Terry Sheehan Caper Catley Ltd. $30
I like that word larrikin which the Collins English Dictionary CD ROM version tells me means mischievous person while my Concise Oxford defines as a street rowdy, a hooligan.
I reckon after reading this book that Terry Sheehan, long-time resident of Auckland’s maritime suburb of Devonport, must be New Zealand’s number one larrikin. The complex practical jokes, tricks and scams he has pulled over his long-suffering friends and colleagues over the past 50 years surely earn him this title.
In one elaborate practical joke back in 1978 he renamed Devonport, the Republic of Flagstaff and then appointed himself King, never mind that republics do not have monarchs. To this day he is known to all and sundry as King.
In this good natured, hilarious romp of a book Terry Sheehan confesses to a life of stunts and jokes which have had people falling about laughing as well as declaring to have revenge on the former advertising man who never really grew up.
If all those who have fallen prey to this master larrikin buy a copy of his book, and most of them are mentioned, then the book will have a healthy sale, especially in Devonport where tongues will be wagging once word gets out.
Cape Catley is a small, independent, Devonport-based book publisher.
If you cannot find this title at your bookstore then write direct to Cape Catley at 83 Ngataringa Rd., Devonport, Auckland or e-mail : cape.catley@xtra.co.nz
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