The Enigma of Kidson: The Portrait of an Eton Schoolmaster

by Jamie Blackett

The Enigma of Kidson is a scintillating and often hilarious biography of an inspirational and controversial history master, Michael Kidson, who taught a generation of pupils at Eton for forty years. Forget Eton, think Mr Chips , The History Boys and Dead Poets Society . Kidson was a maverick; funny, eccentric, breathtakingly rude, quick-tempered, insulting, kind, compassionate and loyal, with a secret past about which he never spoke. Among his pupils were David Cameron, Matthew Pinsent, Justin Welby, Dominic West, ‘Lupin’, Johnnie Boden, Nat Rothschild and many others, who all tell stories and anecdotes about how he changed their lives. This biography unravels his complex character and discovers that it has been formed by an early life that is stranger than fiction. “Michael Kidson was a wonderful eccentric and an inspiring teacher. Reading this book brought back many happy memories.” —David Cameron “Nothing short of a triumph. I laughed out loud dozens of times….it is really, really wonderful” —Sir Matthew Pinsent

Genres: Biography

224 pages, Hardcover

Published September 1, 2017

Reviews

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a series of fond recollections of Eton History 'beak' Michael Kidson by his former pupils. Many of his pupils went on to become prominent persons, such as David Cameron, Justin Welby and Sir Matthew Pinsent. All write about Kidson as a somewhat unorthodox, anti-establishment teacher who instilled into them a love of history. Kidson's extensive range of insults that he aimed at his pupils and their essays are very amusing, and certainly his sense of humour is one aspect of this rather complex man which endeared him to me. Kidson's own back-story undoubtedly shaped the kind of man and teacher he ultimately became. My feeling is that he probably felt a slight outsider at Eton - certainly not an establishment figure. Overall this is a book about the difference great teachers can make to young people's lives whether they attend Eton or the local comp - Nat Rothschild's account of how Kidson changed his life is perhaps the book's best example of this.

[Zhenia R · Rating 5 out of 5]

What starts like a series of anecdotes from a bunch of old boys about their days at Eton (what a nuisance, she raises an eyebrow), ends like a portrait of the kindest and most devoted pedagogue putting his heart out to the troubled boys (I was surprised Eton had quite a few of such lost souls).

The picture comes live with the quotes from the parents' letters (always thankful for 'saving their kids'), recollections of many a graduate holding now very serious positions, including an interview with a former PM, excursions in the Kidson's posh mini and afternoons in his Eton flat open to his boys 24/7.

This is a loving story of life of a great man who never had a family and never confessed in anyone – so only after his death his pupils learned about the roots of his sometimes erratic behaviour. He never showed his true feelings but in his heart he was always true and rooted for his mentees.

Made me wish I had a teacher like that.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writing a review of this book focuses very much on its subject, Michael Kidson, who taught history at Eton for thirty years and who, using methods that would surely arouse at least suspicion and at most deregistration from the teaching profession, helped and influenced a whole generation of Eton's more challenging boys. With modern eyes, we jointly admire and baulk at his methods and wonder just how he got away with some of the things he said and did. Yet, his boys long remember the care, support and love he shiwed for them, particularly in times of difficulty. It is obvious that the profession could do with many Michael Kidsons, perhaps modified and adapted a little but willing and ready to out pupils first.

[John R Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of my extended family went to Eton, as did many of my friends, so I have long wondered about the Eton experience. Kidson's early life was tragic and tough, and his subsequent career choices were a bit non-linear as they are for many of us. These struggles perhaps led to his concern for helping students who were in danger of going off the rails / losing their focus. He never wrote anyone off, although his humour must have felt fairly abrasive on occasion. The book is a story of life at Eton as much as an exploration of Kidson's life.

[Rollo Walden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author had a habit of going off on libertarian rants which I could have done without (especially in the final stages of the book) and it was somewhat hagiographic, but ultimately an endearing and engaging portrait of a flawed but fascinating life.

[She · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very entertaining and interesting.

[Robert J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Catch phrases were much mimicked .
Most of his rude comments needed pinches of salt .
He cultivated air of country gentleman , although one wondered about his identity .
He was a colourful character .