First Impressions

This week's competition, in which you have to identify a book from its opening sentence, comes from a researcher into dark times:

"'Beth Hamishpath' - the House of Justice: these words shouted by the court usher at the top of his voice make us jump to our feet as they announce the arrival of the three judges, who, bareheaded, in black robes, walk into the courtroom from a side entrance to take their seats on the highest tier of the raised platform."

Entries to First Impressions, The THES, 66-68 East Smithfield, London E1 9XY, faxed to 0171 782 3300 or emailed to theschat@thes.co.uk The winner receives a Pounds 20 book token and the closing date is June 17. Last week's winner, who identified Angus Wilson's Anglo-Saxon Attitudes, is Heather Brown of Plymouth.