A. P. (Alan Patrick) Herbert

Born in Surrey in 1890, Sir Alan Patrick Herbert became one of the best-known English humorists of the 20th century. He was educated at Winchester College and New College, Oxford, served in World War I, and later built a wide-ranging career as a novelist, playwright, poet, and longtime contributor to Punch.

Herbert is especially associated with the Misleading Cases pieces and with Uncommon Law, books that turned absurd courtroom disputes into elegant comedy. Alongside his literary work, he was also active in public life, serving as an independent Member of Parliament for Oxford University from 1935 to 1950 and campaigning for reforms including changes to divorce law.

He was made a Companion of Honour and remained admired for writing that was witty, clear, and unusually humane. He died in London in 1971, leaving behind a body of work that blends satire, entertainment, and a real interest in how society ought to work.