HOW TO GUESS YOUR AGE
by Corey Ford19—, with introduction by Edward Streeterand illustrated by Gluyas Williams. Doubleday & Company, 1950. $1.00.
Although Corey Ford has not yet been admitted to Dartmouth, and maybe it is getting later than he thinks, he is the founder, charter member, and only member of the Class of 19—. He serves this group as secretary-chairman, class agent, treasurer and if his class had a Memorial Fund (which at his age you'd think they would) he might be elected chairman.
The class of 19— makes all sorts of 100% records, in respect to contributions, payment of dues, and attendance at reunions. Now the class has outdone itself by producing a small book that is something over 100% in quality of delightful humor and in promise of becoming a smashing success. Although Corey Ford's latest book, How to Guess Your Age, only appeared in bookstores the middle of last month it was treated to three pre-publication editions of 50,000 each. If this keeps up, as seems likely, there will be a shortage of treees in Canada.
About the book—a tribute can be paid by reporting that some of its lines are already part of the language. When somebody middleaged, or thereabouts, squints and holds a paper at arm's length and then eases it up close to get a better look and a friend remarks: "Have you noticed how small the print is in newspapers these days?" he has read How toGuess Your Age. When the story, which rings the bell and hits the bullseye so neatly, first appeared in Collier's a host of people realized that the sharp descriptions of trailing humanity didn't fit them but it did fit their friends. Typed copies were mailed around the country and no wonder Reader's Digest reprinted it. Now comes the little book to give permanence to the deft art of one of the country's top short story writers, whether in light or serious vein.
The 22 illustrations by Gluyas Williams perfectly fit the subject.
