Rapscallions: rap-scal-lion: one who is playfully mischievous, scamp, imp, monkey, scalawag, knave, rascal, rogue, scoundrel, villain, holy terror, terror…an obsolete old-fashioned word for; well, someone who is just being an ass.
When you read "Mostly Rapscallions" you will laugh like you have never laughed before. The Comedy Channel or the History channel could make a show out of this collection of more-than interesting information. It is a shame that we, as a people, do not study more closely those who have led before, as history does tend to repeat itself. How do people such as Hitler come into power? Yes, he was a rapscallion, but he did what he did because he was allowed to.
P.J. Sullivan’s collection is nothing but amazing. He delves into the guts of each and every figure down to the core of their power. It is just mind-boggling how many of these came into power and how they were able to hold that power for a period of time. The chapter on John D. Rockefeller had my mouth hanging open. He was born to keep books. Like many people today, there was a big difference between his Bible "ledger" and his life "ledger." He saw no reason why a robber could not also be a good Christian gentleman. As I read, I thought of many leaders of today both in our country and abroad. How they feel they are above reproach from any law other than their own.
Casanova and his "little fellow" were always ready for action. He was a man who totally enjoyed being a man. Proposing to his daughter Leonida – hey, he didn’t know she was his daughter – he did live up to his reputation. He couldn’t keep up with all the children that were born from his dalliances. He did, in fact, finally find his soul mate, a little doggie named Melampyge. The world is full of all different kinds of people. Casanova did not want to work to reach his dreams, thus he found a way to achieve his mantra. Sequere Deum – his rule of life – follow your bliss.
Rasputin – A Siberian peasant could barely read or write became ruler of one sixth of the earth. Hettie Green gave us the prophetic rule: Never buy an automobile. An ass was good enough for Jesus. Boss Tweed realized he would not be able to win an election unless he bought the vote. Marie Antoinette who had it all, and never paid a dime; she just ignored all of the bills. You get a glimpse into these and more interesting lives throughout history and you will be rolling in the floor as you turn each page. Do not let the cartoonist cover fool you; "Mostly Rapscallions" by P.J. Sullivan is very, very funny as well as very, very enlightening.
Mostly Rapscallions
P.J. Sullivan
Infinity Publishing (2008)
ISBN 9780741444721
Reviewed by Danelle Drake for Reader Views (2/09)
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