Well, I've been ripping through Modesty Blaise books lately (the Titan reprints of the British adventure strip) and having a great time with them. This is a rather dry rendering of Peter O'Donnell, Modesty's creator, from a photo of him during WWII in then Persia. Probably talking about Kipling, the 'Soldier's Poet' and saying things like 'tommyrot' and 'bother', 'chaps' and 'lads', etc. It struck a chord with me as it reminded me of my old rock-climbing days; putzing about in dry climates, wearing battered shorts, rag-wool socks and pile jackets. Being outside in remote areas, drinking instant coffee and liking it, being young, -sniff-.
It's not an accurate likeness, although the stocking cap with ball on top is pretty close.
I did not know about Modesty Blaise, or Peter O'Donnel. It's like the British have a completely parallel culture, that only intersects with ours in select places. Modesty Blaise, Dan Dare and Biggles are not in the intersection.
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