This elicited a few giggles from me on occasion, but all in all was not really that funny. I assume it’s not a very good reflection of Durrell’s writing style, and I will be trying one of his novels in the future.

I will not be bothering to read any more of the Antrobus books however, just not my type of humour. ( )

If you fancy a leisurely read for an hour or two, Durrell's Stiff Upper Lip could well do the trick. Durrell departs from his more florid accounts of diplomatic life found in his other books to provide a few anecdotes from a "dip" (diplomatic) perspective. These are ditties with no twists or turns, pretty much standard gag material but the language is where the strength lies, a character described as "overlooked washing-up", of Martinis that "fairly whistles through the rigging", describing a dip rabble as having that "dreadful rinsed-out look which comes from Conferences", asking someone to take that "beastly sensual smile" off their face, and so on. Usually, for me, Lawrence is a much more poised writer. Apart from, The Black Book, and including this one, is Lawrence gallivanting across the page to entertain through quips and turns of phrase. ( )

An anthology of stories of life in the British Diplomatic service. Often quite amusing. ( )

A selection of short stories set in diplomatic but decidedly chaotic circles. Some great characters with great names! There's Anaconda Veranda, the Swami, not forgetting Polk-Mowbray... ( )

"Stiff Upper Lip" is the second of three of Lawrence Durrell's 'diplomatic' short story collections.These humorous stories are told by Antrobus,who hold a fairly high-ranking post in the British diplomatic service abroad.
In this particular book,we meet members of the British Embassy in Vulgaria. Polk-Mowbray,De Manderville,Dovebasket,Wormwood et al,and as usual they get themselves in some terrible scrapes and tangles. These are usually brought about by the machinations of one or another of the younger embassy staff.
There are 10 perfect little gems here and it is difficult to pick just one out,but I think I will opt for "The Iron Hand" which begins thus - Have you ever noticed (said Antrobus) that people called Percy are almost invariably imbeciles ? perhaps the name confirs a fateful instability upon the poor souls ; perhaps it is chosen as the most appropriate for those who,from birth,show all the signs of being lathe-turned morons....
If (like me) you cannot get enough of that wonderfully funny writer P.G.Wodehouse,or you have simply read all of his books and want something in the same vein,then do try these three by Durrell.
The drawings which head each story are by Nicholas Bentley and they compliment the writing perfectly. ( )