From ‘Pitfalls in Bookland’, The Spectator, 20 February 1915: EVERY bookman knows that the taste for buying books inevitably outruns the capacity for reading them. At first a man buys a book only when he wants it vehemently—when he is so anxious to enjoy it that he despatches the preface while he is waiting for
From ‘The Psychology of Drill’, The Spectator, 20 February 1915: One is tempted to divide all men under drill into two classes—the precipitate and the tardy. Every one who has listened to a drill instructor’s words knows that the first part of a command is cautionary. For instance, in “Right—turn” there is a pause between
Pooh stick
‘It’s a lovely day. Surely someone wants to come outside to fight?’
‘The coast is clear, Cap’n, I think we’re safe to board her.’
‘It’s wonderful to see them behaving naturally in the wild rather than being forced to perform in captivity.’
‘Before I begin, has everyone taken their statin?’
‘We need to be careful. It could be full of election promises.’
‘Here comes the private jet.’
He used to be rampant. Nowadays he’s just couchant.’
‘I don’t know for certain but she could be the god of multitasking.’
Before you proceed, Spirit, I must tell you that this conversation may be recorded for training purposes.’
‘Couldn’t you stop growing your beard now, Roger?’
‘Which is your best nightmare?’
‘Stop! Do not attempt to move him to a different postcode!’
‘Cut! Can you strut and fret less!’
In defence of Kids Company Sir: Your piece ‘The problem with Kids Company’ (14 February) bears an important message: charities need to be transparent and accountable. That’s why Kids Company was independently audited twice last year alone, and our financial structures and functioning put to the test. We also have auditors working alongside us, verifying