'I saw a monster rising from the waves.'

**Winner of the Man Booker Prize 1978**

Charles Arrowby has determined to spend the rest of his days in hermit-like contemplation. He buys a mysteriously damp house on the coast, far from the heady world of the theatre where he made his name, and there he swims in the sea, eats revolting meals and writes his memoirs. But then he meets his childhood sweetheart Hartley, and memories of her lovely, younger self crowd in - along with more recent lovers and friends - to disrupt his self-imposed exile. So instead of 'learning to be good', Charles proceeds to demonstrate how very bad he can be.

WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY DAISY JOHNSON

VINTAGE CLASSICS MURDOCH: Funny, subversive, fearless and fiercely intelligent, Iris Murdoch was one of the great writers of the twentieth century. To celebrate her centenary Vintage Classics presents special editions of her greatest and most timeless novels.

Our Booksellers Say...

"This was the first Iris Murdoch book I read. It changed my life. Literally. I love how Murdoch can embody all sorts of different characters, from a grumpy middle-aged man to a young woman finishing school. This one won the Booker Prize in 1978 and this edition has an introduction by Daisy Johnson – what more can you want!"

Becky R., Bookseller (Broad Street)

View all of Becky R.'s recommendations