The Elephant And The Flea

This book is hard to categorize, but that is to compliment not to criticize. Charles Handy was in industry before working as a professor at the London Business School and he then became well known as a writer and commentator. His books tend to have quirky titles (The Age of Unreason and The Empty Raincoat are earlier examples) and this is no exception: the elephant of this title is a metaphor for an organization and the flea for an individual. Business books can do many things: explore issues, set out guidelines, increase knowledge and change attitudes. Initially Handy's book sounds different. It is largely autobiographical, describing the author's career from 1981 onwards when he left the organizational world and 'became a flea'. Yet as he catalogues his life and work, in wonderfully readable and anecdotal style, he also explains and inspires. The book provides a powerful insight into the mind and philosophy of a seminal figure of the business world, and Handy's ideas and predictions about the world of work are both thoughtful and thought-provoking. This is an enjoyable, endearing and stimulating read. It will make you reflect, laugh and, above all, think. And you might just find Handy's thoughts and attitudes rubbing off on you and directly affecting your future actions. In a busy life reading such a book may not seem like a priority. But you should make it one. (Kirkus UK)