Erratica

 

The Shroud of the Thwacker, by Chris Elliott.

“In this book the star and creator of Get A Life and Cabin Boy takes on the genre of "kitchen sink" historical recreation novels. In this sort of book, the grungiest facts of the old times are emphasized, famous historical figures appear in unsuspected capacities, and all the sex and violence taken out of Victorian novels is put back in, in spades. Elliott kicks all this up a notch, adds the most outrageously overdone stereotypical speeches, liberally sprinkles hilarious anachronisms of expressions and attitudes (there are kerosene powered mobile phones!), and stirs it all up with his personal involvement in the tale.” – Power of Babel. Illustrated by Amy Elliott Andersen.

Ranking: Essential.

File Code: Humor. Novel. Hardback.

Into Hot Air: Mounting Mount Everest, by Chris Elliott.

“Another ‘Novel’ by Chris Elliott.” Illustrations by Amy Elliott Andersen. “Another "novel" (as he puts it), this one mixes mountain climbing, celebrity causes, Yetis, Buddhist monks, and insane adventure into a heady brew of yucks. One of the few books that I actually laughed out to loud while reading.” – Power of Babel.

Ranking: Keeper.

File Code: Humor. Novel. File Code.

The Saga of Erik the Viking, by Terry Jones. Illustrated by Michael Foreman.

A Puffin Book. A book I should like, but somehow can’t. It’s Terry Jones, it’s Vikings, it’s fantasy; why can’t I read it? Maybe the ghost of the mediocre movie “Erik the Viking” rises up between me and it.

Ranking: Keeper.

File Code: Fantasy. Novel. Softcover.

Legends of the Ferengi, by Quark, as told to Ira Steven Behr and Robert Hewitt Wolf.

“A collection of stories, fables, folk songs, philosophical meditations and downright lies based on the Ferengi Rules of Acquisition.” One of the few Star Trek books I decided to keep.

Ranking: Keeper.

File Code: Humor. Science Fiction. Softcover.

The Klingon Way, by Marc Okrand.

“A Warrior’s Guide”. 1996. Phrases spoken or translated into Klingon as examples of Klingon culture and thought. Back when being Klingon meant somethin’, man! A picture on every other page, almost.

Ranking: Keeper.

File Code: Science Fiction. Culture/Philosophy. Softcover.