The Spectator Best of Notes On ...
Description
The Best of Notes on... gathers the funniest, sharpest and most wonderfully random pieces from The Spectator's beloved miscellany column. For more than a decade, these short, sharp essays have uncovered the intrigue in the everyday and the delight in digression. Witty, unpredictable and frequently laugh-out-loud funny, they celebrate life's odd corners and overlooked pleasures. Expect the unexpected: sharp wit, sideways observations, and the occasional guilty laugh at things you thought only you found ridiculous.
With contributions from a dazzling line-up including Tom Holland, Prue Leith, Jon Day, Julie Bindel, Rod Liddle, Laura Freeman, Tanya Gold, Freddy Gray, Simon Barnes, Mary Killen, Ben Fogle, Ysenda Maxtone Graham, Robert Tombs, Mary Wellesley, Julie Burchill - and plenty more besides.
The Spectator Best of Notes on... is the perfect pick-me-up for anyone who delights in life's oddities. Whether you're buying for a curious friend, a witty relative, or just indulging your own love of the unexpected, this collection is guaranteed to entertain.
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Introduction
Canapés by Ysenda Maxtone Graham Jeans by William Moore Carps by Jon Day Land Rovers by Ben Fogle Big Ben by Mark Mason Mothing by Mark Solomons Croquet by Sam Leith Invitations by Philip Womack Obituaries by Mark Mason Corkscrews by Henry Jeffreys Routemasters by Paul Burke Gins in tins by Flora Watkins Falconry by Mark Cocker Trainers by Justin Marozzi Kippers by Andrew Watts Wassailing by Matthew Dennison Foie gras by Paul Levy Ordnance Survey maps by Mark Mason The coronation spoon by Robert Tombs Easter lilies by Lara Prendergast Toffee apples by Tanya Gold Cocaine by Julie Burchill Standing ovations by Laura Freeman Rats by Jon Day Tabletop games by Gus Carter Confetti by Melanie McDonagh Pebble-spotting by Laura Freeman Gilets by Henry Jefferys Valentine's Day by Freddy Gray Elderflower by Flora Watkins Bagpipes by Robert Porter Viking words by Frederick Edward Bowls by Michael Simmons The English seaside by Jenny Coad Monopoly by Andrew Watts Pub names by David Butterfield Signal boxes by Christian Wolmar Motorways by Mark Mason Brits in Paris by Laura Freeman The Bank of England by Mark Mason Ruins by Harry Mount Ice cream by Laura Freeman Soho drinking clubs by Henry Jefferys Marmalade by Sophia Money-Coutts Tapestries by Constance Watson Boxer shorts by Justin Marozzi The Surrey Hills by Christopher Winn The Cathars by James Delingpole Wetherspoons by Henry Jefferys Doorsteps by James Innes-Smith Ruislip Lido by William Cook Pub quizzes by Marcus Berkmann Corduroy by Marcus Berkmann Hangovers by Katy Balls A good night's sleep by Laura Freeman Coming second by Mark Mason Kites by Christopher Fletcher Unst by Ted Harrison Being the perfect guest by Lucy Deedes Frankincense and myrrh by David Abulafia Literary motorcycling by Christopher Fletcher Wet weather boots by Laura Freeman Book clubs by Emily Rhodes Pigeon racing by Jon Day Chinese porcelain by Timothy Brook Hunting by Camilla Swift Country house opera by Guy Dammann Garden sculpture by Prue Leith Visitors books by Mary Killen Nominative determinism by Dot Wordsworth Doner kebabs by Michael Simmons The speaking clock by Alan Steadman Ferret racing by Peter Krijgsman St Nicholas by Mary Wellesley Friday 13th by Fergus Butler-Gallie Squatting by Julie Bindel Lonely hearts ads by Anthony Whitehead Metal detecting by Nigel Richardson Fringes by Martha Gill Whistling by Steve Morris Tiramisu by Tanya Gold Rude place names by Hannah Tomes Treehouses by Andrew Watts Aquariums by Robert Porter Black tie by Harry Mount Hedgehogs by Tom Holland Quince by Rod Liddle Historical re-enactments by Christopher Brown Passport stamps by Sean Thomas Lobsters by Margaret Mitchell Going grey by Cosmo Landesman Halloween turnips by Melanie McDonagh Orcas by Simon Barnes Bengal cats by Miranda Morrison Italians by Nicholas Farrell Cruise ship pianists by Tom Yarwood Smoked salmon by Henry Jeffreys Tarot reading by Daisy Waugh Swiss Army knives by Andrew Watts Rollies by Ruari Clark Shrove Tuesday by Francis Young Beef dripping by Angus Colwell Ninjas by Francis Pike Indexes by Dennis Duncan
Index Credits and Acknowledgements
