There is however a gripe. We all like our books to entertain, engage and educate, but do we really need the author’s ego to come to the fore to justify this?
A guy with an MBE wrote the book, and included this little piece of ‘credibility’ to assure readers that he knows what he’s talking about. It’s a bit like when a surgeon takes a legal case, or the barrister walks into the operating theatre in a wig and dismisses the surgeon. As learned folk, we can cross boundaries at any time.
Master of one trade isn’t master of all – that is reserved for the Jack! A thoroughly competent operator in most domains, but considered a master in none. So why would the King choose to play the Jack? Maybe as a King so to speak, he is also a more credible Jack amongst his subjects, despite lacking any true aptitude in his chosen alternative field.
We are all members of the Universe, players in the theatre of life and members of our respective countries and empires. Our ‘status’ is confirmed by our nationality and the exploits of our forebears. We don't need a dignitary or Head of State to give us permission to be a fully paid up member.
It seems somewhat sad that it is crucial for today’s authors to emphasize their academic status as a means to justify their foray into other realms. A vulgar display of narcissism to obscure a naïve or honest viewpoint that actually resonates with a book’s true readership really isn’t necessary.
The link to the book in question is below - enjoy :)
