The Devil's Storybook

An unusual collection of ten moral tales about the Devil, his attempts to do mischief in the world and some of the problems he has with Hell and its inhabitants. There's Mr Bezzle whose ashes get mixed up with some from a pig who then becomes his constant companion. 'Just do something,' said Bezzle. 'I really don't want to spend Eternity stomach to stomach with a pig.' 'I'll ask around,' said the Devil. 'No doubt we can figure things out.' There's the minor demon who yearns to grow roses: 'Roses are entirely out of the question --- You'll have to plant sensible things. Like henbane or hemlock.' The style is racy, the stories beautifully constructed, often with a neat twist at the end. There's lots to smile at but also (as you'd expect from the author of The Search for Delicious) something to think about too.