On a crowded bus at midday Raymond Queneau observes one man accusing another of jostling him deliberately. When a seat is vacated the first man appropriates it. Later in another part of town Queneau sees the man being advised by a friend to sew another button on his overcoat. Exercises in Style" retells this unexceptional tale ninety-nine times in ninety-nine different styles. An ' Abusive' chapter heartily deplores the events ' Opera English' lends them grandeur. Raymond Queneau rendered Barbara Wright his 'heartiest congratulations' adding 'I have always thought that nothing is untranslatable. Here is new proof'."