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The Discontented Children and How They Were Cured. by M. and E. Kirby
This is a reproduction of the original artefact. Generally these books are created from careful scans of the original. This allows us to preserve the book accurately and present it in the way the author intended. Since the original versions are generally quite old, there may occasionally be certain imperfections within these reproductions. We're happy to make these classics available again for future generations to enjoy!
130 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1905
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
April 5, 2019
Drolly amusing set of spoof letters sent from a highly bemused Chinaman sojourning amongst the English 'barbarians.'
in the first decade of the 19th century to his revered father back home, with a view to coming to grips with their inferior culture, which he singularly fails to do, resulting in much 'loss of gravity'.
Kung Ho is an unfailingly modest chap, referring to himself dismissively as 'this person' while getting into all manor of misunderstandings resulting in a 'loss of gravity,' such as accidentally insulting his hosts, being arrested, and cooking a dog to impress a young lady.
I particularly liked his description of cricket as a 'barbarian sport of leaping insects.'
Bramah obviously knew Chinese culture well, and though this is very much a piss-take you can tell that he respected it too. English ignorance regarding the true nature of the Oriental is the true target of his satire.
I also enjoyed Kong Ho's ever-ready litany of sayings which he generously dispensed to the general befuddlement of his hosts, such as these two:
"'The sagacious bird does not build his nest twice in the empty soup-toureen."
"There is only one man who knew with accurate certainty what a maiden's next attitude would be, and he died young of surprise."
Confucius never said wiser words.
in the first decade of the 19th century to his revered father back home, with a view to coming to grips with their inferior culture, which he singularly fails to do, resulting in much 'loss of gravity'.
Kung Ho is an unfailingly modest chap, referring to himself dismissively as 'this person' while getting into all manor of misunderstandings resulting in a 'loss of gravity,' such as accidentally insulting his hosts, being arrested, and cooking a dog to impress a young lady.
I particularly liked his description of cricket as a 'barbarian sport of leaping insects.'
Bramah obviously knew Chinese culture well, and though this is very much a piss-take you can tell that he respected it too. English ignorance regarding the true nature of the Oriental is the true target of his satire.
I also enjoyed Kong Ho's ever-ready litany of sayings which he generously dispensed to the general befuddlement of his hosts, such as these two:
"'The sagacious bird does not build his nest twice in the empty soup-toureen."
"There is only one man who knew with accurate certainty what a maiden's next attitude would be, and he died young of surprise."
Confucius never said wiser words.
January 13, 2018
Brilliantly funny
November 16, 2012
A treasure. One of the funniest books I've ever read. Check out 'Kai Lung Unrolls His Mat' also by Bramah.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews