The Other Side of the Dale

Gervase Phinn meets head teachers, checks school curriculums, selects an unpopular winner in a poetry competition, and gains confidence of the shyest and the most stubborn with innate diplomacy. He graciously accepts endless inaccuracies in the spelling and pronunciation of his name--"he's called Mr Grim and he's a spectre"--becomes much sought-after and admired by the county's matrons, and his heart is set a'flutter by a pretty, unmarried headmistress with whom he longs to be more intimately acquainted.

A good-natured, entertaining storyteller obviously committed to his calling, Mr Phinn's occasional inaccuracy in rendition in no way detracts from his warm and enjoyable reading. --Running time approx 3 hours --Lynn Took

Absolutely Brilliant!!


Gervase Phinn:- The Other Side of the Dale   March 24, 2004
Graham Marsh (London, England)
17 out of 18 found this review helpful

This book the first from School Inspector Gervase Phinn is a must for those who want a read that that urges you to turn the pages to see what happens next. Having read this book after my girlfriend, I can see now how she managed to go through it in a week. Gervase is a compeling story teller and, shows all to often how children can supprise us all in what they know and do. The only negative is that it ends to soon, so I recomend that you order all four and just go for it.

Brilliant, Gervase has created work that make reading a joy.


Even Better than the paperback...   September 4, 2000
Mandarin (Scotland)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

Read the paperback then listen to the tape. You will then want to read the book again, except this time you read it in the authors voice. But beware, laughing outloud at traffic lights when you are alone in the car does lead to some strange looks.


Every teacher should read this book, - often.   August 1, 2000
sheila@cosham.freeserve.co.uk (Portsmouth UK)
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

I encountered this book through its reading on late night radio, and having been in primary teaching for twenty years, recognised with delight every facet of Mr Phinn's experience. I found this a delightful and sometimes moving book, which it was very difficult to put down. Every teacher should read it, often, and I would recommend it for anyone considering teaching as a profession. Thank you, Mr. Phinn. Sheila Douse


An absolutley fantastic book, well worth a read   May 23, 1999
10 out of 11 found this review helpful

I have read this book twice now, it is full of all the trials, enjoyments and traumas of any new school inspector.

The intrigue of small children and the lessons that can be learnt from them are all highlighted in this fantastic book.

Definiately worth a read!