Critical English

Book reviewers, says Book Reviewer John Betjeman (rhymes with ketchman), write in a code--or doubletalk--of their own. In the London Daily Herald, he let the readers in on his idea of what the critics' literary lingo really means:

"Everyone should read this book"--about economics.

"An important contribution"--if I knew more about this subject I would attack the book.

"Sensitively written"--written by a woman and boring.

"Full"--too long.

"Informative"--unreadable.

"Unhealthy"--not the kind of sex I like.

"Wholly satisfying"--the kind of sex I like.

"Significant"--I don't understand this book.

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