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Product Description
Review
The Pearly King of Peckham has written the first volume of his interesting autobiography. The details of his childhood reveal the cruelty and lack of love he suffered as a child. It is remarkable that he has led such a useful and productive life as an adult...The book gives much history on the Pearly families...George Major spent a lot of time in Peckham and Nunhead so they are well featured in this informative book which will whet readers' appetites for the second volume of this colourful character's memoirs.
--Peckham Society News, Autumn 2008
--Peckham Society News, Autumn 2008
Product Description
Q: What has thousands of buttons, weighs half a hundredweight, makes you sweat bucketfuls and helps raise thousands of pounds for charity? A: The author's whistle and flute (suit) which he wears proudly as the Pearly King of Peckham. George Major's story is a tough one. Abandoned in the 1940s by his mother, he spent years trying to find her, drawn to the pearly king tradition from the age of eight which he knew was in her family. An abusive father and a truly terrifying maiden Auntie Hilda saw young George packed off to an approved school in Surrey. Long before David Jason immortalised the character of Del Boy, George became a well-known character in the Peckham area and his life as a costermonger on the streets of South London was hilariously interrupted by a spell in the army - including eight weeks in the glasshouse in Colchester. George's deafness, coupled with his Norman Wisdom 'cheeky chappie' patter, endeared more than it annoyed, and in his twenties he was crowned Pearly King of Peckham. In this time-honoured capacity, he has fundraised tirelessly for charities far and wide and met many members of the royal family and dined with the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. Packed with Dickensian anecdotes and pearly lore, this memoir is not only the inspiring story of one man's fight against hardships to serve his country but also a portrait of a disappearing London and a tradition that still glitters brightly on our city streets.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I had the pleasure of going to the book launch, held in the Old Kent Road, London. George Major is a personal friend and until I read the book I had no idea of what a traumatic life he had, he never feels sorry for himself or talks about his past and is always there to listen to and help others. He is a truly inspirational man and always comes across as a happy go lucky, cheeky chappie. Because I know him does not make me biased, this is an excellent book and is not all about George but about the tradition that is the Pearly Kings & Queens and what they stand for. It is a fantastic read and will be enjoyed by all.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
George's story makes compelling reading. Written openly and honestly, the events of George's life cannot help but touch the hearts of everyone who reads it. You will be in tears one minute as George remembers the neglect and the punishments at the hands of his father and Aunt Hilda, but in fits of laughter in the next reading of all his cheeky escapades. What makes George so remarkable is that inspite of his horrendous childhood, he has dedicated his life to helping others. The Hidden Whistle and Flute is truly inspiring and I can't wait for Stitch Two!
Fondest Wishes
Lynne Stevens
Fondest Wishes
Lynne Stevens
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I found George's book interesting and compelling. Horror struck at the cruelty he was subjected to as a child. Amused at the antics he got up to. Can't wait for the next book.
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