Mud, straw and insults - Roy Brooks

Roy Brooks was an eminent estate agent who became a legend in his own time for the puckish delight he took in telling the truth, the whole truth - and even the unwholesome truth - about properties that he advertised for sale. In a trade well known for its euphemisms, optimistic cliches and skilful literary camouflage, he won the delighted applause of the property-buying and advertisement-reading public.

He died in 1971, leaving behind him an extraordinary collection of advertisements. His honesty and impudent originality were, surprisingly perhaps, rarely offensive. He walked his editorial tightrope with a natural flair and disarming humour. He espoused causes, advocated charities and benefited both. He brought a nationwide following to the Sunday Times and the Observer and readers seemed no less attracted to his political and social homilies than to his scathing and acid descriptions of property. This is a selection of the best of the property ads that became essential weekend reading.

WILL ANYONE TAKE PITY ON A NASTY OLD HOUSE adj. REGENT'S PK. TER. On still nights the friendly howl of the Hyaena floats over the Mappin terraces & one can, maybe, imagine oneself far away from our acquisitive society. 9 rms., 2 bathrms., kit. All in pretty foul order. Will only sell for single occupancy to gentlepeople. G.R. 70. Lse. abt. 75 yrs. 7,250 (I expect we'll see it resold, done up, in a year or so for abt. 14,000).