In Search of the English Eccentric: A Journey

by Henry Hemming

A love of eccentricity is considered part of our national identity. But what does it really mean?
In his search for the quintessential English eccentric, Henry Hemming meets the founder of the world's foremost gnome reserve, the biker reincarnated as King Arthur, a self-styled baked-bean superhero, as well as the Marquess of Bath, Pete Doherty, Vivienne Westwood and many more, in a quest as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, British Literature

320 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Henry Hemming is the author of 7 works of non-fiction including the New York Times bestseller 'The Ingenious Mr Pyke', and the Sunday Times bestseller 'M'. He has written for publications including The Washington Post, The Sunday Times, The Economist and The Times, and lives in London with his wife and children.

Reviews

[Lois · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't know why this is so bland for me, it just is - perhaps the writing style?The book was best when it delved into the privileges that allow you to be an eccentric, such as gender and money but didn't do more than a light nod on the topic of race. The whole ordeal of 'helping people with mental illnesses is bad hurr durr' is tired and frankly appalling. Sure, sectioning people is hardly helping them, and brutal - but some people could be dead without medication, so I hate the way it's portrayed as zombifying. It can be, certainly - but it also stops suicides, so get off your high horse.
I was happy that the rather arbitrary quest for the most eccentric was largely abandoned, but despite the title the accounts of almost everyone seemed very brief.
Another thing that irked me was the fact that everyday, quieter eccentrics were viewed with condescension. Sure, they don't make for books with as much potential to be interesting, but they do count. Often, these smaller, quieter eccentricities are in those who, financially or any other reason, either cannot afford to be Eccentric with a capital, or haven't the social mobility and understanding
Not awful, but dull for the subject matter. The superb Jon Ronson must have had a cold while recommending this.

[Skye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful, sensitive, amusing and thorough. A pleasant surprise.

[Marius Marsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable exploration of what it means to be eccentric and the importance of eccentrics in society, particularly English society, but with relevance to all cultures. Sometimes a bit repetitive, or wordy, but always posing a challenge of ideas, a feeling of warmth, and an understanding of acceptance. If at some point you feel it is too long and want to put it down, I recommend that you not do so until you have read the last chapter "The End".

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A particularly long read as I’m not really a fan of non-fiction but it was an interesting one nonetheless. It makes you relate eccentricity to your daily life, regardless of whether you’re English or not. The author has a sharp way with words and jokes wittily, making you only realise you’ve walked into one after the paragraph. If you’re into anthropology and that sort of thing then you might find this read enjoyable!

[Adam Stevenson · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good fun reading about the interesting people, less fun reading the author's ham-fisted interpretations of the things he saw as he was trying to make the book seem much more important than it was. It is a throwaway book that feels itself to be a great treatise on nationhood and sociology and God knows what else.

[Sheece · Rating 1 out of 5]

couldn't go beyond the first 10 pages.

[Colby · Rating 1 out of 5]

A good idea badly expressed

[Bhan13 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Henry on 'In Search of the English Eccentric':

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V62dk9...