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John Mortimer
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Pages: 192 (Paperback)
ISBN: 0141011149
Pub: Penguin Books Ltd
Pub date: 2004-10-07
Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 46411
Reader Reviews:
Delightful and Poignant (0/0 people found this helpful)
Towards the end of a long and rewarding life John Mortimer leaves us a will and testament not of material belongings but of wisdom and values that will be of much greater use. This is imparted with great clarity, generosity and much humour. I have long admired the novels and writings of this warm and erudite man and this is a little treasure.
A Wonderful Book (6/6 people found this helpful)
John Mortimer is someone who has truly lived life. He has seen (as described in ever more witty and delightful stories that pepper the book) as much as there is to see, and from his breadth of experiences over times, places, and persons, we receive the distilled wisdom of almost 90 years of a great mind on this planet. Priceless.
Where there's a Will (10/10 people found this helpful)
This collection of reminiscences and wisdom, from wit and polymath John Mortimer never fails to delight. Far from being your typical 'grumpy old man' he demonstrates impeccable common sense, and frequently a very modern attitude, saying exactly what we would have liked to have said about such topics as the idiocy of politicians and political correctness. This book is peppered with poetic commentary and good advice.
Present laughter (26/27 people found this helpful)
Summary: open doors, open minds, open hearts - buy it now.
From the opening with the sound of his father's laughter echoing in his children (and the opening of the toilet door in Nice's Hotel Negresco), we trip lightly along - or so we think.
Beware the reader who thinks to dip in and out, for this book is full of hooks and barbs - bites and bullets.
Whilst Mortimer reserves, but hardly holds in reserve, his rapier for those who knew better and who should have done better for others, there is also much to soak up the blood and to absorb the reader. From Atheism, beliefs and creeds to Utopia, Wilde and Yeats, by way of Thatcher and the pursuit of happiness, we (or at least this reader did) gain an introduction if perhaps not quite an insight to Sir John Mortimer and something of his great wisdom and humour and the love gained and given.
I enjoyed this book hugely and have tried not to annoy my wife, too much, by referring to and quoting from it. But I liked it and took inspiration - and will share it.
But I will not share it yet - I urge you to buy your own and more for presents.
Now to go back and read the books and topics prompted by such an enjoyable read.
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Categories
Amazon.co.uk places this book into the following categories:
Books -> Subjects -> Biography -> Essays, Journals & Letters -> 20th Century
Books -> Subjects -> Biography -> Essays, Journals & Letters -> General AAS
Books -> Subjects -> Biography -> General AAS
Books -> Refinements -> Language (feature_browse-bin) -> English
Books -> Refinements -> Age (feature_two_browse-bin)
Books -> Refinements -> Format (binding_browse-bin) -> Paperback
Books -> Refinements -> Condition (condition-type)