MemeMachineGo!

I recently read Trent’s Last Case by E. C. Bentley, an English mystery novel from 1913. It’s a good read, and it’s fun to see what needed emphasis 90 years ago — the author goes to lengths to explain what fingerprinting is, and what a rear view mirror (or, “the back-reflector of a motor car”) is.

One thing I still can’t decide is whether this butler’s description of his employer’s drinking habits is meant to be funny, or just ends up that way at this remove.

“Mr. Manderson was, considering his position in life, a remarkably abstemious man. In my four years of service with him I never knew anything of an alcoholic nature pass his lips, except a glass or two of wine at dinner, very rarely a little at luncheon, and from time to time a whisky and soda before going to bed.”