Although written with the unmistakable Waugh polished style, this book is mostly composed of previously published material in the various author's correspondence compilations (The Letters of E. W., The Diaries of E. W., etc).

The reason behind the set of letters compiled for this book contributes for the prevailing gloomy mood: by the end of his life Waugh, a fervent Catholic and declared conservative, was struggling to his last breath to prevent the implementation of the modifications proposed to the rites of the Catholic Church after the 2nd Vatican Counsel. It is manifest throughout the book that Waugh was aware that his was destined to be a lost battle but that hasn't deterred him to keep on fighting to defend what he considered to be of the best interest for the Catholic community.

Nevertheless, as in all of his writings, the reader will always be met by pearls of wit whose refreshing effect is much enhanced by the unexpectedness of their appearance amidst the melancholic spirit of the book. By that alone, the book is worth reading.

Compulsory volume for Waugh fans.