The Metropolitan Critic was Clive James's first book. Originally published in 1974, by Faber, it is a collection of thirty-seven pieces from his initial period as a literary journalist. He looks at the poetry of Hughes, Lowell and Heaney, questions the travels of D. H. Lawrence and reviews the smart-set of twenty years ago. For this reissue Clive James has added an introduction and self-critical foonotes to the original text. Readers who value his books of criticism have a special affection for this first, much praised collection. For them and for all his many followers this influential book is now back in print.