Hugh Montgomery-Massingberd (1946–2007)

A very entertaining book of obituaries of various Brits. Hugh Massingberd took over the Telegraph's obits in 1986 and they're witty and often hilarious short stories that feel no need to refrain from speaking ill of the dead. A lot of of British pop culture figures that I'm not familiar with but that makes them no less interesting, and there are many veterans of various wars (including the Boer!) whose stories make for gripping yarns. Bonus: a charming cover showing a double decker bus filled with colorful looking characters, destination Paradise - Kensal Green.… (more)

This collection of the lives of memorable individuals was often entertaining and never morbid. As an American I didn't understand all of the terminology and abbreviations, but it didn't detract from my enjoyment. And while I wished more than a few times that I'd known some of these characters personally, all in all it felt too long, like too many obits were included. It took me a very long time to finish. I'd recommended reading it in small doses, or picking ones to read at random, rather than reading straight through like I did.… (more)