Pure Pleasure gives us fifty of the most enjoyable books of the twentieth century, chosen on a single principle - the pleasure they inspire. Pure Pleasure is an idiosyncratic antidote to the ''definitive'' lists of twentieth-century classics. John Carey, one of Britain''s most respected literary critics, has unearthed some overlooked gems which show the century''s great authors in a new light. The result is a wonderful and witty guide for anyone looking for new recommendations or for a discussion of books they already know and love. First published weekly in the Sunday Times as ''John Carey''s Books of the Century'', the accompanying essays generated intense reader interest, and this collection includes a discussion of the letters of applause, outrage, debate and dissent they provoked.