A DELIGHTFUL ‘MUGSHOT’
Quite by accident I happened upon Gary Mugford’s site (http://mugfordmugshots.blogspot.com). Do yourself a favor, check it out and be sure not to miss his January 14th rendering called "BRIDGE: I Miss Alan Truscott." I DO, TOO!
Gary claims Norman and I met him on an elevator at a National in Toronto many eons ago (when Gary was working for the ACBL) and he teases he didn’t make an impression because I didn’t remember him. Guilty as charged (but he shouldn’t take it personally as sometimes I can’t remember what I had for breakfast)! However, since we reunited last year when he reviewed The Lone Wolff, we have become great email pals and I am his devoted fan! I promise never again will I forget such a talented, self-effacing journalist with a delectable sense of humor.
If you were a New York Times Bridge Column follower, you will savor Gary’s tale about the late Alan Truscott who took over the much coveted position as Editor upon Albert Morehead’s death in the mid-sixties. Alan was a man for all seasons — sensational at word games, puzzles, trivia, played tennis, championship chess and even competed in the N. Y. marathon at the age of sixty-one. He contributed much to our game and will remain a treasured and respected legend among bridge players and fellow writers as well.
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Oh – I read it; I, too, Miss Alan a bunch! His columns were erudite and well written – plus always some most interesting bridge angle. I own a couple of his bridge books. One, about slams, is most entertaining and instructive.
Oops – take out that silly capital in “Miss”! – lol!
Peg — I gave a double take myself. The first time I read it — I saw Miss Alan Truscott. Maybe there’s something to the old saying, “Great minds think alike.”
About Alan — he was really so special. I never remember reading any snide remark or critical analysis when someone could have ventured a better guess on a hand. His power of the press never went to his head. He was very close with Edgar so Norman and I got to spend a lot of time with him (and Dorothy). I still remember a trivia question he posed. What two words in the English language display the five vowels once each in alphabetical order? He had a million of them and I always looked forward to our meetings to learn (and often be stumped by) his immense knowledge of language trivia.