This book is a non-fiction collection of short reviews and analyses of a variety of the great classics from Jane Austen to James Joyce, including the Koran and the Bible. Henry Hitchings (ex Eton) is a reviewer and critic of language and cultural history with a focus on literature, drama and theatre.

The author's premise being that if 'one was in a situation where one was obliged to discuss a great book, that one had not actually read, one could blag one's way through any dinner party - or wedding conversation - by knowing the bare bones of the book'. This notion provoked wry humour from us all!

Some of us enjoyed the humour and sardonic anecdotes but most of us had only dipped into specific chapters that drew our interest. A few of us were enlightened by the author's analyses but were not convinced by his thesis, even though we agreed that it was well-written and clearly well-researched. Perhaps Henry Hitchings is the biggest blagger?!

If, however, by reading this book someone is encouraged to read - or re-read - just one of those great classics then should it be considered a success?

We had a very jolly, lively and interesting discussion arising from this book, and much, much more!!