Note: People (even those who do not mean to be rude) often ask me whether my journalism interferes with my serious writing. As a matter of fact, my journalism is serious writing. With one exception , which is explained on p. 50, all these pieces have been published or broadcast. I have in each case noted when and where - and have occasionally restored sentences which editors cut. I am (all the same) very grateful to all the editors concerned for permission to reprint. Topics amongst others: 'Morals and manners', 'Rococo pieces', 'Forms and genres', 'Some writers and books', and 'Personal'.