How We Live - according to the DoSS
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If I was in power, I'd issue every citizen a copy, and command them to read it. At gunpoint. -- Charlie Brooker
If you wince at the word 'benchmark', this neat parody could be just the thing to cheer you up. -- The Sunday Telegraph
If you wince at the word 'benchmark', this neat parody could be just the thing to cheer you up. -- The Sunday Telegraph
Book Description
60 million people live on a group of islands on the fringes of the North Atlantic and it seems that no-one has a clear idea of what it takes to be a citizen of Britain. Our climate is temperate, our topography is fair-to-middling and our attitudes are, on the whole, average, reasonable and non-extreme. So who are we? What makes us tick? What are the rights and responsibilities of living in the world’s oldest and least defined democracy? Isn’t it about time it was spelled out? Based on the popular comedy website of the fictional UK Department of Social Scrutiny (DoSS), and written in a mock-governmental style, Britain: What a State explains exactly what it means to be British and live in Britain. Pubs, public schools, pensions, fish and chips, tea, trains and buses - every element of our society is brilliantly explained and illustrated in a series of wincingly accurate spoof official forms from the DoSS. Britain: What a State is a searingly funny and acidic look at life in the UK - from the NHS to BHS and beyond. Think The Framley Examiner meets the entire output of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office and you have Britain: What a State.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By reckless_rik
Format:Hardcover
Sir Edward Bicycle is a regular on the b3ta.com web site, and often posts the sort of materials that have been lovingly (?) collected in this great book. The book is witty, sarcastic, and very funny - especially for those of us who believe Britain is in a terrible bureaucratic mess. It also makes great toilet reading!
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By R. Harris
Format:Hardcover
It's such a cliche to say that something is the perfect present - but having given this to numerous people now without fail, I really think it is.
The book presumes a level of cynicism with the government and level of sickness with bureaucracy - but I seriously can't imagine any demographic that doesn't have that. Besides that I can see the book appealing to all, right or left.
The book (and accompanying website) had me crying with laughter and - like with all comedy gigs - it's hard to explain what was funny afterwards or to remember the jokes. I wish I could :)
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By Jeff Jenkins
Format:Hardcover
If you like wacky humour with a wicked satirical style, you'll love this book. I was reading it on the train to London the day it came out and was getting very odd looks from the people in the same carriage as I was laughing out loud at most of the items. It's a nice one to read in bits and is a bueatifully bound and presented book perfectly capturing the style of Ian's website but with fresh new material. Ok there are a few repeats from his website, but nothing like as many as I was expecting.
All in all, worth every penny of £6. Buy copies for all your relatives and friends for Christmas or upcoming birthdays, they'll love it!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Be afraid be very afraid
Dissecting the culture and politics through razor-like wit, it spells out the true facts of how we all operate, and the jargonistic language used to baffle us! Read more
Published on 25 Mar 2008 by Frank Candour
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent
A frighteningly funny insight into the mindset of Britain. A must for all worth their salt.
Published on 16 Nov 2005 by "markkse"
5.0 out of 5 stars
DoSS pwnz j00
Outstanding. Buy it. Buy it now. Buy it for all your friends and they'll love you forever. Buy it for your mum and watch her disapprove heartily whilst trying to hide a snigger. Read more
Published on 18 Oct 2005 by Mr. S. van Looy
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