Jacob Rees-Mogg, the Conservative MP for North East Somerset, is this week’s Bookbencher. He prescribes Psmith for all ailments.
1) Which book is on your bedside table at the moment?
Paper Promises by Philip Coggan. This is a straightforward review of the current financial crisis in the context of a brief history of paper money and its instability. It argues that creditors will probably lose out to debtors as the crisis is solved. I am also reading M.R. James’ Collected Ghost Stories, which I have by my bedside in Somerset. It is a splendid series of short stories which he wrote to entertain friends after dinner. I was given this copy for Christmas.
2) Which book would you read to your children?
I tend to read the books they demand but they particularly enjoy The Anatole Stories and Captain Pugwash (anything on pirates).
3) Which literary character would you most like to be?
Lord Emsworth, as long as Blandings Castle could be moved to Somerset.
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