The critic FR Leavis disliked parody on the grounds that it demeaned the writer being held up to ridicule. A moment of two in the company of John Gross's sparkling new compendium demonstrates how wrong Leavis was. Gross's book passes the first great anthologist's test - putting in everything the reader expects to find, and a whole lot more besides - with flying colours. * DJ Taylor, The Financial Times *
Endlessly enjoyable * Craig Brown, The Guardian *
Sumptuous collection. * The Oldie *
There are endless amusing trifles. * The Week *
Mr Gross's legendary gifts as an editor and critic are much in evidence. * Eric Ormsby, Wall Street Journal *
Substantial and richly entertaining anthology...Gross provides a brief but admirably informative history of the form. * The Sunday Telegraph *
John Gross is an excellent and unintrusive host...he has produced here a fine, diverting book * Seamus Perry, TLS *
Sparkling new compendium. * DJ Taylor, Financial Times *
His entries have enough comic vigour or elegance to be amusing even when one does not know the author being spoofed, and hilarious when one does. * Kevin Jackson, Sunday Times *
John Gross's new anthology of parodies in English (with a few foreign titbits) has samples both high and low of this diverse genre. * The Economist *
The best pastiches, burlesques and spoofs have a magical wit that transcends mere mimicry, as this wide-ranging anthology shows. * Kevin Jackson, The Sunday Times *
Gross has very sensibly put together an anthology that aims to give pleasure on at least two levels. * Kevin Jackson, The Sunday Times *
It is impossible to read it without smiling, smirking or laughing out loud. * Mark Sanderson, Evening Standard *
Superb anthology of parodies...This is an anthology with something for everyone. * Simon Griffith, Mail on Sunday *
John Gross has compiled a historical anthology that is something to treasure. * John Sutherland, Literary Review *
This collection of parodies does not disappoint...It's a deliciously funny book. * Bevis Hillier, Spectator *
Excellent introduction to this superb smorgasbord of mimicry and literary mutilation. * Jonathan Wright, Catholic Herald *
His new and welcome anthology is well stocked with witty and diverting specimens. * J. M. W. Thompson, Standpoint *