How to be a Brit
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Product Description
Product Description
George Mikes has written many successful books on a variety of interesting subjects, but one so successful as those on the subject most central to his own experience: his adopted country. The first of these came out in 1946: the ever famous "How to be an Alien." Later he enlarges the picture with "How to be inimitable" and "How to be Decadent." All three books were illustrated by the master of the cartoonists’ art, the late Nicolas Bentley. Here they are, all in one volume, which will make life much easier for today's would-be Brits than it was for those who pervaded them. It is said that a few of the latter actually failed to become indistinguishable from the genuine British article because they found it too tiresome to seek out three separate books: a misfortune that need never again occur to anyone.
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IN ENGLAND* everything is the other way round. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
IN ENGLAND* everything is the other way round. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
40 of 42 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
It doesn't matter where in the world you are from you will like this if you REALLY want to learn all about us: from the outsider's point of view.
This book deals beautifully with our penchant for queuing and talking about the weather. It includes such phrases as "a bit blowy" meaning there's a howling gale raging outside. There's also the story of the ageing siblings who get together after 10 years of separation: their conversation is probably too accurately described: it's awful really but there you are, that's us for you.
This book reminds me a lot of the Henry Root letters in many ways and if it were ever revealed that Henry root and George Mikes were one and the same person, I wouldn't be in the least bit surprised.
So, if you're into reading all about who we are and what we are, this book is a must.
33 of 35 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I am a Hungarian - just like Mikes was until he moved to England in his 20s. I first read his books on the Brits a year after I moved to Britain (this was 4 years ago). I was absolutely stunned to see my very thoughts and views about Britain put on paper by somebody who could have been my grandfather! The things he wrote are still very true and relevant - enjoy his style but don't make the mistake of not taking him seriously just because you found his book in the "humour" section. You will have a very excellent, true and intimate view of the Brits - the kind only people who came to live here can provide. A must for everybody starting a life in England!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I first read this book about thirty years ago. I guess it was pretty well dated even then, what with the social revolution of the sixties having intervened. Nevertheless, I still found it hugely entertaining and provocative. I realized early on that it was not meant to be a cosy exploration of how quaint and eccentric we Brits can be. There was a compelling edge that I generally find lacking from the works of more recent commentators. I felt that, instead of sucking up to me with fawning platitudes, Mikes was looking me squarely in the eye and telling it how he found it. In short, I felt I was being treated as a grown-up who was big enough to handle any negative criticism. Thank you Mr Mikes.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Essential reading for all tourists in Britain
This book was recommended to me by some German friends. I don't know how I managed to live for some years in England without it.
It is very ambitious in scope. Read more
It is very ambitious in scope. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Arni Jensson
The author has a chip on his shoulder...
This is book written by a person who clearly feels he's an outsider, and always will be. It is full of outdated bizzare observations which belong in 1950's Britain. Read more
Published 23 months ago by Gareth Lloyd
Everyone with that sense of humour could be a Brit !
Better than a book, this is a sort of manual where everyone can find subjects and manners not so much for imitation, as for recognizing himself as one of the good stock; or at... Read more
Published on 7 April 2010 by Mora Davide
Pure Joy From Start to Finish
One of my all time favourites ! This is such a fabulous book in so many respects. It is funny from begining to end. It is extremely perceptive - both for it's time, and for now. Read more
Published on 1 July 2004 by Simon May
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