A P Herbert Quotes

Life and Career

Brief Biography

A. P. Herbert was a British author, poet, lawyer, politician, and satirist, born on September 2, 1890, in Norfolk, England. He is best known for his humorous and satirical writings that often poked fun at politics, law, and social norms of his time.

Herbert’s early life was marked by a strong interest in literature and the arts. He attended Cambridge University, where he developed his skills as a writer and poet. After completing his education, Herbert went on to serve in World War I and later became a lawyer, practicing law for many years before entering politics.

Herbert’s entry into politics was marked by his election as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Oxford University from 1923 until his retirement in 1946. During his time in parliament, he became known for his wit and humor, often using satire to critique the government and social norms of the time.

One of Herbert’s most notable contributions to literature was his creation of a satirical column called “Uncommon Law,” which appeared in Punch magazine from 1931 until 1948. In this column, he would poke fun at the complexities and absurdities of the law, often using fictional cases to illustrate his points.

Herbert’s writing style was characterized by its use of wit, irony, and satire. He had a keen eye for observing the human condition and would often use humor to highlight the foibles and absurdities of politics and social norms. His works are still widely read and studied today, offering insights into the societal attitudes and values of his time.

Some notable quotes from A. P. Herbert include:

“The law is a system, not an institution. The law is not a collection of rules which are designed to promote justice. It’s a bunch of tricks and traps and cunning devices designed to promote one class of people at the expense of another.”

“What we need in this country is a bit more simplicity, a bit less complexity, and a lot more honesty.”

“The only thing that keeps us going as a nation is our sense of humor, which is the most excellent antidote to all the troubles that beset us.”

These quotes capture Herbert’s wit, satire, and critique of politics and social norms. His writings continue to be relevant today, offering insights into the human condition and the importance of humor in dealing with adversity.

A. P. Herbert died on November 11, 1971, at the age of 81. His legacy as a writer, poet, lawyer, politician, and satirist remains significant, offering a unique perspective on politics, law, and social norms of his time. His works continue to be studied and appreciated today for their wit, humor, and insight into the human condition.

Early life and education, childhood in Wiltshire, and his experiences during World War I influenced his writing style.

The early life and education of A.P. Herbert played a significant role in shaping his writing style, which was later influenced by his childhood experiences in Wiltshire and the events of World War I.

Herbert was born on August 9, 1883, in Hendon, London, England. However, it was during his childhood that he spent most of his time in the countryside of Wiltshire, where his family moved to escape the pollution and noise of city life. This experience would later shape his love for nature and the English countryside.

As a child, Herbert developed a passion for writing, which was encouraged by his parents. He attended St. George’s School in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, where he excelled academically and developed his skills as a writer. After completing his secondary education, Herbert went on to attend Oxford University, specifically Hertford College, Oxford, where he studied Classics.

During World War I, Herbert served in the British Army, specifically in the London Irish Rifles. His experiences during the war had a profound impact on his writing style and worldview. He saw the horrors of war firsthand and witnessed the devastating effects it had on individuals and communities.

Upon returning to England after the war, Herbert began to develop his writing skills as a poet, playwright, and novelist. His experiences in the trenches and his observations of the war’s impact on society shaped his writing style, which often dealt with themes of social justice, morality, and humanity.

Influences:

• Childhood in Wiltshire: Developed a love for nature and the English countryside, which would later influence his writing.
• Oxford University: Studied Classics, which helped him develop his writing skills and interests.
• World War I: Had a profound impact on his writing style and worldview, shaping his views on social justice, morality, and humanity.

Key Takeaways:

• A.P. Herbert’s early life and education played a significant role in shaping his writing style.
• His childhood experiences in Wiltshire and his time at Oxford University helped develop his skills as a writer.
• The events of World War I had a profound impact on his writing style and worldview, influencing his views on social justice, morality, and humanity.

