The Third Policeman

'Flann O'Brien learned from Joyce the art of tuning language to a lyrical pitch, which he could then turn to his purpose, whether it was to be plain foolery, unconcealed indignation or high comedy. The best of his contemporaries and many subsequent Irish writers have much to thank him for.' Sunday Times

'Flann O'Brien is inventive, his storytelling is swift and sure, making the eccentric seem natural and the commonplace hilarious.' The Times

'Even with "Ulysses" and "Finnegans Wake" behind him, James Joyce might have been envious.' Observer

'Wonderful. "The Third Policeman" is a great masterpiece of black humour.' George Mackay Brown