Edward Sackville-West (1901–1965)

In his introduction to this volume of collected literary essays, Mr Sackville-West describes his intention as having been "to draw attention to excellence rather than to emphasize faults". He sets out in detail his critical assumptions when dealing with works of fiction, and it is worth noting that his wide knowledge of the other arts is often brought into play in these essays. His subjects range from Dickens to Ivy Compton-Burnett, Francois Mauriac, Rilke and Zola.

As with all this series, the criticisms of composers and performers are witty and unsparing.