The Magic Christian, by Terry Southern (Bloomsbury, £6.99 in UK).

Guy Grade is so rich, he is clearly out of his mind

Guy Grade is so rich, he is clearly out of his mind. His days are spent dreaming up costly, bizzare projects designed to test the virtue and patience of his fellow man. While leaning out the window of a speeding train, wearing a pig mask, he pays $500 to a hot dog vendor. Elsewhere, he offers a passing cynic $6,000 to eat the parking ticket on Grade's car. Then he buys a major Boston newspaper, and publishes it in broken English.

Arriving in Africa for a safari, he brings a giant Howitzer, guaranteed to scare off all animals within miles. When dining at expensive restaurants, he eats with his hands and screams his appreciation at the terrified chef. First published in 1959, this crazed morality tale still has its moments.

Eileen Battersby

Eileen Battersby

The late Eileen Battersby was the former literary correspondent of The Irish Times