It's the time of year when the literati give advice on what we should be reading on our summer holidays. These terrifying lists often leave me appalled at my own ignorance, but also suspicious about the pretension of their advocates. Arthur Smith adviceadvocateappall share on social
I find it hilarious that there are academics who try to analyse chemical changes in the brains of students while exposing them to gags. Arthur Smith academicanalysebrain Change image and share on social
If you want to write something of length, however modern and radical, you must live the life of an elderly gentleman of the 1950s. Arthur Smith 1950selderlygentleman Change image and share on social
A savage review is much more entertaining for the reader than an admiring one; the little misanthrope in each of us relishes the rubbishing of someone else. Arthur Smith admireentertainmisanthrope Change image and share on social
Because comedy is cheap to put on: if you've got a play or an opera, there's a whole load of people and a set, but comedy is just one man or woman. And because TV has learned to love comics - there's so many more around now than when I started out. Arthur Smith cheapcomedycomic share on social
The book may be garbage, but if it weighs in at a kilo or more, I stand before its author in awe. Arthur Smith authorawebook Change image and share on social
Sky and clouds and trees and little figures relaxing in the perfect rural rhythm of their surroundings: these are the staples of a Gainsborough landscape. Arthur Smith cloudfiguregainsborough Change image and share on social