The Dictionary of Received Ideas, by Gustave Flaubert.

It's true, I edit every picture I take now.

Day Four of Book Blogger Appreciation is Pimp That Book, and although I know my participation in this event is a little hit and miss, I couldn't resist this one.

One of the best parts about book blogging is the exposure to books and authors you might never have heard of before. Pimp the book you think needs more recognition on this day. 

Slightly tricky, for me, I thought, because when blogging about the classics, it's not easy to find a book most people haven't heard of. But, here's a go - Flaubert's Dictionary of Received Ideas.

The Dictionary of Received Ideas was compiled during the 1870s and published in 1911-13. It is uncertain whether this work was supposed to stand alone, or accompany Bouvard and Pécuchet (and I can't comment - I haven't read the latter, although it sits next to me and I'd like to read it soon). In short, it is a spoof of the encyclopdeia, and satirized the clichés of the French under the Second French Empire. It is tiny - thirty seven pages, and hilarious. And, there is not a great deal more for me to say on it, however I will give you examples and defy you not to try and get a hold of a copy, assuming you haven't read it and enjoy the examples as much as I do!

ACHILLES Add 'fleet-footed': people will think you've read Homer.

AUTHORS One should 'know a few authors': no need to know their names.

BALDNESS Always 'premature'. Caused by youthful excesses, or the hatching of great thoughts.

BEDROOM In an old chateau, Henry IV is sure to have slept there.

CLASSICS You are supposed to know them all.

COMPROMISE Always advocate it, even when the alternatives are irreconcilable.

DUNGEON Always horrible. The straw in it is always damp. Nobody has ever come across a delightful one.

LION Noble animal. Always plays with a large ball. Well-roared, lion! And to think that lions and tigers are just cats!

MOON Inspires melancholy. May be inhabited.

NATURE How beautiful Nature is! Say this every time you are in the country.

OCTOGENARIAN Applied to any elderly man.

RHYME Never in accord with reason.

SEA Bottomless. Symbol of infinity. Inspires deep thoughts. At the seaside one must always have a telescope. While contemplating the sea, always exclaim: 'Water, water everywhere!'

SPELLING Like mathematics. Not necessary if you have style.

SUFFERING Always has a beneficial effect. Real suffering is always silent.

WEATHER Eternal topic of conversation. Universal cause of illness. Always complain about it.

YAWNING Say: 'Excuse me, it isn't that I'm bored - it's my stomach.'

Just a few of my favourites. I would have typed the whole thing out if I had the time! So many of them still true today; I heartily recommend at least a dip into it.