Thursday 14 October 2010

The Englishman who posted himself

Have you heard of this book The Englishman who posted himself and other curious objects? It's the story of an Englishman who decided to challenge Royal Mail's guidelines by posting all kinds of things to see if they were delivered - including crocheted postcards, envelopes with pictorial addresses, a carved turnip, and yes, himself.


I have to buy this book - especially as my long-held affection for Royal Mail is on the up {after a significant blip last year due to the postal strikes, furthered by a lack of love for courier services that send you to Surrey and beyond if you miss the parcel.}

If you click the images above you can see a larger version, plus there's a fun review at the New Yorker.

9 comments:

C. Anne said...

I wonder if they still let people mail themselves these days! That would be quite something wouldn't it? My favourite though has to be the one describing only the latitude and longitude of the destination, that kind of puzzle is just my thing!

Becky said...

Wow fascinating! There's a great section of Bill Bryson's Notes from a Small Island that describes just how much you can get away with, and how cryptic you can be with addresses, and still Royal Mail will manage to deliver.

Sarah said...

oooh this book sounds awesome.
it reminds me of a story i read when i was a kid called 'Flat Stanley' a boy who was flattened so he was paper thin! i'm pretty sure he folded himself into the mailbox for posting at some point- hahaha! xx

mysterymoor said...

This sounds so so so good

Melissa Blake said...

that is amazing!!! xoxo

Angel Court Jewels... said...

What a fun book. It's now on my reading list. Didn't someone get arrested last year, in the U.S., for sending themselves through the mail?

Angel Court Jewels... said...

I just gave this book a mention on my blog and added a link back to you. Thanks for sharing!!!! Have a wonderful weekend. Courtney

Lisa said...

This is brilliant. I must buy this for my fella. He used to collect stamps (sweet geek) and I know he would love this!

domestikate said...

Oh my goodness, I love this! What a brilliant man!

It reminds me of the 13 ounces or less project, which is also brilliant: http://www.flickr.com/groups/1337021@N23/

xx