Famous Last Words

First Person

Fiction

160

39

2018-06-26 18:26:03

This sometimes funny, frequently poignant compilation offers a glimpse at the death-bed departures of kings, courtiers, poets, painters, saints, villains, murderers, and martyrs through the ages. Among the notable parting sentiments are Bing Crosby’s breezy sign-off: ”That was a great game of golf, fellers,” Lawrence Oates’ farewell to Captain Scott on his mythically ill-fated expedition to the South Pole: ”I’m just going out. I may be some time...,” and Civil War commander General Sedgewick’s final miscalculation: ”They couldn’t hit an elephant at this dist.” It is a fascinating record of our final thoughts at the brink of the unimaginable. Jonathan Green is a noted lexicographer and the author of many books, includingSlang Down the Ages.

Kyle Cathie Limited

9781856262644

~$59.60

2025-11-18

2018-06-26 18:26:03