Born in 1826 and writing in 1914 he reflects that ‘As a youngster I fear my religious and political views were loose, and I remember attending lectures … given by an Atheist and Socialist’ (page 4). On the other hand insider dealing was apparently an acceptable part of business life, ‘Before it was generally known I bought a few of the … shares, and ultimately made a good profit on them’ (page 19).
He lived through 5 reigns, the Great Exhibition of 1851, the great comet of 1861, Black Monday of 1866 and the coal famine of 1872, hoping at the end of his book to live long enough to see ‘that this “terrible war” might be over’.
One of the most interesting aspects of the book is the amount of travel undertaken (Italy, North America, Australia, New Zealand) and the almost unbelievable number of coincidences which lead him to chance upon friends or acquaintances all over the world. He worked in banking, insurance, accounting, receivership and liquidation. At home he mixed with writers, artists, clergy, judges, businessmen and lords, dedicating his book to the Earl of Halsbury. Many aspects of his business life are familiar to us today: the importance of networking, expense accounts, fee disputes, betrayal, the power of advertising and being ‘sold a pup’ when buying transport!
Oh, and a fishing tip for those of you who are anglers: pack your newly caught trout in nettles for the journey home (page 82).
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Accountancy Ancestors
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