Writing Style and Themes

Satire and Social Commentary

Satire is a literary genre that utilizes irony, sarcasm, and ridicule to critique or expose vices, follies, abuses, or corruption in society. It often employs humor, exaggeration, and mockery to make pointed commentary about social issues.

A.P. Herbert was a British author, poet, and satirist known for his witty and incisive writings that tackled various aspects of modern life. His works are characterized by their clever use of language, irony, and absurdity to comment on societal norms, politics, and the human condition.

In his writing, Herbert often employed satire to critique the conventions of everyday life in Britain between the two World Wars. He used humor and ridicule to expose the hypocrisy, complacency, and absurdity that he saw in the social, political, and cultural landscape of the time.

One example of Herbert’s satirical style can be seen in his poem “The B.B.C.” (1937), which uses irony and sarcasm to critique the British Broadcasting Corporation. The poem pokes fun at the idea that the BBC was a bastion of impartiality, instead highlighting its own biases and failures.

Herbert’s satirical writings were not limited to politics; he also used satire to comment on social issues such as education, family life, and morality. In his book “Uncommon Law” (1935), for example, he pokes fun at the complexities of British law and its impact on everyday people.

Through his use of satire, A.P. Herbert aimed to challenge societal norms and conventions, encouraging readers to think critically about the world around them. His work remains a powerful example of how satire can be used as a tool for social commentary and critique.

Herbert’s use of humor and satire to critique social norms, politics, and morality, often highlighting the absurdity of conventions.

Herbert’s works are characterized by their biting humor, irony, and satire, which he uses to critique social norms, politics, and morality. He often employs absurdity to highlight the conventions that society blindly accepts as normal, thereby poking fun at them.

In his most famous creation, “The Holy Office,” Herbert ridicules the idea of an official inquisitorial body and the notion of moral policing that comes with it. Through his character, Mr. Justice Pounceby, he pokes fun at the conventions of the law and its bureaucratic machinery. By exaggerating the absurdity of these conventions, Herbert critiques their rigidity and highlights the importance of flexibility and compassion.

Herbert’s use of humor also serves to expose social hypocrisy. In “The Happy Hypocrite,” for instance, he skewers the conventions surrounding marriage and morality. The protagonist, who is desperate to be rid of his wife, invents a scandalous story that would have ruined her reputation if it had been true. By lampooning this absurdity, Herbert critiques the societal pressure to conform to certain moral norms, revealing how ridiculous these expectations can be.

Through satire and humor, Herbert also targets politics, particularly those institutions that perpetuate inequality and injustice. His “Misleading Cases in the Common Law” series mocks the complexities and arcane rules of British law, revealing their absurdity and making a compelling argument for reform.

Furthermore, Herbert’s use of satire allows him to critique established authority without directly challenging it. By employing humor, he creates a distance between himself and his targets, reducing the risk of backlash or censorship. This approach not only makes his works more palatable but also enables them to reach a broader audience.

Ultimately, Herbert’s satire serves as a commentary on the human condition, highlighting the contradictions and absurdities that arise when individuals attempt to impose their will upon each other through social norms, politics, and morality. By lampooning these conventions, he invites his readers to reevaluate their assumptions and consider the consequences of blindly accepting societal expectations.

Poetic and Humorous Expression

Poetic and humorous expression is a unique blend of artistic creativity and comedic genius that can elevate the mundane to the sublime and render the complexities of life manageable with wit and satire.

A.P. Herbert, a renowned British humorist and poet, masterfully employed this style in his writings, weaving intricate narratives infused with clever wordplay and witty observations on the human condition.

Herbert’s use of language is characterized by its lyricism, precision, and attention to detail, which together create a rich tapestry of images, ideas, and emotions that resonate deeply with readers.

In his poems and humorous writings, Herbert tackles subjects ranging from politics and social issues to relationships and personal experiences, always managing to find the humor in even the most somber of situations.

