An Irreverent and Thoroughly Incomplete Social History of Almost Everything

by Frank Muir

Britain's beloved TV star, Frank Muir, has assembled a collection of engaging and irreverent remarks made over the past twenty-seven centuries by the wise, the witty and the peevish.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Humor

Hardcover

Published January 1, 1976

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Frank Herbert Muir was an English comedy screenwriter and radio and television personality. From 1977 on he also wrote children's books based on his family dog, What-a-Mess. In 1997 he published his autobiography.

Reviews

[Gerry Beane]

Of especial interest to the Anglophile. Unfortunately many of the references will be lost on most people not intimately conversant in English mores and idiosyncratic expressions. The book is divided into chapters named after numerous social pursuits like music, education, literature, theater, art and finally, food and drink. Personally I found the last chapter to be most entertaining (surprisingly so given the British reputation for food). The other chapters tended to be overlong with references to obscure British habits and personages. Had the book a bit more universal view, I would have found it more enjoyable - thus the 2 star rating.

[Laurelyn]

I absolutely adore this book and have ever since I swiped it from my parents. It's packed with (mostly snarky) excerpts of private letters and published writings from historical and cultural figures past and present. This is not a book to sit down with and read cover to cover, but is wonderful for flitting through, a page here and a page there.

[Mark]

Focuses on the imperfections and criticisms of the different fine arts (music, literature, theatre, and art), education, and food/drink throughout history via quotes from and stories of contemporary people. Quite entertaining and easy to read in short doses.

[Michel]

To read in bits...
Perfect book in a guest room (a tad dated tho).
Kirkus Reviews: "People buying this book should be cautioned that someone will probably steal it from them."