Closing the Circle: The Best of Way of the World - Tapa dura

A collection of the best of The Way of the World, Auberon Waugh's deliciously funny and acutely observed column in the Daily Telegraph, with an introduction by Waugh's successor on the Way of the World, satirist and best-selling author, Craig Brown..In it Auberon Waugh muses on subjects of national importance and discusses more parochial happenings near his Somerset home. How should he, as President, Chairman and only known member of Vespa, the Venerable Society for the Protection of Adulterers, react to the news that scientists have produced a device that can trace the exact location of errant husbands? And what can he do to ensure the church fete's underwater baby-racing competition takes place despite safety warnings from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents? Certain threads run through his columns - the battle against draconian drink-driving laws, the beneficial effects of smoking on children, the efforts to enshrine the memory of Fred Hill, who died while in Pentonville prison, jailed for refusing to wear a motorcycle helmet. There are a few triumphs - Waugh allows himself some pleasure when it is revealed that, as he had been saying for years, hamburgers and margarine are bad for you.

Auberon Waugh was one of the 20th centuries most excoriating journalists whose coruscating wit and passionately held views ensured him centre stage. His death early in 2001 robbed readers of his deliciously quirky and always outspoken view of the world. He is much missed.