My Remarkable Uncle

by Stephen Leacock, Barbara Nimmo (Afterword)

This celebrated collection of sketches sparkles with Stephen Leacock’s humour and shines with the warmth of his wit.

The comical E.P., star of the title essay, My Remarkable Uncle, is a classic Leacock character. He is president of a railway with a letterhead but no rails, and he heads a bank that boasts credit but no cash whatsoever – all of which trouble E.P. not in the least.

My Remarkable Uncle, a wonderful smorgasbord of mirth served up by a master of comedy, includes several essays, a short story, a political parable, and personal reflections on a dizzying array of subjects.

Here, in rich abundance, are the inspired nonsense and the unerring eye for human folly that have made Stephen Leacock Canada’s most celebrated humorist.

Genres: Humor, Short Stories, Fiction, Essays, Canada

248 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1942

About the author

Stephen P. H. Butler Leacock, FRSC, was a Canadian teacher, political scientist, writer, and humorist. Between the years 1915 and 1925, he was the best-known English-speaking humorist in the world. He is known for his light humour along with criticisms of people's follies. The Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour was named in his honour.

Wikipedia article.

Reviews

[Jeremy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I was a bit disappointed with a few of these short stories, there are quite a few gems in here that save this short story collection. Unlike two of his other books that I read, these short stories really do function as short stories instead of chapter-y short stories. Much to my surprise, I very much enjoyed the sporting section and it may even be my favorite. Although, memories of Christmas and goodwill stuff are pretty funny, too. And the stand-alone The Transit of Venus is quite good stuff as well. It was sort of hit-and-miss at the start, but after the first section I thoroughly enjoyed all the short stories. A great short story collection and one of my favorites of all time. 5/5.

[Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a bit disappointed by this book, maybe because I was expecting something different. A good chunk of it wasn't what I'd call humourous writing, although moments of fun certainly shine through and some of the pieces are gems. I do give Leacock top marks for his down-to-earth humanity... and now that I know what's coming I'm more than willing to try another book.

[Ibis3 · Rating 3 out of 5]

The usual collection of humorous sketches mixed with a few more serious, contemplative essays and memoirs. To be expected, I suppose in the midst of the Second World War and toward the end of his life. 7 1/2 stars.

[Tracey · Rating 3 out of 5]

A series of sketches on a variety of subjects. Some I really enjoyed and others were just so-so. Very interesting author who wrote many books; fiction and non fiction.

[Anatoly · Rating 5 out of 5]

"My Remarkable Uncle," is a comedic short story written by Canadian writer Stephen Leacock.

The main character is a remarkable person. He introduces himself as the president of a railway, and the head of a bank. A very deductive part of the narration is how society reacts to his imagined stories in Canada and in the UK.

Readers can appreciate the pictures of human folly that have been described by Stephen Leacock.

This is a link to the text of the story:
http://gutenberg.net.au/ebooks07/0700...

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Makes me nostalgic for life while I'm still here living it. I want to start reading it again right away to savour the enjoyment and the life lessons (but I won't).

[René · Rating 2 out of 5]

Stephen Leacock might have been the best-known English-speaking humorist in the world between the years 1915 and 1925, but this book (a collection of sketches) feels outdated and frankly devoid of humour. A deception, but it nevertheless shows how things seemed to be at the time to an old professor.