Kenneth Baker (2) (1934–)

A fascinating look at British political history from 1740 to about 1990 through editorial cartoons, narrated by a political insider (former Conservative Party chairman Kenneth Baker). The selection in many cases is truly sharp, and the commentary can be quite illuminating. One of the few flaws in the book is that in at least one case that I recognize, and perhaps more, captions for the cartoons were dropped, and in another case, the reproduction size makes it hard to read the cartoon. show more Otherwise, strongly recommended. show less

Approaches the subject of the destruction of books and manuscripts from the perspective of a literarily-inclined politician. Basically a collect of tales and anecdotes, with no general analysis or connecting overview. But because his view is distinctly British, his catalog of events includes several that are not generally included in similar collections. Well written, and sumptuously illustrated. Of special note is the inclusion of a rare poem by Ted Hughes, and with which the book author show more had some early connection. show less

For cartoon buffs and history buffs alike, this is a very interesting collection of editorial cartoons regarding the British monarchy. While some of them go back as far as the time of Henry VIIIth, most, obviously, date from the time of George III onward, at the point where technology had made mass prints (and later, mass-circulation newspapers) feasible. Baker does a very good job of both selecting the cartoons, and putting them into context.

How can you resist a book that includes, alongside Auden (from whom the title comes), Pound, Yeats, and the like, Monty Python ("All things dull and ugly,/ All creatures short and squat,/ All things rude and nasty/ The Lord God made the lot")?