Tongue-in-cheek but fascinating insight into the early 20th-century fad for intellectual self-improvement.
An unexpected emotional roller-coaster, largely set in a bookshop. Small, comic-relief lives take centre-stage in a fine piece of work from an almost forgotten author.
Highly entertaining collection of stories. Stylish and amusing, if a tad bloodthirsty, with a somewhat stereotypical view of the French.
A classic work, arguing for the importance of cultural expression in advancing both our moral/spiritual and intellectual development as a species. Full of now-obscure references, but still fascinating.