W. C. Sellar

Walter Carruthers Sellar (December 27, 1898 – June 11, 1951) was a Scottish humourist who wrote for "Punch". He is best known for the 1930 book "1066 and All That", a tongue-in-cheek guide to "all the history you can remember," which he wrote together with R. J. Yeatman.

Early life

Sellar was born at Golspie in Sutherland, the descendant of Patrick Sellar who had taken a leading role in the Highland clearances. He won a scholarship to Fettes College where he was Head Boy in 1917. After serving briefly in World War I as a Second Lieutenant in the King's Own Scottish Borderers, he took a degree in modern history at Oriel College, Oxford (which, as recorded in "1066 and All That", was awarded through an aegrotat in 1922). It was at Oriel that he met his contemporary Yeatman, and struck up a lifelong friendship. Although the two produced brilliant work together, they were entirely different personalities: Sellar was somewhat shy and introverted, although he enjoyed acting. He wrote melancholy poetry in addition to dry humour.

Teaching career

On leaving Oriel, Sellar worked as a schoolmaster at his old school Fettes, leaving in 1928 when he moved to Great Marlow in Buckinghamshire in the hope of becoming a full-time writer. However the financial burdens of bringing up two daughters led him to take a job at Canford School in Dorset from the start of the school year in 1929, and he went on to teach at Charterhouse School from 1932 until his death. At first he taught history, but later moved to teach English and he became Head of Daviesites House from 1939. He used his own ration and money to buy extra food for the boys of the House during World War II, which made him very popular.

Writing

Sellar had begun to contribute to Punch in 1925 when three humorous short stories of his were published (he also contributed to other journals around this time). His collaboration with his old University colleague Yeatman, who was also writing for Punch, appears to have begun in 1928 during his period out of teaching. The first part of "1066 and All That" appeared in Punch on September 10, 1930, taking its title from Robert Graves' autobiography "Goodbye to All That". Sellar's contribution is particularly noted in the comic exaggerations and name confusions; his knowledge of English literature also inspired the book's many literary allusions and pastiches.

After completing the book, Sellar worked with Yeatman again on a sequel, "And now all this", a guide to general knowledge. Although the humour of "1066 and All That" is carried forward, it lacks the running theme and is relatively little remembered. This is a shame, as its take on subjects as diverse as geography, knitting and topology is frequently hilarious. The 1933 book "Horse Nonsense" was credited to the two but is largely the work of Yeatman, while "Garden Rubbish and other Country Bumps" is equally credited to the two but largely Sellar's work. It is noted for a more nuanced form of humour which depends on elaborate word-play.

Publications

* "1066 and All That" (1930) ISBN 0-413-61880-3
* "And now All This" (1932) ISBN 0-413-56080-5
* "Horse Nonsense" (1933) ISBN 0-413-73990-2
* "Garden Rubbish and other Country Bumps" (1936) ISBN 0-417-02050-3