My Sunday Book Review is for another book I read by John Dolan – The Otford English Dictionary. I enjoy Dolan’s books, as many are written in a dark satire style, and this one is certainly no different. This book is definitely humorous satire, but don’t expect a story (other than the intro), because this is Dolan’s cynical version of the dictionary using a play on word with the title.
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Blurb:
Not to be confused with The Oxford English Dictionary, this is a reference book for the incurably cynical. Containing hundreds of definitions of a corny or inappropriate nature, it is the ideal gift for that person who hankers after the Good Old Days before political correctness, and who thinks a damn good hiding is still the best cure for anxiety.
If you are easily offended, you should probably buy a proper dictionary; though that won’t make you feel any less depressed about the modern world. But, let’s be honest, what could?
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My 5 Star Review:
This book may not be for everyone. But if you enjoy Dolan’s books, acerbic wit, and a satirical play on words, you will chuckle your way through this ‘revised’ version of what we know from an authentic dictionary. Like his blurb suggests, you will not find anything politically correct in this book, but that is the point. But if you enjoy cynical humor and you have a good sense of humor, you will enjoy this book. As Dolan states in his intro – “If you’re looking for a learned work to assist with your wordsmithing, this is not it. If, on the other hand, you like an unseemly chuckle to relieve an otherwise tedious day, then this might be your thing.”
The author also suggests that this book need not be read in any particular order. He refers to the book as “rather like a rancid fondue – is there to be dipped into when you’re really desperate.” Written in British-English spellings, as the author states, in hopes of encouraging his American cousins to get a proper education. Lol. Dolan also adds that his purpose for this book was to amuse, not to offend, and adds that if you do get offended, consider it a bonus. Take this with a grain of salt as there is plenty in the book that may offend, but if you’re a fan of Dolan’s writing and understand his style, there are so many words to chuckle at. And many of the listed words are given new meaning by literal translation.
The definitions in this Otford dictionary are like none other you’d find in your typical dictionary. If you enjoy satire, you are sure to get some laughs from this book.
A few samples to give you a taste of Dolan’s humor:
” Browser: A computer program used to look for information on internet; and which can get you into trouble if you forget to delete your search history.”
“Brothel: A specialized form of hotel where rooms are typically paid for by the hour and include personalized bed-warmers and complimentary STIs.”
“Calligrapher: An individual skilled in the now-redundant art of beautiful writing. See also ‘Dodo’.”
“Canada: Country in North America much favoured by US Army deserters and lovers of frostbite.”
“Christmas: The time of year when the poor are forgotten and weathy toy-and-computer-game manufacturers have huge amounts of money thrown at them to spend on yachts, private planesand prostitutes.”
“Currency: The money of a particular country, of which there is never enough – hence the invention of poverty.”
And one of my favs: “Cesspool: Collective term for a group of politicians.”
I hope I’ve given you some great examples here to demonstrate what you can expect from this entertaining book.
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