Cool old bikes like that have been outlawed in the US for many years now: It seems they just aren't fast enough, don't have enough gears and you'd look silly wearing spandex on one. The workout police would arrest you for wasting your time doing nothing but pedaling and gliding. They'd stomp on the basket and confiscate the bike for recycling.
This may be the traddest picture that I've ever seen. The bike and basket are amazing. The Corgis are happiness personified. But what really nail it for me are the practical, saggy cotton crew socks!
Bennett is a treasure. His autobiographical books are a delight. The bike is the sort that grocers errand boys used to make home deliveries with. They were still around in the sixties when I was in school over there. They didn't wear helmets which are an invention of American mothers. Unless you're Lance Armstrong competing in the Tour you look a bit of jackass wearing one.
Was introduced to Bennett in The Clothes They Stood Up In. Loved his stuff ever since. Even History Boys which can make the most liberal hetero very uncomfortable.
tintin: you should read his untold stories (I think it's called) which is principally about his growing up in Leeds where his father had a butcher's shop. There was some insanity in the family (his mother and an aunt went crazy)which he describes and also he reflects on his first realizing as teenager that he was homosexual. It's a masterly exposition of small human dramas that many families and individuals experience. It's interesting that although in many ways he was apparently the most insignificant member of the beyond the fringe crowd he has with the possible exception of Jonathan Miller endured more strongly than any of them.
Punch Magazine - 22 March 1997
Ah, my history boys...
ReplyDeleteCool old bikes like that have been outlawed in the US for many years now: It seems they just aren't fast enough, don't have enough gears and you'd look silly wearing spandex on one. The workout police would arrest you for wasting your time doing nothing but pedaling and gliding. They'd stomp on the basket and confiscate the bike for recycling.
ReplyDeleteAnd where is this guy's helmet?!
-DB
the comment police should arrest you.
ReplyDeletehappy thanksgiving all.
This may be the traddest picture that I've ever seen. The bike and basket are amazing. The Corgis are happiness personified. But what really nail it for me are the practical, saggy cotton crew socks!
ReplyDeleteA perfect date.
ReplyDeleteWhere is Alans helmet? I think he smokes as well. A strong argument for the British knowing how to do everything better than Yanks.
ReplyDeleteThat guy looks like George Will.
ReplyDeleteBennett is a treasure. His autobiographical books are a delight. The bike is the sort that grocers errand boys used to make home deliveries with. They were still around in the sixties when I was in school over there. They didn't wear helmets which are an invention of American mothers. Unless you're Lance Armstrong competing in the Tour you look a bit of jackass wearing one.
ReplyDeleteWas introduced to Bennett in The Clothes They Stood Up In. Loved his stuff ever since. Even History Boys which can make the most liberal hetero very uncomfortable.
ReplyDeletetintin: you should read his untold stories (I think it's called) which is principally about his growing up in Leeds where his father had a butcher's shop. There was some insanity in the family (his mother and an aunt went crazy)which he describes and also he reflects on his first realizing as teenager that he was homosexual. It's a masterly exposition of small human dramas that many families and individuals experience. It's interesting that although in many ways he was apparently the most insignificant member of the beyond the fringe crowd he has with the possible exception of Jonathan Miller endured more strongly than any of them.
ReplyDeleteHe's the real deal, not trying to dress how he does, it's just how he dresses.
ReplyDeleteHe's also a committed socialist of the old-school type. Which probably upsets more people nowadays than his homosexuality.