I cannot describe the depth of enjoyment with which I am reading this book. I feel as if I have been walking with the characters. Their manner of speech has invaded my thinking. I wish I had more French and Latin to fully appreciate Reade's wit. What a scholar and genius this man must have been. We bought a couple of boxes of funny little books - parts of various sets including Dickens, Stephenson, Scott, Borrow, Carlyle - you know the type - from a charity shop for about R30/box, and this was among them. What a surprise and delight! I see there's another by Reade in there: It's Never Too Late to Mend. Nothing will induce me hurry through The Cloister but I'm eager to see what else Mr Reade has in store for me. My eye will be out for his works from now on.