The masterpiece of one of the twentieth century’s greatest Catholic writers, The Knot of Vipers tells the story of Monsieur Louis, an embittered ageing lawyer who has spread his misery to his entire estranged family. Louis writes a journal to explain to them – and to himself – why his soul has been deformed, why his heart seems like a foul nest of twisted serpents. Mauriac’s novel masterfully explores the corruption caused by pride, avarice and hatred, and its opposite – the divine grace that remains available to each of us until the very moment of our deaths. It is the unforgettable tale of the battle for one man’s soul.

Francois Mauriac - François Mauriac (1885-1970) was the French Catholic author of novels, plays, essays and political commentary who was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1952.

David Lodge - David Lodge (CBE) was born in South London in 1935. He was educated at University College London and the University of Birmingham where he went on to become Emeritus Professor of English Literature. He is the award-wining author of 15 novels, including Small World and Nice Work, both of which were later adapted by the author for television. Lodge is also author of numerous works of Literary Criticism. He lives in Birmingham.

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