This is a masterclass in the art of reading.

Wood is the most engaging of current commentators on literature.

Impressive breadth of reading (especially contemporary East Europeans here) and perceptively close attention to texts.

It is a pleasure to follow his education and learn something in turn.

The gift of the great critic is to be able to explain complex concepts to the reader in a manner that is neither bamboozling nor patronising... Wood has this gift.

Shot through with his characteristic light humour and moral seriousness, each expertly constructed paragraph rich with metaphorical insight.

The minor flaws here, then, are reassurance that Wood is merely one of the finest critics around.

All these essays are shot through with his characteristic light humour and moral seriousness, each expertly constructed paragraph rich with metaphorical insight.

This is a book that's impossible to read without gaining a greater appreciation of what it means to write well, both in the case of the work under review and, just as pleasurably, the reviews themselves

A passionate and instructive case for great writing.

A source of continuous enjoyment.

The Fun Stuff displays the steely verve that makes James Wood's criticism thrilling for literature specialists and general readers alike.

This collection is, as the title suggests, a lot of fun. Even when you disagree with his judgements, it's impossible not to be dazzled by the breadth of his reading.

[A] seriously enjoyable collection of essays by the New Yorker's resident literary critic

James Wood writes superbly about writing

This scintillating collection offers trenchant analysis and original insight into the works of a wide range of important writers

Viewed through Wood's eyes, even the best-known novels appear before us looking naked and strange

[Wood's] encyclopaedic knowledge and compact, energetic prose makes him an illuminating and acerbic guide to literary giants

[Wood] delivers some golden insights

[Wood's] insight into writing is impressive and the sheer joy that he takes in others' literary dexterity is infectious

A panoramic look at the modern novel

Elegant little novel and a real delight to read