Girl, 20

Kingsley Amis's (1922-95) works take a humorous yet highly critical look at British society, especially in the period following the end of World War II. Born in London, Amis explored his disillusionment in novels such as That Uncertain Feeling (1955). His other works include The Green Man (1970), Stanley and the Women (1984), and The Old Devils (1986), which won the Booker Prize. Amis also wrote poetry, criticism, and short stories.Howard Jacobson, novelist and critic, was born in Manchester and studied at Cambridge under F R Leavis. Author of eleven novels, including Coming From Behind, The Mighty Walzer and Kalooki Nights, he is also the author of several works of non-fiction, including Roots Schmoots and Seriously Funny, both of which were made into television series. He writes a weekly column for the Independent. In 2010 he won the Man Booker Prize for The Finkler Question.

'Not only a very funny book, it also hits dozens of nails smartly on the head'