Stuart's Daily Word Spot: Meiosis

Meiosis: noun - presenting a thing with underemphasis, especially with the aim of achieving a greater effect, understatement. For those who are interested, it’s also a form of cell division, but that’s not what this spot is about.

British satirical works often use understatement to hilarious effect.

An example of the meiosis in use: ‘They say Bill Gates, Donald Trump and J.K. Rowling are all worth a few bob.’

Picture: the parish church of Driffield, seen from just off Spellowgate.

Who's Your Favourite Author, and Why?

Cover of THE STONOR EAGLES

It's a bit of a cheat, this one, as I don't have a favourite author, but several whose work I admire and enjoy. William Golding has always impressed with his facility with language and metaphor, especially in The Spire. Graham Greene is a great story-teller and I particularly enjoyed The Power and the Glory. J.K Rowling provides fun and escapist enjoyment whilst encouraging kids to read (always got to be great, hasn't it?) All her Harry Potter books have entertained me. William Horwood provides narratives with which I can easily empathise, especially in his wonderful, The Stonor Eagles. Richard Adams kept me enthralled with his Shardik and, especially Maia, which I've read a few times.

The list could go on and on, because I love reading and there are a great number of very good authors out there. I belong to a reading group called Goodreads, and I'd recommend them as a source of information, inspiration and social contact for anyone who loves books and reading.

So, who do you read, and why? I'd love to know your preferences and the reasons for them, if you'd like to take the time to comment.

Thanks.