The Oxford Book of Parodies

John Gross was editor of the TLS from 1973-80 and a staff writer for the New York Times from 1983-9; he was theatre critic for the Sunday Telegraph from 1989-2005. He is the author of books including The Rise and Fall of the Man of Letters (1969; revised 1991), Shylock: a Legend and its Legacy (1992, winner of the Heinemann Prize of The Royal Society of Literature), and a memoir, A Double Thread (2001). For Oxford he has edited anthologies of Aphorisms, Essays, Comic Verse, English Prose and After Shakespeare. His most recent anthology is The New Oxford Book of Literary Anecdotes (2006, pbk 2008).

Endlessly enjoyable Craig Brown, The Guardian Sumptuous collection. The Oldie There are endless amusing trifles. The Week Mr Gross's legendary gifts as an editor and critic are much in evidence. Eric Ormsby, Wall Street Journal Substantial and richly entertaining anthology...Gross provides a brief but admirably informative history of the form. The Sunday Telegraph John Gross is an excellent and unintrusive host...he has produced here a fine, diverting book Seamus Perry, TLS Sparkling new compendium. DJ Taylor, Financial Times His entries have enough comic vigour or elegance to be amusing even when one does not know the author being spoofed, and hilarious when one does. Kevin Jackson, Sunday Times John Gross's new anthology of parodies in English (with a few foreign titbits) has samples both high and low of this diverse genre. The Economist The best pastiches, burlesques and spoofs have a magical wit that transcends mere mimicry, as this wide-ranging anthology shows. Kevin Jackson, The Sunday Times Gross has very sensibly put together an anthology that aims to give pleasure on at least two levels. Kevin Jackson, The Sunday Times It is impossible to read it without smiling, smirking or laughing out loud. Mark Sanderson, Evening Standard Superb anthology of parodies...This is an anthology with something for everyone. Simon Griffith, Mail on Sunday John Gross has compiled a historical anthology that is something to treasure. John Sutherland, Literary Review This collection of parodies does not disappoint...It's a deliciously funny book. Bevis Hillier, Spectator Excellent introduction to this superb smorgasbord of mimicry and literary mutilation. Jonathan Wright, Catholic Herald His new and welcome anthology is well stocked with witty and diverting specimens. J. M. W. Thompson, Standpoint