His ability to balance pathos and wit is a hallmark of his style, as evident in works such as “The Bats” and “Misunderstandings,” where he employs irony, understatement, and clever turns of phrase to lampoon societal norms and conventions.

A.P. Herbert’s poetic and humorous expression serves as a powerful tool for social commentary, highlighting the absurdities and contradictions of life with humor and empathy.

Through his writings, he encourages readers to look beyond the surface level, to question assumptions, and to find the humanity in even the most seemingly trivial matters.

His unique blend of wit, satire, and poetic flair continues to captivate audiences, inspiring new generations of writers, artists, and thinkers to explore the possibilities of language and the human experience.

His writing frequently incorporated poetry, wordplay, and clever turns of phrase, creating a distinctive style that entertained while making points.

A.P. Herbert’s unique approach to writing was characterized by his incorporation of various literary devices such as poetry, wordplay, and clever turns of phrase. These elements combined to create a distinctive style that not only entertained his readers but also effectively conveyed complex ideas and points.

One of the notable aspects of Herbert’s writing is its use of poetry. He often employed poetic language to illustrate his arguments or make poignant observations about human nature, politics, or social issues. This literary device allowed him to convey deeper meanings and emotions in a way that was both engaging and thought-provoking.

Wordplay was another hallmark of Herbert’s writing style. He frequently employed puns, double meanings, and clever turns of phrase to add humor and wit to his arguments. This use of wordplay not only entertained his readers but also helped to make complex ideas more accessible and memorable.

Herbert’s clever turns of phrase were often used to create vivid imagery or highlight the absurdity of a particular situation. His writing was peppered with witty observations, clever analogies, and humorous one-liners that added depth and humor to his arguments.

The combination of poetry, wordplay, and clever turns of phrase in Herbert’s writing created a unique style that set him apart from other writers of his time. While he often tackled serious topics such as politics and social justice, his use of literary devices made his writing engaging, entertaining, and memorable.

Notable Works

The Holy Deadlock Society and Other Satires

The Holy Deadlock Society and Other Satires is a collection of satirical poems and plays by A.P. Herbert, first published in 1923. The collection showcases Herbert’s wit and humor as he tackles various aspects of British society at the time.

In these works, Herbert pokes fun at the pomposity and bureaucracy that had become prevalent in England during the early 20th century. His characters are often depicted as stuffy, pedantic, and self-important, highlighting the absurdities of social norms.

Herbert’s satires were not merely aimed at mocking specific individuals or groups, but rather at exposing the flaws in societal values and institutions. By exaggerating these flaws for comedic effect, he hoped to encourage his readers to re-examine their assumptions and strive for reform.

A quote from Herbert’s “The Holy Deadlock Society” that illustrates this point is: “There’s only one way to make sure that a man who has nothing will not starve. That’s by making him a government official.” This quip encapsulates the theme of bureaucratic inefficiency and corruption that pervades many of Herbert’s works.

Another notable satire from the collection is “The Song of the Suburbia”, where Herbert lampoons the pretensions of suburban dwellers who prattle on about their social status, wealth, and family connections. He portrays these characters as shallow and self-absorbed, highlighting the emptiness that can lie beneath the surface of middle-class respectability.

Herbert’s satires were groundbreaking for their time, offering a searing critique of social conventions that resonated with readers across the class spectrum. While his work may have been seen as provocative by some, it also provided a platform for discussing uncomfortable truths and sparking much-needed reforms.

The enduring appeal of Herbert’s satire lies in its timeless commentary on human nature and societal flaws. His works continue to offer insights into the absurdities and contradictions that characterize human existence, serving as a reminder that humor can be both a powerful tool for critique and a means of holding ourselves accountable for our actions and attitudes.

A collection of satirical poems published in 1921, showcasing Herbert’s ability to tackle complex social issues with humor.

A collection of satirical poems published in 1921, ‘The Gas Lark’ by A.P. Herbert showcased his unique ability to tackle complex social issues with humor.

