posted on 03 Sep 2015

Pens and Needles  by David Levine

This fantastic book is not only a glorious collection of literary caricatures but, for me, a trip down memory lane. I first stumbled across this in 1972 on the shelves of someone who would eventiually become a long term girlfriend of mine. I like to think that the fact that she had this book was one of the reasons why I thought our relationship had a future.

I'm fairly sure that this edition published by Andre Deutsch was remaindered and sold off for pence - which almost seems a crime given what a tremendous piece of work it is. In my view it's such a witty and intelligent collection of Levine's contribution to the  New York Review of Books  that it's virtually an education in English and US literature in its own right - with an entertaining trip to Europe thrown in.

Even now a first edition copy can be purchased for under £20 and I can't think why anyone wouldn't want a copy. There are some fabulous drawings here that capture the spirit of the author - or in some cases gently satirise them. Take a look at the Lyton Strachey or the D.H.Lawrence to see how Levine can prod his subject with such wit that you almost forget how wicked the drawings are.

Please get a copy of this and take it down from the shelves as often as I do. You wont be disappointed.