Sunday, 3 April 2011

Gerard Hoffnung

I'm feeling lazy today so not a lot of writing.

Gerard Hoffnung died in 1959 at the age of 34. Born in Berlin of Jewish parents, he came to London as a refugee in 1939. He became a professional cartoonist and played the tuba but what he is primarily remembered for is his brilliance as a raconteur. In 1958 he took part in a debate at the Oxford Union and his speech was broadcast by the BBC. Here is the best-known part of it - the bricklayer's story. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do every time I hear it.

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3 comments:

  1. Positive Thoughts3 April 2011 at 11:59

    See the power of positive thinking within you. Follow my blog and read interesting posts. God bless you. Positive Thoughts

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  2. (not necessarily your) Uncle Skip3 April 2011 at 13:37

    My intro to Hoffnung was his cartoons and then in college when a Music Lit. prof played A Grand, Grand Overture, Op. 57.

    ReplyDelete
  3. The Broad3 April 2011 at 15:42

    Great way to start my Sunday! Thanks...

    ReplyDelete