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Augustus Carp, Esq., by Himself
Augustus Carp, Esq., by Himself | Sir Henry Howarth Bashford
3 posts | 2 read | 5 to read
Meet our memoirist, Augustus Carp, a self-proclaimed "good man" who relishes every opportunity to condemn the weaknesses of others while excusing his own failings. In this spoof autobiography, the pompous narrator enthusiastically recounts his mundane achievements with unwitting hilarity, making frequent asides to bemoan the sins of lesser mortals. Much of the story's ironic humor derives from his delivery; the more seriously Carp takes himself, the more ridiculous he appears. This riotous fable is supported by a cast of delightfully eccentric and grotesque characters: Abraham Stool, manufacturer of the famous Adult Gripe Water; schoolteacher Mr. Beerthorpe, inevitably known to his charges as "Beery"; the Rev. Eugene Cake, author of such improving fiction as Gnashers of Teeth; and other memorable personalities. A cult classic and comic gem, the book was originally published anonymously in 1924 and rediscovered decades later, when its author was revealed as a genteel (and discreet) London physician. This edition features the splendidly droll illustrations by Punch artist Marjorie Blood from the original publication.
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Peterfox123
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I may have posted about this short book before. I‘m old. My memory is poor. This is a truly hidden gem of satire. Ride the convoluted sentences until you absorb Carp‘s pomposity. Unravel his self-justifications until you take his measure. Then laugh. Here is a joy. How many acquaintances and public figures are a little too Carp? If you like Diary of a Nobody this is definitely for you. I read this at least once a year. Thank me later.

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Peterfox123

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@maich Pleased to meet you! Hope I'm doing this right...

Sheffield UK
Augustus Carp: The Autobiography of a Very Good Man
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From home. For an insurance company. For another 53 days. Then freedom!
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maich The Italian Job👍 Jason Statham❤ 8y
Peterfox123 @maich Haha! I see your point but you'll understand that doesn't have quite the same appeal for me...😏 8y
Lizpixie Love the original with Michael Caine! It's such a wide boy gangster movie! Especially love the ending with the bus hanging off the cliff.🚌🏔 8y
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Peterfox123 @Lizpixie No idea how many times I've seen it. I'm sure they escape the cliff though... 😬 8y
kspenmoll Love Emmy Lou Harris! 8y
Peterfox123 @kspenmoll Me too. Have listened to her for years. 8y
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review
Peterfox123
Augustus Carp, Esq., by Himself | Sir Henry Howarth Bashford
Pickpick

I feel we know each other well enough to share a secret: this is my favourite book. Ever. The best. I go back to it at least once a year.

It's a short book and it's different. Treat yourself, then thank me. Go on.

Entirely devoid of self-awareness though entirely self-centred Carp is a joy and a horror to behold. The style of the delivery is the key capturing the monumental hypocrisy and rendering it hilarious.

Shoot me if I'm wrong. (I'm not.)

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