The Times Lives Less Ordinary: Obituaries of the Eccentric, Unique and Undefinable

The Times obituaries have provided readers with a glimpse into the lives of fascinating and unconventional characters from recent history, including mavericks, rogues, and eccentrics. From Baroness Trumpington to 'Magic Alex Mardas', Zsa Zsa Gábor to John Lucas, Brigadier Jack Thomas to April Ashley, and Jordan Mooney to 'the original Sex Pistol', these obituaries offer a unique and entertaining perspective on the world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 26 October 2023
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Discover the captivating lives of some of the most intriguing and unconventional figures of recent history through 85 obituaries meticulously curated from The Times archive. Whether they were dons, pop stars, vicars, MPs, rugby players, or aristocrats, each of these remarkable individuals marched to the beat of their own drum and lived extraordinary lives. The Times obituaries have provided readers worldwide with a vivid glimpse into the lives of remarkable individuals for over 150 years. Meet the mavericks, rogues, and eccentrics from recent history, including: Baroness Trumpington, the codebreaking, chain-smoking, two-finger-flicking grande dame of British politics. ‘Magic Alex Mardas, inventor and the Beatles' scientific guru. Zsa Zsa Gábor, the Hungarian socialite and actress who made a name for herself through celebrity and was best known for her nine marriages. John Lucas, the influential philosopher who challenged determinism and was renowned for his eccentricity as the most eccentric don in Oxford. Brigadier Jack Thomas, the military police commander who survived a landmine, bullet, rhino, and faulty parachute and enjoyed watching TV with an owl on his head. April Ashley, a model, socialite, and transgender rights campaigner whose reassignment surgery was part of a tumultuous life filled with lovers and dramatic events. Jordan Mooney, the punk muse known as 'the original Sex Pistol' who performed on stage with them, influenced their 'look,' and later became a veterinary nurse. This authoritative, insightful, and endlessly engaging book is a must-read for anyone with a fascination for the eccentricities and unique personalities of recent times.

Weight: 368g
Dimension: 197 x 129 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008637071