First Impressions

This week's competition, in which you have to identify a book from its opening sentence, is from a war-time story of political deception and personal loyalty:

"Bernie had lain at the foot of the knoll for hours, half conscious."

* Entries, including postal address, should be sent to First Impressions, The Times Higher, Admiral House, 66-68 East Smithfield, London E1W 1BX, faxed to 020 7782 3300 or emailed to theschat@thes.co.uk

The winner receives a £25 book voucher. The closing date is April 16.

The winner of last week's competition, who identified Jerry Brotton's The Sale of the Late King's Goods: Charles I and his Art Collection , is John Bateman of Worthing.

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