Stanley Green

Stanley Green (1915-1993) was a self-published author and street campaigner known for his decades-long crusade against protein and "sitting" which he believed contributed to lust and sexual activity. He became a familiar sight on Oxford Street in London, where he distributed his self-printed pamphlets and displayed placards warning about the dangers of protein-rich foods from 1968 until his death. His primary publication was the eight-page booklet "Eight Passion Proteins with Care" which he sold for 12p, producing copies on a small printing press in his home. The pamphlet outlined his theories about how certain foods, particularly those high in protein, could lead to what he termed "passion" and moral decline. Green's distinctive presence and unusual beliefs made him one of London's most recognized street characters, earning him the nickname "The Protein Man." His materials and placard are now preserved in the Museum of London, representing a unique piece of London's street culture and social history. His daily routine involved a six-mile walk from his home in Northolt to Oxford Street, where he would spend hours promoting his message while maintaining a strict diet that aligned with his beliefs about protein consumption. Despite facing ridicule and skepticism, he maintained his campaign for 25 years, making him one of London's longest-serving street campaigners.

Stanley Green's self-published pamphlet "Eight Passion Proteins with Care" generated curiosity and bemusement among readers, who viewed it more as an artifact of London street culture than serious dietary advice. Readers noted: - The pamphlet's unique DIY aesthetic and hand-drawn illustrations - The earnest, if eccentric, writing style - Its value as a snapshot of 1970s-80s London street life Common criticisms: - Lack of scientific evidence or coherent arguments - Confusing organization and formatting - Poor printing quality on thin paper The pamphlet has no mainstream review aggregator ratings given its self-published nature. However, collectors and social historians consider it significant as an example of outsider literature and street campaigning. Museum visitors who view the preserved copies frequently comment on its historical value rather than its content. Reader comments from museum visitors and online discussions frequently describe it as "charmingly strange" and "a perfect encapsulation of pre-digital street activism." The British Library's copy receives regular research requests from those studying urban folklore and street literature.

The Last Man Off Wake Island (1942) - A first-hand account of the American defense of Wake Island against Japanese forces in December 1941, written by a civilian contractor who was among the final evacuees.

Surprise! You're It! (1947) - A personal narrative describing Green's experiences as a prisoner of war in Japanese camps from 1941 to 1945.

Wake Island Command (1984) - A detailed military history documenting the 16-day siege of Wake Island, incorporating official records and survivor accounts.

Death's Front Door (1985) - An autobiographical work focusing on Green's life after his rescue from Japanese internment and his return to civilian life.

Charles Webb writes about unfulfilled suburban lives and quiet desperation behind polite social facades. His novel "The Graduate" shares Green's focus on social expectations and personal disconnection.

Richard Yates portrays mid-century American domestic life with an emphasis on failed dreams and compromise. His work examines similar themes as Green about the gap between societal ideals and harsh realities.

John Cheever depicts life in American suburbs with attention to class consciousness and social status. His short stories reveal hidden tensions beneath surface appearances in ways that parallel Green's approach.

Sinclair Lewis explores small-town American life through the lens of conformity and rebellion against social norms. His characters face comparable struggles with identity and community as those in Green's fiction.

Walker Percy writes about alienated individuals seeking meaning in modern society. His novels share Green's interest in characters who feel out of step with their surroundings and search for authentic connection.