A delightful read, as much for the appreciation of architecture as for the truly witty writing. I would think it would be a worthwhile read even for the studied architect, and I enjoyed it from the other end of the spectrum. Don't expect to get much practical knowledge out of it, though. Read it instead for its intangible, self-enriching quality.

As the author puts it, (more or less) "If you are the type of person who wants to succeed by keeping his nose to the grindstone and shoulder to the wheel, this book is NOT for you. If you want to succeed without bothering, read on..."

Parkinson's prescription for success, altho written over thirty years ago, and somewhat overtaken by the cultural changes, [particularly as they relate to women) is uniquely valuable (especially to men!). Parkinson is an engaging and humorus writer, but with great lessons buried (not very deeply) in his nice wit.

Get the publisher to reissue... it will be well worth the efort!

I must admit that I read the first edition over 10 years ago. The impression I got was enough to change my entire political beliefs. This book studies the real effect of taxation on the people in any country. The question of why governments fail have always puzzled political scientist. Prof. Parkinson takes a historical/politic/financial look at this question. This book is not presented in a 'techincal' format but rather in a clear a-b-c prose veiw of what is important.

I found the book very humorous. It was contridictory to many of the current
standards, however quite insightful as to the nature of the cyclical patterns of the
"Upper Class". I would recommend it for anyone interested in
linguistics and the different subjective views of what is correct or incorrect.

Ruth McKenney of MY SISTER EILEEN fame and her husband, Richard Bransten, have lived in England for the past three years. To say that they have fallen in love with that green and pleasant land is putting it mildly. Theirs is an evangelical passion which they are eager to share with their readers. The result is the liveliest book about England which has appeared since WITH MALICE TOWARD SOME.

HERE'S ENGLAND is aimed squarely at American tourists -- it's replete with history, architecture and practical travel information, but first and foremost it's a book to read for sheer enjoyment. In the hands of an eloquent novelist like Miss McKenney, history comes alive; the stories of Thomas Becket, Old Sarum and the Wars of the Roses take on color and a contemporary urgency. All through the book there are passages of lyrical beauty and flashes of humor which are equally delightful.

The first section, on London, its sights, its spirit and its people, is followed by seven easily manageable journeys into various sections of England. They range from Canterbury to Cornwall to the moors of the Border Country, and every one of them has its full quota of excitement and pleased discovery for both tourist and reader.

Osbert Lancaster's line drawings are both witty and characteristically distinguished.