Broadcaster Mikey Robins has entertained many audiences over the years with his sharp tongue and trademark wit. The comedian has now written his third book, this time setting his sights on discussing some of history’s finest dolts. Idiots, Follies & Misadventures is another fun romp through the past with Robins as our guide, telling us about all those very dumb things that have happened.
Robins is a self-confessed history nerd. He probably should add armchair psychologist to his list of titles too, as all of his books have dissected elements of what it is like to be human. His first book was about the seven deadly sins and his follow-up was about bad behaviour. Robins clearly also has a penchant for scoundrels, even though this one is all about human folly. It’s something many of us aren’t immune to, but as he proves there are some folks who really have dimwittedness down to a fine art.
This book is divided into seven sections consisting of many short, easy-to-read chapters. Robins considers things like medical misadventures and madness that has occurred within various military forces. One particular gem regarding the former involves the composer, Robert Schumann, who used a finger-stretching device only to have that render him incapable of playing the piano. What’s that? A smart play, indeed.
The book also include chapters from Australia, including the stupidity that was the introduction of species like rabbits and cane toads, both of which have become national pests. There is also the misadventure that was the Burke and Wills expedition, which ended in calamity. Americans are also not immune to Robins considered observations, as he describes Lincoln’s bodyguard who took a smoko while protecting the Pres, and a folktale involving the introduction of eggnog.
Robins has described this book as a series of cautionary tales. Perhaps the biggest kick-themselves moment should go to those fine individuals who were once in charge of Blockbuster Video. They had a chance to partner up in Netflix but as it was in its infancy declined. In the years that followed I probably don’t need to tell you that Blockbuster collapsed and Netflix became the streaming behemoth that we all know and love.
Idiots, Follies and Misadventures is a reminder that there are three constants in life: death, taxes, and stupidity. In this jaunty read, Robbins has assembled an entertaining and endearing parade of all those dumb and dumber individuals. The result is a hilarious look at history’s finest stuff-ups, allowing you to sit back, chuckle and think, “At least that wasn’t me!”
THREE STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Mikey Robins’ Idiots, Follies & Misadventures is available now from Simon & Schuster. Grab yourself a copy from Booktopia HERE.
