In 2010, Clive James was diagnosed with terminal leukemia. Deciding that ”if you don`t know the exact moment when the lights will go out, you might as well read until they do, ” James moved his library to his house in Cambridge, where he would ”live, read, & perhaps even write.” James is the award-winning author of dozens of works of literary criticism, poetry, & history, & this volume contains his reflections on what may well be his last reading list. A look at some of James`s old favorites as well as some of his recent discoveries, this book also offers a revealing look at the author himself, sharing his evocative musings on literature & family, & on living & dying. As thoughtful & erudite as the works of Alberto Manguel, & as moving & inspiring as Randy Pausch`s The Last Lecture & Will Schwalbe`s The End of Your Life Book Club, this valediction to James`s lifelong engagement with the written word is a captivating valentine from one of the great literary minds of our time.