The British Character - Studied and Revealed

by Pont (Illustrator), E.M. Delafield (Introduction)

First published in 1938, “The British Character - Studied and Revealed” contains a collection of humorous cartoons by the British cartoonist Pont, with an introduction by E. M. Delafield. The cartoons lampoon and champion in equal measure various typically British characteristics, ranging from our innate love of detective fiction and tea to various forms of social hypocrisy and amusing double standards. A highly entertaining series of thoroughly comical illustrations that will appeal to anyone with an interest in British culture and manners. Contents “Introduction”, “Breeding”, “The Arts”, “The Empire Spirit”, “Love of Animals”, “Domestic”, “Social Sense”, “Rural”, “Travel”, and “Sport”. Read & Co. Books is proudly republishing this classic collection of cartoons now in a new edition complete with the original text and artwork and a specially-commissioned new biography of the author.

134 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1938

About the author

Pseudonym of (Gavin) Graham Laidler.

Reviews

[Tania · Rating 4 out of 5]

A series of cartoons published in Punch Magazine that pokes fun at the absurdities of the 'British character', includes an amusing introduction by E.M. Delafield.

Great fun, but definitely dated.

[Rex Hurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun collection of cartoons skewering English culture from the early part of the 20th century. Originally published in Punch, these are an interesting look at life from a culture that has altered dramatically.

[Steven Heywood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to pick up a copy of the original a while back. The heavy hatching in some of the series won't be to many modern tastes; I like it and it's spot on for "A tendency to think things not as good as they used to be" and "Love of detective fiction."

[Steffi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very amusing.