Chris Rae

I LOVED this book. I don't normally read dictionaries, but I couldn't resist this one once I started reading. 'The Septic's Companion' is an irreverant look at all things British. The first half of the book talks about history, geography, weights and measures - you know, the dull stuff you usually skim through in other books in order to get to the important parts. Don't do that! The first half is unbelievably funny while still providing the reader with a cultural knowledge base. From how to show more drive on the 'wrong' side of the road to the proper way to buy a round of drinks, this book is both informative and entertaining. My favorite chapters explained the politics and geography of the United Kingdom - and while it's a proven fact that politics and geography are two of the most boring subjects on Earth, the author has presented the basics in a way that's easy to remember and surprisingly humorous. The latter half of the book is devoted to a dictionary of terms (like 'brolly' and 'squiffy') and phrases (such as 'off one's onion' and the more traditional 'Bob's your uncle'). One of the funniest books I've ever read - 'The Septic's Companion' is a definite keeper. If you have ever read a British book, or are planning a trip to the U.K. (or have ever THOUGHT of anything British), you should get this book! show less

An entirely amusing, fairly quick overview of commonly used words/phrases and also government and schools and money, etc. mixed in with a lovely dash of humor. In the event that you are watching British televisions shows and want to know what they're on about, get this book. Read it, absorb it. It will save you hundreds of hours of television viewing time (in that you will not have to rewatch things months later because you didn't get them the first time).

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 show more 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. show less

Okay, so I am a little obsessed with all things British. If a country could have groupies I would be England’s biggest fan. I became obsessed when I discovered BBC America. I love How Clean is Your House? And Ramsey’s Kitchen but really love Top Gear and Dr. Who. I am a big fan of British humor and style.

This book is one of my favorite British finds. The author, the very witty and engaging Chris Rae is an Englishman living in my home state of Washington. Rae writes that once on holiday show more in the U S, he thought it would be fun to write a list of words familiar to him but unknown in America. The Septic’s companion is the result (sorry, you will have to read the book to find out what septic means). Rae has accomplished what he set out to do. The book is a fun sometimes laugh out loud guide to British culture and words. If you are looking for an armchair journey to England, I highly recommend you start with this book. show less