Satirical Poetry: This literary genre is known for its use of irony, sarcasm and ridicule to critique societal norms and conventions.

• The Gas Lark, written by A.P. Herbert in 1921, is a prime example of satirical poetry, offering humorous commentary on various aspects of life.
• The collection includes poems such as ‘The Man with the Wooden Leg,’ ‘A Good Thing’ and ‘To an Old Friend,’ each tackling a different social issue.

Social Commentary: Herbert’s satirical poems provided a witty and lighthearted approach to discussing complex issues, making them more accessible and engaging for readers.

• The poems critiqued the societal norms of the time, including class divisions, politics and social etiquette.
• Herbert’s use of satire allowed him to tackle sensitive topics without being confrontational or offensive.

A.P. Herbert’s Style: His unique writing style, which blended humor with clever wordplay and irony, contributed to the collection’s success and impact.

• Herbert’s use of language was characterized by its wit, cleverness and subtlety, making his poems both entertaining and thought-provoking.

The Gas Lark‘s significance extends beyond its satirical poetry, as it showcases Herbert’s ability to tackle complex social issues with humor and wit, offering a unique perspective on the world of his time.

Dog Smith and Other Dog Stories

Dog Smith and Other Dog Stories is a collection of humorous short stories written by British humorist A. P. Herbert, first published in 1924.

The series follows the misadventures of a fictional character named Dog Smith, who appears to have no discernible qualities beyond his surname and an apparent obsession with dogs.

Herbert’s writing style is characterized by absurdity, wordplay, and satire, which were hallmarks of his work in various literary genres.

The stories often feature dog-themed puns and clever uses of language to poke fun at societal norms and the conventions of traditional literature.

A. P. Herbert was a prominent figure in British humor and satire during the 1920s and 1930s, with his work influencing many notable writers and comedians of the time.

While Dog Smith and Other Dog Stories may seem frivolous at first glance, it contains several underlying themes that explore the human condition, such as social class, morality, and the complexities of relationships.

Despite its somewhat obscure nature today, the collection remains a fascinating example of A. P. Herbert’s unique voice and comedic perspective, which continues to entertain readers looking for clever, lighthearted storytelling.

A series of humorous stories featuring a hapless dog named Dog Smith, examining the consequences of human actions through animal perspectives.

The tales of Dog Smith are a masterful blend of whimsy and wisdom, as they cleverly examine the human condition through the eyes of a hapless canine. The stories, penned by the esteemed A.P. Herbert, offer a unique perspective on the complexities of human nature, inviting readers to reflect on their own actions and behaviors.

Through Dog Smith’s misadventures, we are presented with a satirical commentary on various aspects of human society, including politics, education, and social etiquette. The hapless dog’s escapades serve as a metaphor for the consequences of human actions, highlighting the absurdities and ironies that arise from our own follies.

As Dog Smith navigates his way through the complexities of modern life, he encounters a cast of characters who embody various human traits – some admirable, others less so. There’s Mrs. Snobbs, the quintessential socialite, who represents the pretentiousness and snobbery that can be found in high society; Professor Poodle, the erudite but eccentric academic, who symbolizes the pedantry and dogmatism that can pervade intellectual pursuits.

Through these characters and their interactions with Dog Smith, Herbert skillfully illustrates the consequences of human actions. We see how Mrs. Snobbs’s relentless pursuit of social status leads her to prioritize appearances over substance, while Professor Poodle’s obsession with knowledge blinds him to the world around him. Meanwhile, Dog Smith’s well-meaning but hapless nature serves as a reminder that our intentions are not always what they seem.

One of the most striking aspects of the stories is their use of satire to critique societal norms and values. By exaggerating the characteristics and behaviors of humans, Herbert is able to highlight their absurdities and expose the flaws in our own thinking. This clever subversion of expectations allows readers to laugh at ourselves while simultaneously recognizing the importance of self-reflection and personal growth.

