Good Companions: An anthology to inspire, amuse or console - Tapa blanda

Perhaps Professor Bayley should be invited to write a whole book about himself, his thoughts, his military service, his experience of teaching: he is himself a good companison. (SPECTATOR)

Bayley has generously compiled an anthology of readings in poetry and prose to make us feel better... One man's tatse is more interesting than any of that literary quango. (GUARDIAN)

Charming, self-deprecating and cannily provocative. (OXFORD TIMES)

GOOD COMPANIONS is a collection of prose and poetry that has travelled with John Bayley for most of his 75 years. Unlike many standard anthologies, Bayley's is highly personal and is full of his wit and wisdom. He remembers favourite books from his childhood, the reading of his teenage years and he considers the ways in which books can raise your spirits - e.g. those that he read during Iris' illness. Full of great anecdotes e.g. C.S. Lewis on being read the first draft of 'Lord of the Rings' by Tolkien 'Oh no Tolkien not another fucking elf' and surprising poems e.g. the saucy 17th century 'A song of a young lady to her ancient lover' by Lord Rochester - there is something for every book lover here.