And a television star too. The book is based on a weekly series he did a while back. If you have a chance to see it, pay close attention to the "French" gentleman and Kendall's reaction. In other episodes, the Captain sits with a deadpan expression and lets his guest go and on with the most outrageous stories. No reaction - a Maine humor thing. But poor Kendall smiles and then cracks up completely at the the French man's antics about a flat rubber tire. Out-curmudgeoned! Wonderful stuff.