Andrew Drummond

Through the journal of one Mr Orum we learn of the truly bizarre (but true) tale of Dr Blair, who in 1702 was the first man in Britain to dissect an elephant. This 'journal' is presented to us by our stalwart editor, a man hopelessly at odds with Mr Orum's slovenly ways and who inserts himself into the story through frequent outraged footnotes.

So what we get is an amusing tale of three men at philosophical odds, two unreliable narrators and one poor elephant. It's a slim volume but the contrasting (yet equally silly) characters that fight over Dr Blair's good name make it a worthwhile read. I am not overly familiar with Scottish history but this didn't detract and whilst its not for the faint of heart it's not at all graphic. Currently its beautiful published in hardback form.… (altro)