Parkinson

CYRIL NORTHCOTE PARKINSON (1909 - 1993)

Parkinson was the son of the art master at Barnard Castle School. A plaque at 45 Galgate commemorates him. Though in later life he became Raffles Professor of History in Singapore and was an artist as well as a journalist, it is for 'Parkinson's Law' that he is remembered today. His book of that name states the basic law - that work expands to fill all the time available for its completion.

Other applications of the law demonstrate how bureaucrats spawn deputies; how naval administrators multiply as the number of ships declines, and how one can tell that an organisation is in terminal decay when it inhabits a vast, polished palace. Firms which are really vigorous live up uncarpeted staircases in rooms full of boxes. Parkinson wrote other witty and literate books like In-Laws and Outlaws, Left Luggage and East and West - described as: ' A lively intellect ranges over the whole history of mankind'.

Though Parkinson became a household name, he was patronised with adjectives like 'irreverent' and 'provocative', and eventually suffered the fate of those who do not care to be solemn; he was not taken seriously.

Myers Literary Guide:	The North-East
CYRIL NORTHCOTE PARKINSON (1909 - 1993) Parkinson was the son of the art master at Barnard Castle School. A plaque at 45 Galgate commemorates him. Though in later life he became Raffles Professor of History in Singapore and was an artist as well as a journalist, it is for 'Parkinson's Law' that he is remembered today. His book of that name states the basic law - that work expands to fill all the time available for its completion. Other applications of the law demonstrate how bureaucrats spawn deputies; how naval administrators multiply as the number of ships declines, and how one can tell that an organisation is in terminal decay when it inhabits a vast, polished palace. Firms which are really vigorous live up uncarpeted staircases in rooms full of boxes. Parkinson wrote other witty and literate books like In-Laws and Outlaws, Left Luggage and East and West - described as: ' A lively intellect ranges over the whole history of mankind'. Though Parkinson became a household name, he was patronised with adjectives like 'irreverent' and 'provocative', and eventually suffered the fate of those who do not care to be solemn; he was not taken seriously.
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