The Enigma of Kidson: The Portrait of a Schoolmaster

by Jamie Blackett

The Enigma of Kidson is a moving, thought-provoking, inspiring and hilarious biography of an inspirational and controversial teacher. Move over Mr Chips! Michael Kidson had everything that central casting requires of a legendary schoolmaster: a passion for his subject, a brilliant didactic style, a silly walk, a smelly spaniel, breath-taking rudeness, eccentric mannerisms and catchphrases, a maverick attitude towards authority, and above all, a deep empathy, loyalty and dedication towards his boys. He had an extraordinary influence on his pupils: David Cameron, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Johnnie Boden, Nicky Henderson, Sir Matthew Pinsent, Lupin and Dominic West among them. This unique portrait features recollections and vignettes of incidents in the classroom and the tutorial. As Kidson was an inspirational History Beak (master), history is a strong theme throughout the book and through Kidson’s life story we get a vivid social history of the latter part of the 20th century, where the themes of education, culture, teaching, adolescence, discipline, mentorship, pronunciation, parenting, redemption and old age are all examined.

Genres: Biography

336 pages, Paperback

Published December 27, 2018

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 .