
audiobook
by Max O'Rell
A lively series of essays invites listeners into a world where English prudence and French flamboyance clash in good‑natured rivalry. Through sharp, witty observations the narrator dissects common clichés—whether it’s the English greengrocer’s “English asparagus” or the French shopkeeper’s proud claim of “English stock”—and shows how such labels both amuse and mislead. The tone is conversational, as if a friend were sharing anecdotes over a cigar in the shade of a tree.
The work moves beyond simple caricature, offering a thoughtful look at what it means to be a “foreigner” and how national pride can both bind and blind people. By juxtaposing the self‑deprecating candor of the French with the reserved humor of the British, the author encourages listeners to question their own preconceptions while enjoying the gentle satire.
Ideal for anyone who loves cultural humor and keen social commentary, this collection balances laughter with insight, making the quirks of Anglo‑French relations both entertaining and surprisingly reflective.
Language
en
Duration
~3 hours (193K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Chris Curnow and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)
Release date
2010-12-18
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1848–1903
Remembered for his witty takes on English and American life, this French-born writer turned sharp cultural observation into lively, popular books. He spent years teaching and lecturing in Britain and the United States, bringing an outsider’s eye to everyday habits and national quirks.
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