Flashman, The Last Chapter

Adieu, Flashy

For my2003 Father's Day Gift Ideas issue, I wrote: “ Unless your dad is very cool, chances are he hasn't read the Flashman series yet. I suggest beginning with Flashman: From the Flashman Papers, 1839-1842, but you can't go wrong with any. The gimmick is that one Harry Flashman -- a bounder, a cad, a coward, and a raconteur of the first rank is inserted into actual historical events so masterfully, by author George McDonald Fraser, that my dad-in-law read three volumes before he figured out that Flashy was fictional (he was a very bright ex-naval officer and chemical engineer). If you want to be a bit flashy yourself, add Flashman at the Charge (my favorite) and Flashman in the Great Game for a three volume starter set. Hurry, and you will receive them in time to read one or two yourself before Sunday (wash your hands and no eating while you read). ” No series of books has given me more joy, or caused more LOLs than Flashy.  So it was with a bit of sadness that I saw on eClaire that Mr. McDonald has passed.  His last testament, however, is itself an instant classic.  Thank you George McDonald Fraser.