The Timewaster Letters

A uniquely British twist on the goofy letters-to-strangers genre, this brilliant compilation chronicles one man's outrageous and bizarre letters—to trade groups, department stores, clubs, political parties, and a certain children's book publisher—and the amazing responses he received to his ideas, observations, and unsolicited feedback. Asking countless questions, such as Would the Campaign for Courtesy be interested in his 10-Point Plan for a Courteous Britain? Could the Ball & Roller Bearing Manufacturers Association contact his "ball-bearing mad" son to suggest that he scale back his 95,000-piece collection? and Might Madame Tussaud's be interested in creating a wax likeness of him in a toga?, the book reveals the courteous and often bemused correspondence between the imaginative time waster and his unsuspecting targets, all of whom only encouraged him further. Hilarious and off-the-wall, this volume will have fellow schemers laughing out loud—and reaching for their pens.

Robin Cooper just might be the pen name of Robert Popper, who is a BAFTA and British Comedy Award–nominated writer and producer of the BBC2 show Look Around You. He also appeared in the movie Hot Fuzz.