Autobiographical and idiosyncratic, this is a collection of Alan Bennett's prose writings, assembled by Bennett himself from over a quarter of a century of diaries, reminiscences, broadcasting and reviews. It includes his address at Russell Harty's memorial service, and recollections of growing up in Leeds. At the heart of the collection is The Lady in the Van, his true account of Miss Mary Shepherd, a tramp who took up residence in his garden and stayed for 15 years. This edition has an additional three years of diaries and journalism, including a tribute to the late Peter Cook.