HAVE  I  GOT  1997  FOR  YOU

Book       ISBN 0-563-38783-1      Price £9.99

A new diary with a difference, as most of the pages are already filled in! Fans of Have I Got News For You, an award-winning BBC2 comedy news quiz, will be delighted with this book.

I must declare an interest as I am a fan of the programme. This despite the fact that Third Way, a political group of which I am a member, was once lampooned on the programme. As most people have never heard of our efforts to save civilisation, it was certainly a suprise to be featured! This just indicates how the programme educates and informs as well as entertains. I have learned a lot about Albania of which I was previously unaware by watching the programme. Who knows how this may one day be of use?

Each day the diary notes memorable events and anniversaries. This book will ensure that you remember the birthday of Saddam Hussein on 28 April (this may be particularly important if you live in Iraq). And who amongst us would want to forget the foundation of McDonalds only 42 years ago in the same month? Deplorably, the diary uses this occasion to poke fun at the expense of this great American multi-national which has contributed so very much to our European way of life.

The diary uses some of the format familiar to viewers of the show: Odd Ones Out, Missing Words, Caption Competitions and News Just In. If you have never seen the show I'm not going to explain it to you -- just buy the book. Even a review has limits!

The layout of the book is interesting and the humour sharp. I particularly liked the advice on the cover that the book was best before 1 Jan '98. I also liked Ian Hislop's list of useful phone numbers with a doctor, dentist and 14 lawyers. Ian Hislop, as well as being a regular on Have I Got News For You, is the Editor of the much-sued satirical journal Private Eye.

This would be a very good introduction for US citizens to our great British sense of humour. It also gives useful instructions for those of you who might be thinking of visiting our beautiful capital city (London). And if you have any problems with our national airline there is a useful guide to its complaints procedure. So not only are you buying a diary, but a guide book too! All in all, a steal at only £9.99.

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