语法题中的非语法问题

Herbert

语法题中的非语法问题
《OG》第139题：The extraordinary diary of William Lyon Mackenzie King, prime minister of Canada for over twenty years, revealed that this most bland and circumspect of men was a mystic guided in both public and private life by omens, messages received at séances, and signs from heaven.
我想知道划线部分中的was的主语是什么？如果是this most bland and circumspect of men那么其中的of 怎么那么别扭， 我没有学到过，望高人指点一二。(I do not believe that ETS can make such a mistake! It is impossible)

tocean0222

我的看法：
was主语应该是this，我觉得of前省略了个one；

大家的看法呢？

carefield

omit "man" before "of", like what tocean0222 said.

mindfree

The subject is "this most ... of men"

Try this one I made up:

Einstein's biography showed that this most respected and spectacular of all scientists in history had some habits unknown to most others.

You do not need a "scientist" in front of "of". Simple as that.

If you feel awkward, read more original works in English and try to get a hang of the language.

joywzy

Thank u , mindfree. What you said makes sense.

Herbert

what mindfree said 如醍醐灌顶!!!!!!