First Impressions

This week's competition, in which you have to identify a book from its opening sentence, is from a hard-drinking author now better remembered for his stage plays:

"London, the crouching monster, like every other monster has to breathe, and breathe it does in its own obscure, malignant way."

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 e-mailed to theschat@thes.co.uk

The winner receives a £25 book voucher. The closing date is August 20. The winner of last week's competition, who identified Philip Roth's Everyman , was Greg Martin of St Andrew's, Bristol.

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