Alan Bennett has, since the 1960's, been a byword for carefully crafted and well written satire, for excellent play writing and for a very English style of comedy. An original cast member of Beyond the Fringe, veteran of several London plays and writer of the much-acclaimed The History Boys, soon to be turned into a film.

This book takes you through his life. It's a collection of writings, diaries and other items, collected and collated from throughout his life.

Split into several sections, some parts of very much autobiographical, some reflect more on the work he's completed on various plays, or particular people he's met over the years. Some very tender parts relate to the experiences he had whilst he was being treated for cancer. There is also a section on some of his other interests - art and architecture.

The whole book is shot through with his own wry humour. Jokes are slipped in almost without notice (for example a note that Alec Guiness sucessfully predicted that the only time anyone would see him wearing his medal designating him as a Knight would be at his funeral), but often the twist of phrase or choice of language is so recognisably Bennett that you can't help but smile.

Alan Bennett has been a constant presence for so many years that this book can't help but almost feel like a list of famous people he's met, worked with, directed or written about. In every case, they're portrayed with affection but often with a small comment to be made on the side.

Bennett's own personal life does feature in the book. It's notable that the more you read the easier it becomes to see how the person who starts off as 'R' in his diaries turns into Rupert, his partner of many years. The love and companionship between the two is clear, yet extremely understated. Bennett is not a man who particularly wants to draw attention to himself.

This book is a wonderful read from someone who can't help but craft words and language into a form that makes it a pleasure, not a chore, to finish.