Basil Boothroyd (1910–1988)

I have never 'got' Punch. As a Brit, I have tried but, the humour is tortured and always seems more concerned with how clever the writer, rather than any genuine attempt to amuse. I apologize if this makes me a philistine.
Basil Boothroyd may, therefore, not have been a very good choice of biography but, I enjoyed his radio series, the Small Intricate World of Gerald C. Potter, and, nothing ventured, nothing gained. Unfortunately, prejudices were re-enforced. To be fair to Mr. B., i suspect show more that his birth, just before WWI, sets him in a time frame where chatty, inclusive humour had not been invented. People knew their place! I don't, and do not appreciate being advised as to where it might be (I get vertigo looking down that far!).
As must be apparent, I cannot say that this was an enjoyable read, or one that I could honestly recommend: however, as its whole compass is alien to me, I thought it only fair to give a neutral rating. show less

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