Andrew RileyThe Times Sir: The year in letters (2024)

This is another delightful, engaging, hard-to-put-down selection from the letters page of 'The Times' daily newspaper. “This volume,” the publishers tell us, “celebrates the quirky, the humorous and the brief; in other words, the letters that have landed in the coveted ‘bottom right’ spot on the Letters page of 'The Times' this year.” Not all can have made it quite to the bottom right, however, as there is more than one letter included for each edition of the year.The letters page of The Times is an unfailing source of witty, punchy, informed, reflective, whimsical, humorous, pointed—and above all, brief—contributions from its readers. They never fail to make the Letters Page a highlight of the daily read. How pleasing it is to find that someone thought just the same as you did about an item in the news or letters! As last year’s collection did, this book attempts to bring together the best of the year. Quite what year, precisely, is difficult to say as the book was published in September.The Letters Page has a box top centre containing a collection of serious comments on some burning issue of the day. Underneath is a selection of letters on a variety of somewhat lesser issues, mainly serious. Down the short, left-hand, single column are usually a couple of letters from some expert or group of experts making an earnest plea for something that is close to their hearts, minds or businesses. Down the right-hand side is another single column of rather more whimsical and quirky letters, with the whimsy and quirk increasing on the way down until you reach the ‘bottom right’.The letters in the book, if not from the bottom right, probably first appeared in that right-hand column. In the book they are arranged somewhat loosely into chapters: Modern Manners, Arts and Culture, House and Home, Politics and History, Country Ways, World of Work, Food and Drink—though opening at random you would be hard-pressed to say which section you are in. Where, for example, would you guess that letters on a cure for hiccups appear? No, I wouldn’t have guessed ‘Country ways’ either.I am always pleased to find letters that I don’t remember reading first time around. My favourite this year, from a correspondence on the foibles of Bristolian pronunciation, probably has to be read aloud to a spouse or a friend to be fully appreciated:"Sir, As someone born and bred in Bristol, I was interested to read your item about the rhotic 'R' and the stolen 'L'. Some years ago, a Bristol band leader announced a Latin 'Americal' set by saying that the first dance would be a sambal, followed by a rumble and a tangle.”It’s a book you can pick up at any time when you have a few moments to spare. Be sure to ration yourself or you will finish too quickly and regret it—though it’s as good as any book for a second read only a few days later.

This is one of those books that I would place in the humorous gift categories. It's not one that you would read cover to cover in one go, but one that is ideal for dipping in and out of.Essentially a collection of pre-published stories/letters there is, by definition, nothing new here. But, for certain types, this would make a good stocking filler.

I bought the Times "Dear Sir" book for a housebound friend who, because of these restrictions cannot engage in his love of social conversation.With this book he is now happily clued up on the many issues the world has created, both serious and amusing.

This is not something I have come across before but was pleasantly surprise by the book. It contains letters from readers over the year. The letters are often amusing, perceptive, motivational and occasionally dull.It is a small book and is clearly not something to read in one go but would make a great little Christmas present. And perfect for reading on the loo!

The media could not be loaded. Small book, has a tough binding and will need a good old fold to get it to stay open.This aside the contents is full of whimsical letters. The contents range from Modern Manners, Arts and Culture, House and Home, Politics and History, Country ways, World of Work and finally Food and drink.It has something for everyone, perhaps some are an acquired personal preference. But amusing to read.

You know what I mean, this is a great book to keep in bathroom or place of easement. Fascinating to read see the full spectrum of people who not only still read the newspaper, but are moved to write to the editor about their concerns.

Will no doubt generate a few smiles and the occasional burst of laughter, as it has with me. However, I don't think it will be to every bodies taste. I like it, though 😊

I’m not a Times reader, but I do like a quirky book - and this one is great. It’s the sort of book that you don’t necessarily need to read from cover to cover, but can flick to a random page and get absorbed in the letters very quickly. They’re all reasonably short-and some are thoughtful, some are quirky, some are funny - certainly most are entertaining. All in all, a good read - and would make a great Christmas gift.