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Title: The History of John Bull by John Arbuthnot, Alan W. Bower, Robert A. Erickson ISBN: 0-19-812719-7 Publisher: Oxford University Press Pub. Date: June, 1989 Format: Hardcover Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $78.00

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Average Customer Rating: 4 (1 review)

Rating: 4
Summary: A fascinating satire
Comment: When Lord Strutt suddenly dies, a falsified will makes Philip Baboon the new Lord Strutt. Backing the rival claims of Esquire South, John Bull and Nicholas Frog begin court action against Lewis Baboon, the father of Philip Baboon. Though Humphrey Hocus, a brilliant attorney, wins case after case, the court action drags on interminably. As the court action drags on, Hocus assures Bull that Lewis Baboon is nearly finished and the next case must surely finish him. And worse, having been brought to the edge of bankruptcy, Bull discovers that Frog, et al, are ensuring that Bull pays far more than his fair share. Finally, when Bull decides to put an end to it, he discovers the depth of his fellows' dishonesty.

Now, swap Charles II of Spain for the late Lord Strutt, Philip of Anjou for Philip Baboon, Charles of Austria for Esquire South, the English people for John Bull, the Dutch people for Nicholas Frog, Louis XIV for Lewis Baboon, the Duke of Marlborough for Humphrey Hocus, war for court action, battles for cases, general for attorney [pant, pant, pant], and you have the War of the Spanish Succession! (At least as seen through Tory eyes.)

This series of five pamphlets were published in 1712 as an allegory of the War of the Spanish Succession. They have biting satire in them (Marlborough, and quite a few others are roasted quite thoroughly), and make an enjoyable read. I must state, though, that unlike some satires, these pamphlets will not prove terribly entertaining if you get an edition that does not include a good background, footnotes, and a cast of characters (i.e., it is a so-so story on its own, but a wonderful satire).

It is not necessary to know much about the War, so long as you are interested in the subject, and are willing to periodically flip back to the notes (as was the case with me). I would say that this book is an interesting historical artifact, and an excellent piece of literature. By the way, these pamphlets are the source of the character John Bull.