Chris Rae

The Septic's Companion came to me via of Early Reviewer's but is not listed on my list. I do want to review this, though, because it is essential reading for anyone who has been to England or plans to go. It is mixed with humor and also knowledge of things you may have wondered about. It is small, small enough, in fact to carry with you to read when you want to be amused. It is also full of comments that could start a conversation with anyone when wondering what next to say. If you love language, then by all means, don't miss this slightly poke at England.… (more)

this little book is pretty darned useful as a little dictionary of contemporary English slang, because it captures not only the translation but all the nuance attached. added it to my reference books on language, for when i'm writing British characters. but beyond that, the guy is really funny - about British foibles, various terms, and last but not least himself. so this too-slim volume (hey, take a note: there goes the raison d-'etre of that "mercifully brief") would still be a keeper even if the reader wasn't all that interested in the slang. i mean, really, there's slang, and then there's slanging, and the author's got a pretty good line on both.… (more)