Dabbler Heroes: Tim Goodman

I’ve never met Tim Goodman. I don’t know what he looks like [see above, Ed.]. I don’t know what he does most of the time. I don't know if that's his real name or a professional nom de plume. I don’t even know which country he lives in. Or if ... Read More...

Dabbler Heroes: Richard Cobb

Today's Dabbler Hero had all the characteristics of a dabbler in his subject with the notable exception that he was as dedicated as any scholar could be. He had an amateur's approach but a professional's commitment. Here's Julian Barnes' description of our historian: Cobb’s history is archival, anecdotal, discursive, button-holing, undogmatic, ... Read More...

Dabbler Heroes: Harry Beck

Some, like Mozart or Sid Waddell, are born as geniuses. Others have genius thrust upon them, in the form of a single brilliant, radical idea. And the very best sort of brilliant, radical idea is the one that appears so obvious that it’s hard to believe that nobody had thought ... Read More...

Dabbler Heroes: Sid Waddell

  For years hence there will be gnarled Geordies huddled over schooners of broon and Red Bull, claiming they were there in the auditorium when Sid Waddell uttered the immortal phrase: His eyes are bulging like the belly of a hungry chaffinch.* And their wide-eyed children’s children will be perched on their ... Read More...