Exploring the concept of enforced separation from normal life, this work examines various forms of imprisonment, including mental asylums, hospitals, political prisons, and concentration camps. Through a detailed analysis of different prison experiences, it seeks to uncover valuable lessons learned over time. First published in 1963, the book delves into the psychological and societal impacts of isolation, offering a profound reflection on the nature of confinement and its implications for human existence.
George Mikes Ordre des livres (chronologique)
George Mikes, auteur britannique d'origine hongroise, est célèbre pour ses commentaires spirituels et perspicaces sur les cultures et les particularités nationales. Avec l'œil d'un journaliste pour les détails et le cœur d'un humoriste, il a disséqué les normes sociales et les stéréotypes avec une satire douce. Ses œuvres offrent une lentille unique à travers laquelle observer les absurdités et les similitudes du comportement humain au-delà des frontières. La capacité de Mikes à trouver de l'amusement et de la compréhension dans les différences culturelles rend son écriture à la fois divertissante et stimulante.







How to be an alien : level 3
- 56pages
- 2 heures de lecture
George Mikes describes the strange things the English do and say.
How to be God
The Riches of the Poor
- 128pages
- 5 heures de lecture
George Mikes has written many successful books on a variety of interesting subjects, but one so successful as those on the subject most central to his own experience: his adopted country. The first of these came out in 1946: the ever famous "How to be an Alien." Later he enlarges the picture with "How to be inimitable" and "How to be Decadent." All three books were illustrated by the master of the cartoonists’ art, the late Nicolas Bentley. Here they are, all in one volume, which will make life much easier for today's would-be Brits than it was for those who pervaded them. It is said that a few of the latter actually failed to become indistinguishable from the genuine British article because they found it too tiresome to seek out three separate books: a misfortune that need never again occur to anyone.
Presents a satirical discussion of the advantages of a life in poverty and humorous advice on the enjoyment of poverty
Reich mit leeren Taschen
- 143pages
- 6 heures de lecture
Lächelnd lebt's sich leichter
- 184pages
- 7 heures de lecture
England
- 200pages
- 7 heures de lecture
English humour for beginners
- 160pages
- 6 heures de lecture
If you want to succeed here you must be able to handle the English sense of humour. So proclaims George Mikes' timeless exploration of this curious phenomenon. Whether it's understatement, self-deprecation or plain cruelty, the three elements he identifies as essential to our sense of humour, being witty here is a way of life. Perfectly placed as an adopted Englishman himself, Mikes delivers his shrewd advice - helpfully divided into 'Theory' and 'Practice' - with a comic precision that does his chosen country proud. Drawing on a trove of examples from our rich comic canon, from Orwell (Every joke is a tiny revolution) to Oscar Wilde, this is the essential handbook for natives and foreigners alike. Mrs Kennedy: I don't think, Mr Churchill, that I have told you anything about my grandchildren. Winston Churchill: For which, madam, I am infinitely grateful
Das Vergnügen, dekadent zu sein
- 120pages
- 5 heures de lecture
Seit über 40 Jahren lebt der aus Budapest stammende George Mikes in London. Seitdem hat er nicht aufgehört, die mehr oder weniger liebenswerten Eigenschaften der Engländer mit leicht angespitzter Feder, aber immer wohlwollend und spritzig-amüsant aufs Korn zu nehmen. Hier zieht er Bilanz, wobei er feststellt, dass die Dekadenz weiß Gott keine leichte Sache ist, die Engländer sie aber bravourös beherrschen. Ob Mikes sich mit Allerweltsthemen wie Essen, Trinken, Sex oder Shopping befasst, immer verbindet er feinsinnigen Humor mit der ihm eigenen Lebensklugheit. Besonders die typisch englischen Themen, z.B. "Wie man in Ruhe in Panik gerät" oder "Wie man ein Empire verliert", machen die Lektüre zu einem einzigartigen Lesevergnügen.
So ein Katzenleben ...
- 160pages
- 6 heures de lecture
Eine der angenehmen, unkomplizierten Bücher über das Zusammenleben von Mensch und Tier.
Die Schweiz
- 176pages
- 7 heures de lecture
How to be decadent
- 96pages
- 4 heures de lecture
Over thirty years after George Mikes penned his classic guide for foreigners in Britain, he has felt compelled to create a new edition. This updated version addresses the evolving nature of British identity and culture, recognizing that even the British can change significantly over three decades. Key sections explore themes such as How to Lose an Empire, Become a Colony, and Stop Being an Island, offering fresh insights into these contemporary issues. Familiar topics, like sex, receive more nuanced treatment than before, requiring more than just a brief mention. Navigating London has also grown increasingly complex, and the evolution of language presents its own challenges. While natives may experience some blows to their self-esteem, they ultimately find themselves basking in a sense of self-congratulation. Mikes's enduring relationship with his adopted country shines through, alongside the perfect illustrations by Nicholas Bentley that complement his humor. Together, they create a work that rivals Mikes's most famous writings, capturing the unique chemistry that defines his perspective on Britain.
Gelangweilt sterben die Spione
- 184pages
- 7 heures de lecture
Gedanken sind zollfrei
- 159pages
- 6 heures de lecture
Gedanken sind zollfrei - Erfahrungen in Bayern, Österreich, Jugoslawien und Ungarn - bk807; Droemer Knaur; George Mikes; pocket_book; 1975
Switzerland for Beginners
- 92pages
- 4 heures de lecture
Hands up, those in the new first class who don't know George Mike's method of instruction. He mixes the sugar- i.e. the humour - so thoroughly that they become one substance, both delightful and nourishing. You will get a great deal of entertainment from this book, and it's the entertainment in itself which will teach you a great deal about Switzerland. Each chapter is illustrated by the witty Swiss artist, Godi Hofmann
The Land of the Rising Yen Japan
Grüsse aus Jerusalem
- 202pages
- 8 heures de lecture
Mit geishas fängt der Tag gut an
- 158pages
- 6 heures de lecture
Libro usado en buenas condiciones, por su antiguedad podria contener señales normales de uso
Nimm das Leben nicht zu ernst
- 194pages
- 7 heures de lecture
The Prophet Motive
Israel Today And Tomorrow
1960. First Edition. 91 pages. Yellow jacket over cloth. Pages and binding are presentable with no major defects. Minor issues present such as mild cracking, inscriptions, inserts, light foxing, tanning and thumb marking. Overall a good condition item. Boards have mild shelf wear with light rubbing and corner bumping. Some light marking and sunning. Unclipped jacket has light edge-wear with minor tears and chipping. Mild rubbing and marking.
How to be an Alien: a handbook for beginners and advanced pupils
- 88pages
- 4 heures de lecture
George Mikes says, 'the English have no soul; they have the understatement instead'. But they do have a sense of humour - they provide it by buying over three hundred thousand copies of a book that took them quietly and completely apart, a book that really took the Mikes out of them.
Allons enfants...
Wiedersehen mit Frankreich







































