Walking-Stick Papers

A lively anthology of short, sharply observed essays, this collection brings together the author’s most celebrated pieces first printed in magazines such as Vanity Fair, The New York Times and The Independent. Each essay turns a commonplace subject—art shows, literary criticism, even the quirks of city life—into a witty meditation that feels both timeless and freshly entertaining. The tone is conversational yet erudite, inviting listeners to share in the author’s bemused curiosity about the world around him.

The opening essay, “On Carrying a Cane,” treats a simple walking stick as a portal into history, class, and personal identity. With a blend of humor and insight, the writer traces the cane’s evolution from prehistoric tool to a badge of aristocratic swagger, poking fun at the pretensions of the self‑appointed elite while celebrating the charm of the elderly and the young alike. The piece sets the stage for the collection’s broader exploration of social manners.

Scattered throughout are playful sketches on topics like “The Hack Reviewer,” “Humours of the Bookshop,” and “Why Men Can’t Read Novels by Women.” Together they form a mosaic of early‑20th‑century cultural commentary, perfect for listeners who enjoy clever prose that both amuses and provokes thought.