The Enigma of Kidson: Portrait of a Schoolmaster

The Enigma of Kidson is a moving, thought-provoking, inspiring and hilarious biography of an inspirational and controversialteacher. Move over Mr Chips. Kidson had everything that central casting requires of a legendary schoolmaster: a passion for his subject, a brilliant didactic style, a silly walk, a smelly spaniel, breath-taking rudeness, eccentric mannerisms and catchphrases, a maverick attitude towards authority, and above all, a deep empathy, loyalty and dedication towards his boys. He had an extraordinary influence on his pupils – David Cameron, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Johnnie Boden, Nicky Henderson, Sir Matthew Pinsent, `Lupin’ and Dominic West among them.This unique portrait features recollections and vignettes of incidents in the classroom and the tutorial. As Kidson was an inspirational History Beak (master), history is a strong theme throughout the book and through Kidson’s life story we get a vivid social history of the latter part of the twentieth century where the themes of education, culture, teaching, adolescence, discipline, mentorship, pronunciation, parenting and old age are all examined.

Reviews of The Enigma of Kidson: Portrait of a Schoolmaster

'A great read about a great man' Taki The Spectator; 'I didn't expect to be moved to tears by a tribute book to an Etonian schoolmaster. But the story of Michael Kidson (1929-2015) drew me in and moved me deeply. This sprawling hotchpotch of recollections turns out to be essential reading for anyone interested in the forming of teenaged boys' minds and, in its very haphazardness, manages to paint a remarkably full portrait of a good, kind and enigmatic bachelor schoolmaster who changed boys' lives by civilising them and being there for them in the ways that mattered.' Ysenda Maxtone Graham The Oldie; 'Nothing short of a triumph. I laughed out loud dozens of times… it is really, really wonderful' Sir Matthew Pinsent; 'This book needs an H.M. Government health warning for OFSTED inspectors as it describes an inspired beak who ignored all the modern rules but put his pupils first.' Jacob Rees Mogg;