An inspiring tale in three parts. The Boy, born in the run up to World War Two and one of twelve children of working class parents in Fulham, London, recalls evacuation and a country in change. The Youth, striving for a decent education against the odds, and The Man, recounting a most unlikely successful business career in banking and stockbroking at a time when birth, breeding, and public schooling usually counted for more than talent, wit and graft. Fred's story is told with a surprisingly light touch, and humour is found in the most unlikely situations. Prejudice and ill health are treated with mockery rather than rancour, and the whole tenor of the story is the joy of living, exemplified by a few short satirical poems.