The Specialist is one of the world s favourite humour classics. Generations of readers have enjoyed its gentle wisdom about the building of privies and applauded Lem Putt s devotion to making a privy a thing of beauty. Lem Putt is a specialist, and this book is the philosophy of a man who loves his trade and has considered every aspect of it, from how to prevent people taking their time when they commune with nature to solving the problem of female modesty in an ingenious way.
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A gentle education in the nature of humour. --Terry Pratchett, Daily Express
Describes, in the words of an old-style American varmint, the making of an outside privy... It has been entertaining readers for well over seventy years. --The Oldie
Souvenir Press... publish not only Le Petomane but also The Specialist , thereby making them almost certainly the best non-fiction publishers on the entire planet. --The Bookbag
Describes, in the words of an old-style American varmint, the making of an outside privy... It has been entertaining readers for well over seventy years. --The Oldie
Souvenir Press... publish not only Le Petomane but also The Specialist , thereby making them almost certainly the best non-fiction publishers on the entire planet. --The Bookbag
About the Author
Charles Sale lived in Carmel County, California, and he based Lem Putt on a real person.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
13 of 14 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Hardcover
This is a very short book, but is written in the style of a rambling monologue by a retired constructor of outdoor privys. He describes points to consider in siting and building them that would never cross the mind of the non-"specialist". Pour yourself a Jack Daniels, lean back in rocking chair on the porch and read it to yourself in a deep Southern accent for best enjoyment.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Most amusing to those who have experience in a similar field. I first came across this little book in 1952 in the office where I worked. Many of the Lem Putt sayings became office quotations. I have been searching for the book for many years as my original copy was loaned and not returned - they must have enjoyed it.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By R. Wood
Format:Hardcover
Although a tiny book which you will no doubt consume in a single session in your favourite place, the specialist is a glittering piece of literary history from a simpler time but written with such humour and humility that you find yourself being transported back to that time. Buy this book, visitors to your smallest room will thank you for it.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Mike B
Format:Hardcover
When Charles Sale wrote, and published, this book it's purpose was to preserve his stage act for posterity. In the 1920s/'30s, to most people in his American audiences the privy was a reality (and in rural Norfolk, England we were still using an 'Elsan' in the 1970s) and they were able to relate to the situations directly. People coming to it now for the first time might do best to think of it as a gentle 'Horrible Histories' account. In a time when most things are mass produced, and keeping up with the Jones's comes down to having enough money for a flashier car/TV or employing a 'craftsman' to build your conservatory, it is amusing to see, at a time when mass-production was emerging, the same trait existing and a privy builder bemoaning the demise of the specialist, while warning against employing a cheap-jack. Sales' down-home style provides an easy reading account, and don't expect in-your-face lavatory humour, but something that your maiden aunt would chuckle at. As much as I recommend 'The Specialist' to anyone, I cannot do the same for the follow-up, 'Master Builder'. For good reason it took 60+ years for it to be published in Britain. In expanding it into a book of general advice for businessmen (albeit a very short one), like many follow-ups it has the feel of cashing in on the original[ASIN:0370309278 The Master Builder].
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Rex Jarvis
Format:Hardcover
Grab the book and sit yourself down on your front porch with a bottle of wine on a nice summers evening and give yourself an hour or two to breeze through this gentle, easy going little number. It's a very short read, written in an old fashioned manner (well it is an old book) all about and American who builds custom manufactured outdoor toilets. It is written in the words of the builder as though he is telling you his own story as he goes along. Not a fantastic read, not a gripping story, no cliff-hanger ending but you will read it because you can, because it is there, because it is short and because you can. You will be glad you made the effort and spared the time.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
'THE SPECIALIST'
A classic. Humour and insight into American rural life from a forgotten time. All you ever needed to know about the design, function and aesthetics of 'privy-construction'
The professional consideration of 'bodily-needs'will have you rocking with laughter and in awe of a long-lost craft.
Wish I had one in my own backyard!
RECOMMENDED
A classic. Humour and insight into American rural life from a forgotten time. All you ever needed to know about the design, function and aesthetics of 'privy-construction'
The professional consideration of 'bodily-needs'will have you rocking with laughter and in awe of a long-lost craft.
Wish I had one in my own backyard!
RECOMMENDED
By Murray
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
This book was exactly what was expected and delivered promptly. A little classic. It was needed to replace a worn out family favourite.
By Dixie
Format:Hardcover
Very amusing 'monologue' from a specialist in building outdoor privies in rural America. You can't just build them anywhere; there are a lot of factors to take into consideration. This book was recommended by a friend and they were correct, it's excellent.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Gentle classic
This is a 1930's American classic; a gentle spoof from the age of specialisation through the sales pitch of a country carpenter turned specialist privy-builder. Read more
Published on 22 Sep 2010 by PD
1.0 out of 5 stars
Save your money
I well remember this little book on my parents' bookshelf in the 50s but have only just got round to reding it for myself. What a disappointment! Read more
Published on 13 Oct 2009 by Mayo Maid
5.0 out of 5 stars
Privy Building Made Easy ! !
For the person who requires additional sanitary accomodation this handy pocket sized manual will prove invaluable. It contains advice on ,Siteing ,size, design and outfittings. Read more
Published on 16 Jun 2009 by Mr. James E. Berg
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Best Loo book - ever!
Over the years I have bought several of these books for friends and relations.
If you are interested in Loo's and One Holers in particular, this is the book for you! Read more
If you are interested in Loo's and One Holers in particular, this is the book for you! Read more
Published on 28 Feb 2009 by V. Cook
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