This is one of a few books on our shelves that I had not read, though my wife had, even though the author was one of my favourite humorists. In this autobiography, the late British barrister sees the absurd, dry humour in almost every aspect of life in law practice mainly with divorces and probate in London as well as in his domestic life with his blind father and his demanding mother,-“she who must be obeyed”.
Unfortunately, this autobiography covers only 60 years of his long life and barely mentions his most famous books and TV roles as “Rumpole of the Old Bailey”, the quirky fictional barrister that made him famous and earned him a knighthood. Many other now obscure or forgotten works that have not aged well are featured, as are numerous friends and fellow actors. There is still a bit, but not enough, of the dry humour of Rumpole, along with some serious discussion of the uniqueness of the British legal system and an excellent defence of freedom of the press as it relates to obscenity laws; that now seems quaint.
One memorable quote: “… the great advantage of an English public education is that no subsequent form of captivity can hold any particular terror for you.”
There is really precious little about his private life, including two divorces multiple affairs, and an illegitimate son.
3/5
Thanks, Vera.
