CHRISTOPHER MATTHEW
WRITER & BROADCASTER
HOW TO SURVIVE MIDDLE AGE.
Pavilion Books, 1983.
Never has an age group or species been the subject of less care and attention than middle-aged man. At long last here is the book to redress the balance for this neglected section of society and provide a complete vade mecum to the problems of surviving the middle years with a degree of humour and grace.
Every known aspect of middle age is analysed and discussed, as well many that have never been hitherto pinpointed – from how to live with The Clash, the au pair and a nasty twinge in the lower back, to how to get through Sundays, the office party, and an evening with a life insurance salesman.
There is advice, too, on evasive action for postponing the moment when the Michelangelic pectorals must melt into Rubensesque folds through such varied forms of masochism as health clubs and farms, yoga, diets, jogging, swimming, squash et al.
Of course, every middle-aged man’s worries start in his head – or, rather, on it – and the fascinating subject of hair (how to have it and how to keep it) is dealt with at some length. And for those who are unsure whether middle age is a state of mind or an arithmetic calculation, there is an illuminating quiz to sort out the problem.
After reading this, life for the over-40s will never seem quite such a worry ever again.
Reviews:
Christopher Matthew, who does not look a day over sixty, has written an enjoyable bedside book for all of those who fear forty or fifty. Harold Evans
A light-hearted look at the Last Chance Trendies and other victims of the male menopause. Michael Barber, Books and Bookmen
