THE ENIGMA OF KIDSON
Every alma mater has its wonderful eccentrics, the inspirational masters/beaks/ teachers (delete as you see fit) fondly recalled decades after we have shrugged off the schoolroom. Mine was a history zealot absolutely instilled with the spirit of an early-20th-century suffragette, who took her unique brand of no-nonsense teaching to Eritrea, where she upset the government with her views on female education but did successfully negotiate with an angry pygmy mob. She inspired a lifelong love of history that has never departed.
Michael Kidson, history master at Eton, educated a generation during his 40 years at the school and inspired many. This funny and fascinating book, with a foreword by Sir Matthew Pinsent, includes contributions from the Archbishop of Canterbury, David Cameron, Jacob Rees-mogg and William Fox-pitt to name a few. The illustrated, scribbled notes to MGMK are marvellous and the deep affection so many boys held for him is touching.
This portrait of Kidson and Eton serves as a reminder of the maverick, growling, pedantic, irascible madness of so many extraordinary teachers. A delight to read and a fitting testament.