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The Sultan of Zanzibar
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 24, 2018
A fabulously engaging biography of a type of person not seen anymore.
I was specifically delighted to find out that he was the perpetrator of two of my favorite prank stories - the string joke and the party anonymously hosted for people with 'bottom' in their surname.
Well researched and beautifully written, this book gives a fascinating insight into a not so long gone period in history.
Although he had a relatively sad ending to his life, I wish there were more people like this around today.
An absolute triumph of a quirky slice of history from Mr Downer.
Great stuff.
I was specifically delighted to find out that he was the perpetrator of two of my favorite prank stories - the string joke and the party anonymously hosted for people with 'bottom' in their surname.
Well researched and beautifully written, this book gives a fascinating insight into a not so long gone period in history.
Although he had a relatively sad ending to his life, I wish there were more people like this around today.
An absolute triumph of a quirky slice of history from Mr Downer.
Great stuff.
March 3, 2023
I hate pranks and pranksters, but something about the description on the back of this book pulled me in. There's some interesting stuff about the zeitgeist of the early 20th century, and Cole's awkward position in a rapidly changing society. The pranks themselves are done by halfway through the book, and the rest is a depressing chain of failed marriages and affairs and an ignominious slide into poverty and obscurity, filled with quotes from Cole's mediocre poetry.
There are some factual errors, and the author generally finds his subject to be a much more fascinating and inspiring subject than I do. For the author, Cole's end was a tragedy. For me it was just what he deserved.
There are some factual errors, and the author generally finds his subject to be a much more fascinating and inspiring subject than I do. For the author, Cole's end was a tragedy. For me it was just what he deserved.
February 25, 2013
Really enjoyed this - funny and yet sad at the same time. Hoaxes were de Vere Cole's main claim to fame and I loved reading how he and a small group of accomplices managed to fool the British Navy and be entertained and shown around the Dreadnought whilst in disguise. Apparently this massive security breach has been wiped off the records of the Dreadnought - can't imagine why???
The slow, sad decline of Cole is somehow inevitable as he slides from being the toast of London (when he had money and influential friends) to living in poverty in France where he died. Two disastrous marriages and a daughter passed from pillar to post - he must have been horrendous to live with, and a very difficult man.
The slow, sad decline of Cole is somehow inevitable as he slides from being the toast of London (when he had money and influential friends) to living in poverty in France where he died. Two disastrous marriages and a daughter passed from pillar to post - he must have been horrendous to live with, and a very difficult man.
May 20, 2015
Love being transported to the glory days of the Café Royal. I must get hold of a recording of Popsy Wopsy! Some people are so dam eccentric they are nuts - totally barmy. Horace was a charming nutter.
May 31, 2010
Facinating, entertaining & engaging; a great read.Sultan of Zanzibar, The
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June 17, 2016001.95092 D7484 2010
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews