Friday, September 26, 2008

Best disclaimer ever...

From The Extraordinary Adventures of Baron Munchausen (Hogshead Publishing 1998):

Disclaimer: The words "he", "him" and "his" are used throughout this book as generic third-person singular pronouns. With this usage the author, a man of great gallantry, does not wish to imply that members of the fairer sex are any less likely to have astonishing adventures than their male counterparts despite their frailty, lack of education and great aptitude for giggling and fainting. He does not assume that flouncy crinolines and a décolletage like alabaster might make then any less able to engage in espionage against the French while disguised as a haddock, or that their extensive skills in needlepoint and household management would be anything but an asset when seducing the Empress of Russia. In short, he believes that in many ways women are just as brave, capable and interesting as men, and in occasional circumstances more so. Bless their little hearts.

(Quoted under fair usage as a review)

With a disclaimer like that how can you not want to read more? Heartily recommended as a rather interesting parlour game, and a damn enjoyable read.

6 comments:

Lynn Jones said...

frailty, lack of education and great aptitude for giggling and fainting

Until fainting was mentioned, I was waiting for a TG related punchline :-)

Pandora Caitiff said...

I think it was the "general aptitude for giggling" that set *me* off in a fit of the giggles.

Ellie C said...

a décolletage like alabaster might make then any less able to engage in espionage against the French while disguised as a haddock

That was the killer line for me. :]

It also brings attention to the fact that I would very much enjoy some flouncy crinolines.

Shinigami Liz said...

I love it! That was just pure brilliant.

James Wallis said...

Would it be ungentlemanly of me, as the publisher, to note that a new edition of The Extraordinary Adventures of Baron Munchausen is now available from Mongoose Publishing? There are two editions: the gold-embossed leather-effect limited-edition hardcover "Gentlemen's Edition" and the plain white softcover "Wives' and Servants' Edition". Double the length of the original, with twice the insults against the inhabitants of several nations but principally the French.

Pandora Caitiff said...

@James Wallis - Damned ungentlemanly of you to bring up your commercial endeavors especially in the presence of ladies!

I'll get my manservant to have you soundly thrashed!

Wives' and Servants' edition? LOL!