The British Bloke, Decoded: From Banter to Man-Flu. Everything finally explained.

The British Bloke Decoded is a humorous and insightful book that explores the behavior of British men, debunking stereotypes and offering a fresh perspective on blokedom. It is based on 46 years of field research and semi-scientific insights and celebrates the simple British bloke in all his splendor.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 06 June 2024
Publisher: Octopus Publishing Group

The British Bloke Decoded, written by Geoff Norcott, is a humorous and insightful exploration of the behavior of British men. Norcott, a self-proclaimed bloke himself, delves into the complexities of blokedom, shedding light on the value of banter, the origins of mansplaining, the challenges of getting blokes to send birthday cards, and the possibility of a medal system for vacuuming. Drawing on 46 years of extensive field research and semi-scientific insights, the book celebrates the simple British bloke in all his glory.

Katherine Ryan, a comedian, praises Norcott's book, stating that it reflects his intelligence and humor perfectly. Romesh Ranganathan, another comedian, agrees, calling the book funny and insightful while avoiding taking itself too seriously. Adrian Chiles, a broadcaster, describes the book as highly informative and notes that it will help him become a proper bloke. Hugo Rifkind, a journalist, praises the book as brilliant and hilarious, while also defending blokes without denigrating women. Konstantin Kisin, a comedian, calls the book a celebration of the simple British bloke.

The book explores the various aspects of blokedom, including the importance of banter, the origins of mansplaining, and the challenges of getting blokes to engage in certain behaviors. Norcott highlights the significance of banter in British culture, explaining how it can be a way to build relationships and express camaraderie. He also delves into the roots of mansplaining, examining how it can be a way for men to assert their authority and knowledge.

One of the key themes of the book is the difficulty of getting blokes to send birthday cards. Norcott explores the cultural and social factors that contribute to this phenomenon, suggesting that it may be related to the traditional gender roles that men are expected to fulfill. He also offers practical advice on how to encourage blokes to send cards, such as setting reminders and offering incentives.

Another interesting aspect of the book is the discussion of the possibility of a medal system for vacuuming. Norcott argues that vacuuming is a vital household chore that is often overlooked and undervalued, and that blokes should be recognized for their contributions to this task. He suggests that a medal system could be a way to encourage blokes to take pride in their cleaning and to recognize the importance of their role in the home.

Throughout the book, Norcott uses humor and anecdotes to illustrate his points. He shares stories of his own experiences as a bloke, as well as those of his friends and family. These stories are relatable and often humorous, making the book a fun and engaging read.

However, the book is not without its critics. Some readers have argued that Norcott's approach to blokedom is too simplistic and that he fails to address the more serious issues that affect men. They point out that blokedom can be a source of harm and that it can perpetuate harmful gender stereotypes.

Norcott acknowledges that blokedom can be problematic, but he argues that it is important to recognize the positive aspects of it as well. He suggests that blokedom can be a source of strength and resilience, and that it can help men to connect with each other and with their communities.

In conclusion, The British Bloke Decoded is a humorous and insightful exploration of the behavior of British men. Geoff Norcott's book celebrates the simple British bloke in all his splendour, while also addressing the more serious issues that affect men. Whether you are a bloke yourself or someone who wants to better understand the men in your life, this book is worth reading.

Weight: 252g
Dimension: 126 x 198 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800961302