The Consolations of Philosophy, by Alain de Botton (Penguin, £7.99 in UK)

The fact that this book has become a best-seller should not, after all, be held against it (though why pinch the title from Boethius?). It strikes a particularly happy mean between erudition and popularisation and is written in a smooth, unforced, literate style which falls easily both on the eye and the ear. De Botton is not looking for high-toned metaphysics, he merely points out that philosophy is intended to help and guide us in everyday life, and with that in mind he calls on a succession of great thinkers: Socrates, Seneca, Montaigne, Schopenhauer, Nietzsche. He applies their ideas to such problematic areas as sexual inadequacy, not being liked, shortage of money etc. - all in a strictly pragmatic but not banal sense. The book has an odd charm backed up by numerous thumb-sized illustrations which enhance its intimate, offbeat character.