Contrary to what many of you might imagine, a career in letters is not without its drawbacks - chief among them the unpleasant fact that one is frequently called upon to actually sit down and write.

Acerbic, wisecracking and hilarious, this is the definitive essay collection from the New York legend and satirist.

Lebowitz turns her trademark caustic wit to the vicissitudes of life - from children ('rarely in the position to lend one a truly interesting sum of money') to landlords ('it is the solemn duty of every landlord to maintain an adequate supply of roaches'). Her advice for would-be Absolute Political Dictators is invaluable ('Not recommended for the shy type'), and her attitude to work is the perfect antidote to our exhausting culture of self-betterment ('3.40pm. I consider getting out of bed. I reject the notion as being unduly vigorous. I read and smoke a bit more').

'She's inexhaustible - her personality, her knowledge, her brilliance, most of all her humour' MARTIN SCORSESE

'The rare example of a legend living up to her own mythology. She really is THAT funny' HADLEY FREEMAN

'Genuinely one of the funniest people in the world' IRENOSEN OKOJIE

'There's nothing more refreshing than a dose of Fran Lebowitz' CAROLINE O'DONOGHUE

'As witty, original, and impeccably discerning as the woman herself' OTEGHA UWAGBA