This book comprised of three stories - on the blurb "comic masterpieces". Perhaps times have changed because they were scarcely comic and masterpiece would be a subjective judgement.

The first story, the Storyteller, was the best. I enjoyed the story as much as the children in the story did, but I didn't enjoy the narration. Men trying to imitate posh old women who are somewhat pompous will inevitably sound ridiculous, like a pantomime. Three stars.

The second one, The Open Window was also good. Although the denoument was obvious, it was still such a beautifully-told story that it didn't spoil it at all. This was a four-star story, without doubt.

The last story, Bertie's Christmas Eve was a total waste of time. Young man who seemed to live a proper life but for some reason was characterised by the others as essentially a wastrel, locks the people he is with for the holiday in a barn. He then proceeds to make merry with some unknown folk and eventually lets the people out. I don't even know what was supposed to be funny about it, it was a total waste of time. 1 star.

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