The first joke, and one that Craig himself would appreciate, is how many other literary Craig Browns there seem to be and the lugubrious and unlikely titles they're responsible for. This one is the non-pareil parodist who gave us the superb "John Thomas" and which I'm surprised keeps being returned by the appreciative Americans I've civilizing and amusing with its loan. This collection of Wallace's musings should never have been allowed out of print in the first place and is a gloomy reflection on the state of publishing's number counters.

Bluff, hearty, and never without an opinion, Wallace Arnold was the main reason I kept up my subscription to the Spectator - and now they've let CB loose on the diary, I may renew it yet again. If you're up to literate touch-in-cheek teasing, WB is your man; otherwise, hound the publishers anyway to bring him back into print and buy 6 for emergency gifts in case any wits suddenly swim into your ken. (Go on, even you ... even in America.)

Glimmer Train features up and coming talented writers, and boy have they have one in Daniel Wallace. What a great writer. The folks at the Train have the ability to spot talent, so look for these authors elsewhere for other good reads. This is the new crop of the biggies. Especially Wallace. A++