12 April 2013

Book to keep, not read (Pt 1) - Norman Hunter

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Norman Hunter and his brain storm


Norman Hunter's The Incredible Adventures of Professor Branestawn


The cover picture looks humorously funny. The man is Norman Hunter's absent-minded professor. Way back in 1977 ( was it really 35 years ago now ?) I stumbled on two of Hunter's books in a London store; two as far as I have so far discovered in my junk library, but, hopefully, I could find more.

Look at the first two paragraphs of the book, introducing this great Prof - please lick on the picture to enlarge it a shade more. (Alas, I wish I could ask this great professor some of the techniques in blogging, and make the writing larger !)

It is hard to wipe off the grins on my face revisiting this book.





I am sorry if you, like the Prof, cannot find your reading glasses to enlarge the writing

If I can remember, unlike the absent-minded Prof, I will post a picture of Professor Branestawn's Dictionary some time in future.  Branestawn is the professor's way of writing 'brain storm', the cause of his absent-mindedness.

I wonder how many of my visitors have read the humours of Norman Hunter



Berkhidmat kerana Tuhan untuk kemanusiaan

21 comments:

Cat-from-Sydney said...

Dear Pakcik,
Speaking of books, I have in my possession a stack of English drama books that my Mama said ought to be in your possession. One thing for sure, she'll be in your neck of the wood come 5th of May. Can you blame her for not trusting the postal system? purrr...meow!

aliya said...

Dear Pakcik,

I read 'the wild waste-paper' during my schooldays and enjoyed it tremendously. Now if only such stories are available for our students instead of the boring textbooks :P

Anonymous said...

PakCik.

How nice it is to see the book. I have not heard about it before. Are they still on the market? Looking at the 'old' page reminds me of Al-Manar. You used to teach us English using that kind of books and it helped us a lot! How I miss that moment.

I am sorry for not leaving any comments for decades. I have just got my new internet connection and have just finished my examination, too.

Unfortunatey, there is no semester break for Dentistry students. There are more examinations, assignments and other requirements to be completed before the next one month’s holidays. Do pray for me and my friends. Send my regards to my dear MakCik. I will not stop trying my best to find time to visit my beloved PAkCik and MakCik.

AZMIERA

Al-Manar said...

C-f-S,

Should I say long-time-no-see? And to stop updating your blog for so long made me wonder with some concern.

So it is 5th May, the D-day. Of course we will be around offering a special discout for the room - no cats, dogs OK!

Will vote for you on that day as we are not likely to vote for anyone who has not taken the trouble to call on us since we came to settle here almost 20 years ago; and you bringing books as well!



Al-Manar said...

Aliya,

Boring text books? How can you say that, Cikgu. It is in order for me to express such an opinion because I am past three-quarter century!

Indeed, Aliya, I believe strongly in using books written by proven writers, acclaimed for ages by the English community themselves for English books or Arab comminity for Arabic books.

Al-Manar said...

Azmiera,

I am certain those books are still available but may not be in Malaysian bookshops. It is true we use old English books at Almanar. Even the used two books by Donn Byrne were 1972 edition, forty years ago! Abridged Jane Eyre, Thirty Nine Steps and Heidi are old books as well.

Hope you will always perform well in your assignments etc.

KotaStar said...

Apa Khabar,

Good to see you mentioning about 'aged' books. Their content, size and binding too are far different from present editions. Those of us who have them keep them and find hard to give them away or cast aside. As you said they have given their best to the readers. Your former students speak well of them too. Not to mention the roles of their mentor. Just to say hello and that we are still in shape. Salam

Al-Manar said...

KotStar,

Do you wonder what the young generation will have of 'old books' and 'old albums' in their 'bookshelf', say 50 years from now?

By the way have you no intention of continuing with your Kerisma? Pieces of old memories, accompanied by lack-and-white pictures, are so rare to enjoy. Imagine a young boy at Masjid Negara being approached by an old stranger asking for direction to Batu Road or Foch Avenue.

ahmad humairi said...

Assalamualaikum,

Never mind about the image. Just click on it...it will grow bigger!!!

"Iqra.."...bacalah dengan nama Tuhanmu....
Carilah ilmu...

Al-Manar said...

Cikgu Ahmad Humairi,

That one 'word' is the very first word from the perfect 'BOOK'. Kalau buku lain perlu diperbaiki dari pelbagai segi, perktaan, tatabahasa dan kandungan yang lapuk, 'BUKU' ini terpelihara dari apa kecacatan dan apa niat pengubahsuaian.

Dengan salaam hormat.

Fadhil said...

Salam Pakcik,

I've never come across the writer Norman Hunter before. Will keep an eye out for this when I drop by the 2nd-hand bookstores.

kaykuala said...

Dear Pakcik,
Not seen it before. But humour is something living and burning for me. Anything with humour is great!

Hank
P/S Alhamdulillah
Just back from Umrah

Temuk said...

Salam bahagia.
I've never seen that book before; so, please pardon me for not knowing Prof. Branestawn. I was just wondering whether we should actually have professors like him in all our IPTAs....

Al-Manar said...

Oldstock,

WAKS.
I think it is possible to find an oodd ones in a 2nd hand bookshop. There is nothing exceptional - just witty and light-hearted.

Al-Manar said...

Hank,

So that's where you have been during your 'break'. I should have thought so.

Salaam to you and family

Al-Manar said...

Temuk

WAKS, sdr.
I may not do justice to our IPTA's if I respond to your comments! The fact is that I may be out of touch with the modern IPTA's. There are certainly many professors. That much I have been given to understand..

zafi said...

Dear Uncle,

I have not read this book yet but will do :D

Try to catch it from ebay or amazon.

Al-Manar said...

Zafi,

You are lucky to be in a place where you have access to practically any books you wish.

ibu,mommy,mom... said...

My books are not old antique books.
Do you know where I can donate some? Any address I can post to?

Al-Manar said...

Ibu,mommy.mom

Almanar welcomes general novels suitable for children. Address in your blog. I do not know of other recipients.

ibu,mommy,mom... said...

Hi almanar.
Mine are adults range.
Kids books are still in collection. Dont think my lil one want to part with it yet.