Amazon.com Book Description (ISBN 0140251723, Paperback)

In Dr. Richard Vaisey, a fellow at London's Institute of Slavonic Studies, pomposity wrestles integrity for dominance. The balance wavers in the presence of his wife, a woman with the social skills of Genghis Khan.

Then Vaisey meets Anna, a Russian poetess with more charm than talent. A request that he endorse her work for political -- and romantic -- ends puts his virtue to the test.

"A cause for celebration. . .as serious comedy it earns a high place in the Amis canon." (Spectator)