How To Be A Brit - Softcover

Mikes, George

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0140081798 ISBN 13: 9780140081794

Publisher: Penguin UK, 1986

Synopsis

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.

About this title

About the Author:

George Mikes (pronounced 'me-cash'), was born in Hungary 1912. In 1938 he moved to London to become the correspondent for a Hungarian newspaper, and then he never left. A keen observer of the behaviour and misbehaviour of foreigners and natives in Britain, he is frequently cited by later authors including Kate Fox and Jeremy Paxman. He died in London in 1987.

Review:

In all the miseries which plague mankind, there is hardly anything better than such radiant humour as is given to you. Everyone must laugh with you - even those who are hit with your little arrows. * Albert Einstein to George Mikes * An instant classic -- Francis Wheen on 'How to Be an Alien' Very funny * The Economist * Bill Bryson is George Mikes' love-child -- Jeremy Paxman This is the vital textbook for Brits, would-be Brits, and anyone who wonders what being a Brit really means. Pass me my hot water bottle, please -- Dame Esther Rantzen Wise and witty -- William Cook on 'How to Be an Alien' * Spectator * Brilliantly comical -- Pico Iyer on 'How to Be an Alien' * New York Times * Mikes is a master of the laconic yet slippery put-down: "The trouble with tea is that originally it was quite a good drink" -- Henry Hitchings I love it and read it cover to cover. Also has good tips for talking about the weather, not that we need them -- Rachel Johnson Full of the very best advice that any would-be Brit should need (and for those of us who have forgotten exactly how it is to be ourselves) it's a jolly good read * The Telegraph * How to be an Alien inspired me ... Some of his observations remain remarkably fresh and relevant 70 years later, but it's his tone that impressed me -- Erin Moore, author of That's Not English Brilliantly comical -- Pico Iyer on 'How to Be an Alien' * New York Times * I used to think that Mikes's world has gone, but it has returned to us in spades via the referendum. -- Nick Fraser * The Guardian *

About this edition

• Publisher: Penguin UK
• Publication date: 1986
• ISBN 10: 0140081798
• ISBN 13: 9780140081794
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 272