In Search of the English Eccentric: A Journey

In Search of the English Eccentric: A Journey

by HenryHemming (Author)

Synopsis

The English eccentric is under threat. In our increasingly homogenised society, these celebrated parts of our national identity are anomalies that may soon no longer fit. Or so it seems. On his entertaining and thought-provoking quest to discover the most eccentric English person alive today, Henry Hemming unearths a surprisingly large array of delightfully odd characters. He asks what it is to be an eccentric. Is it simply to thrive on creativity and non-conformity, and where does this incarnation of Englishness stem from? Hemming concludes that this tribe is, in fact, in rude health, as essential as ever to the English national identity, only they are no longer to be found where you'd expect them. Featuring interviews with Dame Vivienne Westwood, the Marquess of Bath, Pete Doherty, the modern-day reincarnation of King Arthur, the Leopard Man of Skye, Sebastian Horsley, Chris Eubank, Captain Beany and Brian Haw among others.

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More Information

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 336
Edition: First Edition
Publisher: John Murray
Published: 12 Jun 2008

ISBN 10: 0719522129
ISBN 13: 9780719522123

Media Reviews
'A lovely, heartfelt paean to English eccentrics, by a member of the tribe. A funny, timely and moving encounter with a dying breed.' -- Jon Ronson 'Hemming keeps up a stream of comic patter' -- Guardian 'Hemming makes some good points' -- Sunday Telegraph/ Seven The new Michael Palin -- Tatler 'If nothing else this book confirms the old adage there's nothing so strange as folk -- Folkestone Herald & Dover Express 'Entertaining and thought-provoking ... Hemming unearths a surprisingly large array of delightfully odd characters' -- Cambridge Evening News
Author Bio
Henry Hemming is 27 years old. His first book, Misadventure in the Middle East: Travels as a Tramp, Artist and Spy, the product of a year-long journey through the Middle East, was published this year to critical acclaim.