An Englishman abroad. Three volumes, the Gerald Semper novels complete, to date: 'Cooking With Fernet Branca' (this copy with a note from the publisher sending the book to Barry Humphries), 'Amazing Disgrace' and 'Rancid Pansies'.
'Anyone who does not add this hilarious divertimento to their summer reading list should be put on a forced diet of Gerald's inimitable Alien Pie, consuming which, he tells us, is 'one of those experiences poised exquisitely between sorrow and oblivion. I cannot reveal all the ingredients without spoiling the end of the book - not to mention your appetite - but smoked cat and paraffin are among them.' Michael Dibdin on the appearance of 'Cooking with Fernet Branca'.