Miscellany

Shortly after I finished with Shinzanmono, I read The Yes Minister Miscellany by Antony Jay and Jonathan Lynn.

It is a gift from my friend KM. In reality, this tiny volume could hardly be regarded as a book, but, rather, represents a handy collection of humorous sayings and conversations from Yes Minister and Yes Prime Minister.

I must confess I am a fan of this series – or, specifically, Humphrey Appleby. If there’s anyone who wants to learn real English, the fictitious Cabinet Secretary was never tired of showing you brilliant demonstrations.

Of course, we may not need a very sophisticated language. For example:

Jim Hacker: But we can’t stab our partners in the back and spit in their face.
Bernard Woolley: You can’t stab anyone in the back while you spit in their face.

The principal private secretary should really come and teach our students anatomy if not practical politics.