Jock Murray's commonplace book became legendary in his lifetime. If he had to give an address as President of the English Association or a short speech at a god-daughter's wedding he would always dip into his commonplace book and draw out the perfect proverb or saying for the occasion.
Whenever he came across something wise, thoughtful, inspiring, witty or simply odd he would write it into a tiny blue notebook he kept in his inside jacket pocket and then, when he had time, decant it into the commonplace book proper.
Osbert Lancaster would descend on him most evenings after completing his Pocket Cartoon for the Daily Express, full of gossip and additions for the commonplace book. Freya Stark would send proverbs from Arabia, Axel Munthe an anecdote from Capri, and Peter Quennell would pass down gems from the floor above while editing the Cornhill Magazine.
In addition to the commonplace book itself, this volume includes a wealth of illustrations either commissioned by Jock or sent to him on special occasions by his authors and friends — offerings from Arthur Rackham, John Piper, John Craxton, Eric Ravilious, Beryl Cook, Val Biro and countless others. Most of these have never been published before.
This book is intended to give pleasure to all those who dip into it, and if a little wisdom rubs off, so much the better.