 First edition cover | |
| Author | George Mikes |
|---|---|
| Illustrator | Nicolas Bentley |
| Genre | Humor |
| Published | 1946 |
How to be an Alien is a humorous book by George Mikes, illustrated by Nicolas Bentley and published in 1946. It was Mikes' second book and is the most famous of the 44 he wrote.[1] It is a classic of British humour and by its 32nd impression in 1966 had sold over 300,000 copies.[2] It pokes gentle fun at the English and their relationship with foreigners, "alien" meaning in this context any non-English person. The book is characterised by much humour, affection and a total lack of rancour or bitterness. Mikes, an immigrant from Hungary, demonstrated not only his knowledge of English society but an insight into the English language.
- ^ Penguin Readers Notes Teacher's Guide
- ^ According to the jacket of the 32nd impression