A Line O' Gowf or Two

“A Line o’ Gowf or Two” by Bert Leston Taylor is a collection of humorous essays and light verse about golf written in the early 20th century. The book uses wit, anecdote, and playful satire to explore the quirks and obsessions of golfers, with an affectionate but gently mocking tone. Its likely audience is both avid golf players and anyone who appreciates clever, insightful commentary on human nature as seen through the game. The opening of the book includes a foreword and introduction, establishing Taylor’s reputation as a skilled writer whose interest in golf developed relatively late. The introductory essays reflect on the nature of golfing improvement, the quirks of golfers, the endless stream of advice surrounding the game, and Taylor's enjoyment as both participant and observer. The main portion that follows is a lively mix of short reflections, jokes, and playful poetry about golf, blending technical musings with whimsical character sketches and gentle lampooning of golfing culture. The book also features a mock-dialogue between a ''Golfator'' and an eager ''Scholar,'' parodying the didactic style of classic instructional works. Overall, the beginning establishes a consistently wry tone, poking fun at the seriousness with which golfers approach their sport, while also reveling in its pleasures and universal frustrations.