Arthur Smith

The pun exists in a social and political void, caring nothing for the issues of its day, content merely to display itself in its small cleverness. ”

Every generation of children has its private hero. ”

My sister-in-law believes that few narratives are so tightly constructed that you can't skip boring bits and still keep abreast of what's going on. ”

I find it hilarious that there are academics who try to analyse chemical changes in the brains of students while exposing them to gags. ”

The real change that paintings undergo is in the perceptions of the viewer. ”

Listening to Chris Moyles on Radio 1 is the most miserable thing any human being can do, but attending awards ceremonies isn't far behind. ”

It was Julie Burchill who decreed that, beyond a certain age, a man should not be seen in a leather jacket. ”

I am 54 and age is slowly writing itself on my face. ”

The moon puts on an elegant show, different every time in shape, colour and nuance. ”

It's the time of year when the literati give advice on what we should be reading on our summer holidays. These terrifying lists often leave me appalled at my own ignorance, but also suspicious about the pretension of their advocates. ”