The Diary of a Nobody is so unassuming a work that even its author, George Grossmith, seemed unaware that he had produced a masterpiece. For more than a century this wonderfully comic portrayal of sububan life and values has remained in print, a source of delight to generations of readers, and a major literary influence, much imiated but never equalled.

If you don`t recognise yourself at some point in The Diary you are probably less than human. If you can read it without laughing aloud you have no sense of humour.