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This unique collection contains the best novels by ‘one of the most prodigiously gifted and influential French writers’ (The Irish Times). All translated by Barbara Wright who worked very closely with Queneau to offer English readers the best reading experience.

Exercises in Style

‘A pointless anecdote told in 99 different ways, or a work of genius in a brilliant translation by Barbara Wright. In fact it’s both. Endlessly fascinating and very funny.’ – Philip Pullman

Contains a Foreword by Umberto Eco and an Essay by Italo Calvino

The Flight of Icarus

These hilarious adventures make Queneau’s novel, presented in the form of a script and parodying various genres, one of the best literary jeux d’esprit in modern literature.

We Always Treat Women Too Well

By far Queneau’s bawdiest work, We Always Treat Women Too Well contains all of its author’s hallmarks: wit, stylistic innovation and formal playfulness – expertly rendered into English by Barbara Wright’s classic translation.

‘Endowed with Queneau’s cerebral prankishness, electric pace and cut-on-the-bias poetry.’ – John Updike

The Sunday of Life

With a cast of eccentric characters, amusing incidents and an uplifting tone, The Sunday of Life – its title playfully alluding to Hegel’s theory of history – is a scintillating novel which showcases Queneau’s trademark punning, sly wit and delight in the absurdity of people and situations.

‘A very funny book with great charm.’ – The Times