House of Bush, House of Saud

On 1 June 1941 clothes rationing was announced as a result of the war with Germany, while food rationing had been introduced earlier on. The propaganda was upbeat under the banner Make Do and Mend, and Britain's favourite passtime queueuing was involved, but another national passtime, grumbling, soon followed. For example, civil war on the War Office was openly declared when in 1943 women weren't getting enough corsets yet men won their battle for turnups on trousers to make a long-wished-for come back. In a torrent of letters written all over Britain a roar of pointed moaning ensued. In Make Do and Send, Sam Taylor has gathered together the most arch, polemical, amusing and interesting letters on issues that enraged war-time Britain that will make anyone smile with its nod to Dads Army. It is an hilarious record of the stiff British upper lip that trembled with ill-concealed disgust whenever an injustice or unfair advantage was spotted. It is the perfect gift for any member of the family who enjoys a laugh at bickering.