Customer Reviews

The Complete Henry Root Letters

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You must buy this book! Donaldson's hilarious letters are full of subtle putdowns (sample: "Do you only read the news or do you make it up?) You will be in hysterics reading the straight-faced answers from British notables.

Henry Root's letters are absolutely marvelous. I have read, and re-read, them on an annual basis for quarter of a century. There have been many imitators but `Henry' is the Top Dog! They are wicked, barbed, politically incorrect, rude, sometimes offensive, occasionally rancid, insightful, intelligent, and oh so incredibly funny. He skewers and hooks many `celebrities' and `self righteous, self appointed do-gooders' and shows just how disconnected from reality some folks are. The letters poke fun at numerous topics and people then lets them `dig their own grave' so to speak with their PC acceptance of his `off the wall' positions. William Donaldson has created a brilliant character in Henry Root.

In my opinion, the closest you will find to Henry to-day is Sacha Baron Cohen's `Borat' character. Who similarly takes, often wacky, ideas and `tests' individual responses. Even when presented with overtly racist, sexist, ageist, etc opinions, people will be Politically Correct before decrying such mumbo-jumbo! Despite being for a new audience, it shows how far we have sunk in pandering to nutty ideas.

You can't go wrong with this book. It contains both earlier volumes and, despite being paperback, is well bound and printed.

I have resorted over the years to writing letters and e-mail in the style of Henry. While I'm not as scathing as he, it is amazing how direct communication, tinged with humor cuts through the BS and gets to people.

I wish it were available for my Kindle!!

This book is wickedly funny. Less wicked, but also very amusing, are Bill Bryson's "In a Sunburned Country," Roy Moore's "Brothel in Pimlico," and even T. Dalrymple's "Life at the Bottom." All happen to be British.

This book is absolutely hilarious. It is a must read book for deep levels of laughter. The cheek and audacity of Henry Root leaps off the page and each anecdote is funnier and more preposterous than the last.