The Duke of Bedford’s Book of Snobs
John, Duke of Bedford. The Duke of Bedford’s Book of Snobs. First American Edition. 1965. Book is in very good condition; dust jacket is in very good minus condition—jacket shows a small to tear to the front cover and mild fraying, mostly to the spine. Written in collaboration with George Mikes. Illustrations by Nicolas Bentley.
John, Thirteenth Duke of Bedford, was an iconoclast, but he had a bird’s eye view of post-World War II English society. So secure in his position, he was comfortable making light of it. In this witty and captivating book, he hilariously lampoons the poseurs, climbers, and snobs who are indigenous to that world, while at the same time providing extremely useful advice on how to become a part of it. The fun begins with the Pop Art dust jacket illustration (unique to the American edition) and does not end until the final page.
“Do not be too knowledgeable about art. Art is always a bit suspect and if you are seriously interested in it, keep it a secret.”
--John, Duke of Bedford