It's a conspiracy, I tell you, a conspiracy!

So here I am, a poor old-age pensioner, just getting over a life-threatening hernia operation - well, the surgeon's life would have been at risk if he didn't get it right! - whilst also battling the ravages of rheumatoid arthritis, struggling manfully with Andrew Robert's massive missive on the life of Lord Salisbury, when I read in today's Spectator that the 'Heffalump' (aka: Simon Heffer) has just published a book covering the history of Britain from 1880 to 1914.  Perfect timing, I thought!

Then I read the review, growing ever more excited, until I reached the final paragraph:

The whole drama is well described here, but no new details are added to the many previous accounts. Heffer takes his book’s title from that of a lecture by A.J. Balfour — a man far better equipped for philosophy than for the role of prime minister, and who never bothered to read the newspapers — but is not wholly appropriate. And since few people will read this book from cover to cover, it would have been helpful to have published it in two volumes instead of the present monster, which weighs in at over three and a half pounds.[My emphasis]

Bloody hell! That means I will have to totter off to my local gym to do some more weight-lifting exercises!  Whatever happened to 'slim volumes'?  Also, I noticed that it cost thirty quid!  Ah well, that's another one to add to my 'Xmas Wish List' which I send to 'SoD' regularly on the 1st of December with the reminder that you can never do enough for your dear, old Dad!

The Age of Decadence: Britain 1880 to 1914 by Simon Heffer

 

 

Comments

[Whitewall]

David, with all the indignities, challenges and care giving you are undergoing these days...I do agree an au pair might be just the thing for you. A "Mrs. Bale" might be just what you need! May even comfort your dear wife some as well.

[David Duff]

Sorry, Whiters, I had to look up "Mrs. Bale" but from the little I learned I think I'll stick with one of SoD's 'long-legged, pert-breasted, inky-blinky dahlinkies'. Such a comfort to an old man in his dotage!

[AussieD]

I know this has bugger all to do with Duffers topic above but for the benefit of all those that think the EU is the Second Coming read the attached.

http://quadrant.org.au/opinion/qed/2017/09/bath-time-eu/