All This And Bevin Too
This book was brought to my attention by Maurice Heerdink who also sent me the image of the book.
Thanks Maurice.
Published : 1948
Author : Quentin Crisp
The entire story is in the form of a poem telling what happened to a kangaroo who answers an add for a vacancy at the local zoo.
Author : Quentin Crisp
The entire story is in the form of a poem telling what happened to a kangaroo who answers an add for a vacancy at the local zoo.
Book review
By Maurice Heerdink
Finding ALL THIS AND BEVIN TOO I realized it was an oddity. Even by Quentin Crisp's standards. In rhyme he tells us what happens to the main character after responding to the add: 'Kangaroos urgently needed'. (won't spoil the plot by telling more) Written in 1943 it is tempting to see it as a metaphor for the job-situation in Britain during WW II. But I can't be sure being neither from then nor there. What I can assure you of is that it is thoroughly Quentin, funny, cynical and clear example of his ability to juggle creatively with the English language. Credit is also due to the fine pendrawings by Mervyn Peake. By re-issuing his work the Mervyn Peake Society made it possible for us to enjoy this early writing-attempt of Quentin, which otherwise would have been lost. It took 25 years before Quentin got another chance! It made me, as a painter, nearly want to start reciting instead of painting. For Quentin Crisp devotees a must.
Finding ALL THIS AND BEVIN TOO I realized it was an oddity. Even by Quentin Crisp's standards. In rhyme he tells us what happens to the main character after responding to the add: 'Kangaroos urgently needed'. (won't spoil the plot by telling more) Written in 1943 it is tempting to see it as a metaphor for the job-situation in Britain during WW II. But I can't be sure being neither from then nor there. What I can assure you of is that it is thoroughly Quentin, funny, cynical and clear example of his ability to juggle creatively with the English language. Credit is also due to the fine pendrawings by Mervyn Peake. By re-issuing his work the Mervyn Peake Society made it possible for us to enjoy this early writing-attempt of Quentin, which otherwise would have been lost. It took 25 years before Quentin got another chance! It made me, as a painter, nearly want to start reciting instead of painting. For Quentin Crisp devotees a must.