Way of the World Volume 2

by Auberon Waugh, William Rushton

A collection from Waugh's satirical "Way of the World" column in "The Daily Telegraph", including pieces on Mad Duck Disease, The Mums and Dads Army, and why Scargill may be "one of us".

211 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Auberon Alexander Waugh was a British journalist and novelist, and eldest son of the novelist Evelyn Waugh. He was widely known by his nickname "Bron”.

Waugh's career spanned journalism, fiction, and editing; he authored five novels, including The Foxglove Saga (1960) and Consider the Lilies (1968), and contributed political columns to outlets such as The Spectator from 1967 and The Daily Telegraph. His most enduring satirical work was the "Diary" column in Private Eye, which he wrote from 1970 to 1986, often provoking outrage with its parodies and polemics. From the 1980s until his death, he edited Literary Review, shaping its profile through his editorial leadership and "From the Pulpit" essays.

Waugh's defining characteristics included an acerbic wit and a penchant for vendettas, leading to notable controversies such as a 1970 libel suit against The Spectator that he won and a 1979 parliamentary candidacy for the fringe Dog Lovers' Party. Despite health setbacks, including a spinal injury from National Service in 1958, he maintained a prolific output, earning two What the Papers Say awards for his influence in British journalism. His memoirs, Will This Do? (1991), encapsulated his irreverent worldview

Reviews

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as good as his Private Eye "Diary" columns -what could be? In Private Eye, he'd written about his frequent encounters with royalty, politicians, celebrities and other newsmakers, all of which were made up, and offered commentary on their doings from the perspective of a reactionary country squire, which wasn't too far from the truth. I assume the Telegraph wouldn't let him claim to be, say, the Queen's confidant on matters of state. But he was still a brilliant polemicist, knowing exactly where the line was between robustly expressed opinion and deranged excess, and stepping over it hilariously. You can't dislike someone who caricatures his actual opinions so well.

[Timothy Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Humorous and scabrous ! A much-missed journalist.