In conclusion, the tales of Dog Smith offer a rich and entertaining exploration of human nature, as seen through the eyes of a lovable but hapless canine. Through Herbert’s masterful storytelling and satire, we are invited to examine our own actions and behaviors, reflecting on what it means to be human in all its complexity and absurdity.

Legacy and Impact

Influence on British Comedy and Satire

The influence of A.P. Herbert on British comedy and satire cannot be overstated. As a writer, poet, and satirist, he played a significant role in shaping the country’s comedic landscape.

Herbert’s work, often characterized by its wit, irony, and social commentary, has been widely acclaimed for its clever use of language and its ability to tackle complex issues with humor and intelligence.

One of the key aspects of Herbert’s influence is his contribution to the development of satire in British comedy. His writings, particularly those found in “The Uncommon Law” series, are renowned for their clever use of satire to critique the social norms and institutions of the time.

Satire, a staple of British comedy, relies heavily on irony, sarcasm, and ridicule to challenge societal norms and conventions. Herbert’s mastery of this genre has had a lasting impact on the field, inspiring future generations of satirists and comedians.

Herbert’s use of language is also noteworthy, as he often employed clever wordplay, puns, and double meanings to convey his messages. This technique has been emulated by many other comedians and writers, including the likes of Monty Python and Peter Sellers.

The influence of A.P. Herbert can be seen in various aspects of British comedy, from the works of Fawlty Towers and Yes Minister to The Office and The IT Crowd. These shows all share a common thread – a biting wit, clever satire, and an ability to tackle complex issues with humor and intelligence.

Moreover, Herbert’s legacy can be seen in the numerous awards and accolades he received for his work. His “The Uncommon Law” series has been praised for its originality and satire, earning him recognition as one of Britain’s leading satirists.

The quotes from A.P. Herbert have become iconic in British comedy and satire, with many still widely used today to convey their wit and humor. For instance, the quote “Law is a bottomless pit” has been referenced by comedians and writers alike, demonstrating its staying power as a symbol of satirical excellence.

A.P. Herbert’s influence on British comedy and satire continues to be felt today. His pioneering work in satire has inspired countless other comedians and writers, cementing his place as one of the most influential voices in British comedic history.

Herbert’s writing style and satirical approach have influenced generations of British comedians and satirists, including those in radio, television, and print media.

A.P. Herbert’s writing style and satirical approach have had a profound impact on generations of British comedians and satirists across various mediums, including radio, television, and print media.

The irreverent humor, clever wordplay, and sharp wit characteristic of Herbert’s work have inspired countless writers and comedians to push the boundaries of satire and comedy. His ability to tackle taboo subjects with ease and cleverness has been particularly influential in British comedy tradition.

Some notable examples of British comedians and satirists who have been influenced by A.P. Herbert include:

• Russ Abbot
• Mike Harding
• John Wells
• Robert Robinson

A.P. Herbert’s influence can also be seen in the world of radio, with shows like ‘The Goon Show’ and ‘Beyond Our Ken’, which cleverly combined absurdity, wordplay, and satire to create unique listening experiences.

In television, A.P. Herbert’s style has influenced programs like ‘Monty Python’s Flying Circus’, which used surreal humor, sketches, and witty dialogue to poke fun at British culture and institutions.

Herbert’s print work also had a lasting impact on British satire, with publications like ‘Private Eye’ and ‘Punch’, which carried on his tradition of clever wordplay and scathing satire.

A.P. Herbert’s enduring influence can be seen in the many comedians and satirists who continue to draw upon his style and approach for their own work. His legacy serves as a reminder that, even in these modern times, satire and comedy have the power to challenge societal norms and spark important conversations.

Overall, Herbert’s writing style and satirical approach have left an indelible mark on British comedy and satire, inspiring generations of writers and comedians to push the boundaries of humor and social commentary.