In 'My Discovery of England,' Stephen Leacock offers a satirical reflection on the transatlantic cultural exchanges of his era, reversing the common narrative of English writers documenting their experiences in America. Leacock's astute observations are presented in a humorous and eloquent prose, which archly comments on the Anglo-American relationship through his own pseudo-anthropological expedition to England. The book is set against the broader literary context of early 20th-century travel writing and cultural criticism, and it distinguishes itself with its playful tone and self-deprecating wit, characteristic of Leacock's distinct literary style.Stephen Leacock, renowned for his sharp wit and incisive satire, turns the gaze of curiosity back onto his English contemporaries, who had frequently positioned themselves as discoverers of the New World. A Canadian humorist and economist, Leacock's background and experiences undoubtedly informed his critique of the cultural commodification and the imbalance of intellectual trade between the continents. This work is a delightful parody, informed by Leacock's academic insight and his status as an observer of social mores in a rapidly globalizing world.'Recommended for aficionados of classic humor and literature, 'My Discovery of England' invites readers to join Leacock on his jocular journey, rediscovering the Old World through the eyes of a New World scholar. This book will particularly appeal to those interested in early 20th-century cultural relations and the genre of literary satire. Academics and casual readers alike will find Leacock's expedition rewarding, offering a fresh perspective on the exchange of cultural capital between England and North America, laced with an irony that is as instructive as it is entertaining.

Stephen Butler Leacock (18691944) was a Canadian teacher, political scientist, writer, and humorist. Born in Hampshire, England, Leacock immigrated to Canada with his family at a young age and later attended the University of Toronto and subsequently, the University of Chicago. He began his career as an academic, holding a long tenure as a professor of political economy at McGill University in Montreal. Beyond his academic pursuits, Leacock's prominence is largely due to his formidable skill as a writer, especially in the genre of humor. His literary works are characterized by wit and social satire, often critiquing contemporary social trends and the quirks of human nature. His magnum opus, 'Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town' (1912), is perhaps the best representation of his humorous and insightful storytelling, cementing his status in Canadian literature. In 'My Discovery of England' (1922), Leacock whimsically recounts his experiences and observations while lecturing in England, presenting a series of comic narrative essays that playfully examine the cultural differences between Canadians and the English. With more than 60 books and countless articles, Leacock's prolific output spanned fiction, social commentaries, and economics, demonstrating his versatility and influence in early 20th-century literature. His contributions were acknowledged during his lifetime with honors such as the Royal Society of Canada's Lorne Pierce Medal, and his legacy continues as the namesake of the Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour awarded annually in Canadian literary circles.