Tell Them It Was

Bemelmans is known today mainly for the "Madeline" series of children's books. His writing for adults is scintillating and sophisticated. This collection of loosely autobiographical stories is an ideal introduction to Bemelmans' world and a wonderful book for a summer vacation, airplane ride, or cruise. If you don't know Bemelmans, this is the place to start. It includes stories of his childhood, hotel career, and time in the American army, all told with unmatched flair and exuberance, and with an eye for personality that skewers the pompous and hypocritical yet is never spiteful or malicious. Be warned: Bemelmans cast of charming rogues and innocents can become an addiction! When a friend returned this book and I asked if he wanted another, his delighted reply was, "You mean there's MORE?" There IS more; most of it is out of print, but well worth looking for.This book was edited by Bemelman's widow, the original Madeline.