Tales from the Turf

**Step into the wonderfully wry and cynical world of British horse racing with *Tales from the Turf*, a masterful collaboration between two legends of their craft: the celebrated journalist and raconteur Jeffrey Bernard and the brilliant cartoonist Hugh Dodd.** This is not your typical guide to picking winners. Instead, it’s a hilarious and sharply observed journey into the heart of the racecourse, a place of high hopes, crushing disappointments, and unforgettable characters. Jeffrey Bernard, famed for his iconic “Low Life” column in *The Spectator* and immortalised in the play *Jeffrey Bernard Is Unwell*, brings his signature blend of acerbic wit, world-weary wisdom, and self-deprecating humour to the so-called “Sport of Kings.” Through a collection of insightful and often laugh-out-loud anecdotes, Bernard peels back the curtain on the seedy glamour of the turf. He introduces you to the entire ecosystem of the track: the sly bookies, the ever-optimistic punters, the shady tipsters, the long-suffering trainers, and the jockeys who carry the weight of a thousand bets on their shoulders. Bernard’s prose is a delight, capturing the unique language, unspoken rules, and palpable atmosphere of a day at the races with an authenticity that only a lifelong, dedicated follower could muster. His writing is less about the horses themselves and more about the flawed, funny, and fascinating humanity that surrounds them. Complementing Bernard’s peerless observations are the wry and wonderfully expressive illustrations by Hugh Dodd, a celebrated cartoonist whose work graced the pages of *Punch* and the *Daily Mail*. Dodd’s cartoons are the perfect visual foil to Bernard’s text, brilliantly capturing the expressions of despair, fleeting joy, and utter bewilderment on the faces of the trackside cast. Each illustration is a story in itself, packed with detail and a deep understanding of the comedic tragedy of the gambling man. Published in 1988, this charming hardcover volume is a gem of British humour and a nostalgic snapshot of a bygone era of racing. It’s a slim book, perfect for a quick, entertaining read that will have you chuckling with recognition or shaking your head in amusement. **Who is this book for?** * **Fans of Horse Racing:** Anyone who has ever spent a day at the track will find themselves nodding along to Bernard’s painfully accurate and hilarious insights. * **Admirers of Jeffrey Bernard:** If you love his “Low Life” column or the wit of London’s legendary Soho scene, this book is an essential addition to your collection. * **Lovers of Classic British Humour:** This is a prime example of the dry, cynical, and observational comedy that British writers and cartoonists do so well. * **The Perfect Gift:** Searching for a unique gift for a father, grandfather, or any friend with a penchant for horse racing, good writing, or a dry martini? Look no further. Don’t miss your chance to own this delightful and enduring classic. Whether you’re a seasoned punter or simply a connoisseur of brilliant writing and illustration, *Tales from the Turf* is a winning ticket to an afternoon of pure entertainment. Place your order now and savour a masterclass in wit from one of the 20th century’s greatest columnists.