A TIMES BOOK OF THE YEAR
'A small masterpiece. There is something funny, notable or awe-inspiring on every single pageâ Jenny Colgan, Spectator
A joyful celebration of books â the perfect gift for bibliophiles, word lovers and anyone whoâs ever wondered, should you judge a book by its cover?
We love the words in books â but what about the words on them? How do they work their magic? Penguin Books blurb wizard Louise Willder joyfully divulges what those 100-or-so words can tell us about literary history, the craft of writing, authors from George Orwell to Zadie Smith, genres from childrenâs fiction to bonkbusters, cover design, the dark arts of persuasion and even why we read. She also answers burning questions such as:
⢠Should all adjectives be murdered?
⢠Is blurbing sometimes maybe lying?
⢠Which classic novel was nearly called The High Bouncing Lover?
⢠What are the worst blurbs of all time?
âThe bookiest book about books youâll ever read â I loved itâ Lucy Mangan
âTruly delightful...I couldnât have had more funâ Benjamin Dreyer
âVery funny, erudite and profound. A delight!â Nina Stibbe