A great read about a great man - Taki, The Spectator
The Enigma of Kidson is a moving, thought-provoking, inspiring and
hilarious biography of an inspirational and controversial teacher
Move over Mr Chips! Michael 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.
'I didnt 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' - Ysenda Maxtone Graham, The Oldie
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,
redemption and old age are all examined.
