Theodore Dalrymple, almost singlehandedly, revived the languishing Essay and in so doing became Britain's answer to Montaigne. In this, his first foray into the Short Story form, he proves himself a rival of Anton Chekhov. His many devoted fans will be delighted. -------------------------------- Some truth can be told only in the form of fiction. That is why I chose to write these stories. - Theodore Dalrymple