British clubs and societies - Gordon McKie

From intellectual pursuits to minority interest. From the straightforward to the off-beat. From the eccentric to the baffling. British Clubs and Societies: An A-Z looks at a number of the wide variety of clubs and societies that can be found in the UK. It is not meant as a comprehensive guide, but rather a selection to fascinate and entertain. Who knows, you might even find yourself joining one, or perhaps you're already a member… Gordon McKie reveals clubs based on shared academic interests and intellectual pursuits, such as the Royal Astronomical Society, the Prehistoric Society and the Zoological Society of London. He also looks at those based on a shared social and political background, including various London gentlemen's clubs, for example the Carlton (which has strong associations with the Conservative Party) and the Reform Club (which is generally seen as left of centre). Working men's clubs, in particular examples which have bucked the trend of their general decline in numbers and in popularity, are also explored, and McKie also takes a look at clubs based on a minority interest such as the Left Handers' Club, the Steam Car Club of Great Britain, the British Sundial Society and the Test Card Circle, which still admires the music of the old trade test card. The book highlights how the human need for association is manifested in clubs and society, as observable among children who form gangs. These are important as much for who they exclude as who they include, as is the case with prestigious London clubs. British Clubs and Societies is the perfect companion for anyone looking for an amusing and interesting read.