The man in a hurry

A feverish classic from one of the modern masters of French proseNo one can keep up with Pierre Niox, the speediest antiques dealer in Paris - although not necessarily the most competent.

As he dashes about at a dizzying pace, his impatience becomes too much to bear for those around him: his manservant, his only friend and even his cat abandon him.

He begins to find that while he is racing through life, it is passing him by. But when Pierre falls in love with the languid, unpunctual Hedwige, the man in a hurry has to learn how to slow down.

This feverish classic by one of the modern masters of French prose is a witty and touching parable for our busy times.