Like most great comedy, writes Darin Strauss in his Introduction, Mr. Beluncle makes sport of the Stuffed Shirt, the Hypocritical Pious Gentleman, and the Tyrant, as well as the Big Spenderand all these descriptions fit a single character: Mr. Beluncle himself. One of V. S. Pritchetts most enduring characters, Mr. Beluncle is narcissistic, sanctimonious, and self-indulgent, yet despite these flaws he is undeniably compelling. Readers who follow this quirky British furniture salesman on his seemingly ordinary escapadesshopping for ridiculously expensive houses, attending services at his peculiar church, presiding over a tumultuous family mealare in for a delightful and disquieting ride. Poignant, hilarious, and utterly unforgettable Mr. Beluncle is an ideal introduction to one of the English languages most gifted authors.From the Trade Paperback edition.