Tom Shields Goes Forth is definitely the last collection of 'bits' from his diary column in The Herald, before old age and infirmity force him into early retirement. A compendium of fun, insult and malapropism, Tom Shields Goes Forth delves irreverently into every aspect of Scottish society. Like the author's newspaper diary, this is a quirky, witty commentary on life as we know it. Casting a scrupulous eye over the humdrum aspects of society that we mere mortals take for granted, Tom Shields revels in the inconsistencies and incongruities - and other longish words - of everyday cultural artefacts. For those unfortunate enough to have read the first three books in the series, Tom Shields Goes Forth is the icing on a cake which has entertained generations and endangered that common species: boredom. Packed with what the author considers to be funny jokes, anecdotes and waggish observations, this book is a collection for those who believe that life is best lived with more than a generous pinch of salt and with the tongue lodged firmly in the cheek.