectations, but this doozy is a catalog of unbearable writing. It makes me feel sorry for anyone who's ever been stuck sitting next to Ames at dinner.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this is where the term "bonkers" came from for people that aren't right in the head.
That's so cool.
Also, the story flows very well, the comedy bits are hilarious, and the characters are awesome.
My only complaint (and why I give for stars, not five) is that such a flashy story should have an ending with much more zazz, not just the quick, cobbled-together feeling the story actually ended with.

[Luke Padgett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Classic high Victorian comedy! A very funny story about an amnesiac who is sent to an asylum and escapes using his wits. Very English and very good. Written in looping, long winded english verse that takes a little time to get used to and catch the rhythm, but the gist of the story is derived from the vibrant character descriptions provided by Clouston. A bit predictable, but that's not a problem. Fun weekend light read.

[Jackalacka · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is such an old book, over 100 years old but a lot of the humor still holds true today. I especially loved learning some archaic vocabulary and had to look a few up. This book is full of dry wit and tongue in cheek humor but it's by no means a page-turner. Just mildly interesting. We read it as part of of our book club just to try something very different.

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

"If you ever want to know how ample a thing life can be, become a certified lunatic! You are quite irresponsible for your debts, your crimes, and, not least, your words. It certainly enlarges one's horizon."

[Scott · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was excited to read this book - it seemed like a timeless piece of comedy. But, I think my sense of comedy is bounded by the 1970s and 1980s - I don't have much Buster Keaton in me. It was tough for me to get through, but would be a fun read for fans of that era of comedy.

[Maggie Leschuk · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute, old school, comedy. I was really suprised how much of a quick read it was.

[Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. Came across a 1924 edition in the library. Protagonist is quite the charmer -theres a new twist every few pages.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A jolly romp concerning lunatics,imposters, and funny foreigners. Can I say that nowadays?

[Nicholas George · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was light and fun, although not quite as off-the-wall as I was expecting. I can certainly see the influence on P.G. Wodehouse.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a silly fast moving story about a wealthy man placed in an mental ward (but not the scary kind). One never can tell if he's been set up, or is indeed really crazy, or just a colorful personality. He does escape, and as the plot unfolds you will come to learn the truth. The writing is lovely. The characters and storyline delightful. This could be a really funny movie.

So if you like books from around the turn of the 20th century with all their wit and flourishing language, and need a pick me up, do read this. It's free on Project Gutenberg.

The second book is The Spy in Black. Also available on Project Gutenberg.

[Stephen Twist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Precipitated back into 20th century frivolity by Compton Mackenzie's 'Monarch of the Glen' (1941), I have also thoroughly enjoyed a re-read of The Bow Street Library edition of 'The Lunatic at Large' (1893). It remains a 'laugh out loud' story despite its age and period - reckless fun at a great pace. If you are a serious kind of reader I suggest you skip this one; but for those that enjoy a brilliantly written 'careless rapture', this will do nicely!

[Lucy · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's nothing like as good as the genuinely funny books from this era - Diary of a Nobody, Three Men in a Boat - but that's the sort of area we're in here. But even in a comedy I want the characters to live, and these don't. The whole lunatic asylum premise is a bit uncomfortable and the funny foreigner overdone.

[David Higgins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting Read

Lots of unexpected events occur for the main character as he outwits those around him and has good fun in early 20th century England. I would definitely read another of this author’s books.

[Simon De · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my most favourite books on the shelf. When you need to relax when times are stressful, this comic masterpiece of Victorian Splendour, is just right. Admittedly it does fall-off slightly after half-way, however, remains a delight. Who needs Wodehouse? Clouston is the original comedic master

[Lynn Wyvill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this quick read about a man who escapes from an institution and goes on some wild adventures. Language a bit dated, but so much fun to read!

[Jyoti Sharma · Rating 4 out of 5]

It made me laugh. Silly, funny in places and all about a place and time which has disappeared for ever.

[Keef · Rating 4 out of 5]

The introduction-- by Jonathan Ames-- puts Mr. Clouster between George Bernard Shaw and P. G. Wodehouse. It's part of the Collins library-- so how could I pass that up? It's proving hard to get into.

[prema · Rating 4 out of 5]

lovely, silly, humerous, & written in the special way that reminds you what language used to feel like on the page.

[Tim Hainley · Rating 3 out of 5]

You had me at "Introduction by Jonathan Ames", but as it turns out, the novel was pretty decent in its own right. Another fun little selection from the Collins Library.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice, pre-Wooster Victorian high jinks. Right up my alley.