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Delight
J.B. Priestley first made his reputation in the literary world by virtue of his essays, especially short essays that captured the essence of a moment or a taste of magic; and his talents were never better displayed than in the collection entitled Delight. For here are more than 100 brief pieces that capture and record the moments of wonder and beauty that are found beneath the surface of everyday experience. Every essay bears that unique stamp of J.B. Priestley as he refers to the pleasures of music, theatre, travel, sport, playing games, childhood, etc. Delights like Reading Detective Stories in Bed, Trying New Blends of Tobacco, The Sound of a Football, Long Trousers… and even the delight of Not Going! Terrific stuff!
Great Northern Books did fans of Priestley a great favor when they brought out a 60th anniversary edition in 2009, for the book had long been unavailable. The anniversary edition contains, too, an introduction by Priestley's son, Tom.
Great Northern Books did fans of Priestley a great favor when they brought out a 60th anniversary edition in 2009, for the book had long been unavailable. The anniversary edition contains, too, an introduction by Priestley's son, Tom.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1949
70 people are currently reading
1241 people want to read
About the author
J.B. Priestley
470 books288 followersJohn Boynton Priestley was an English writer. He was the son of a schoolmaster, and after schooling he worked for a time in the local wool trade. Following the outbreak of the Great War in 1914, Priestley joined the British Army, and was sent to France - in 1915 taking part in the Battle of Loos. After being wounded in 1917 Priestley returned to England for six months; then, after going back to the Western Front he suffered the consequences of a German gas attack, and, treated at Rouen, he was declared unfit for active service and was transferred to the Entertainers Section of the British Army.
When Priestley left the army he studied at Cambridge University, where he completed a degree in Modern History and Political Science. Subsequently he found work as theatre reviewer with the Daily News, and also contributed to the Spectator, the Challenge and Nineteenth Century. His earliest books included The English Comic Characters (1925), The English Novel (1927), and English Humour (1928). His breakthrough came with the immensely popular novel The Good Companions, published in 1929, and Angel Pavement followed in 1930. He emerged, too, as a successful dramatist with such plays as Dangerous Corner (1932), Time and the Conways (1937), When We Are Married (1938) and An Inspector Calls (1947).
The publication of English Journey in 1934 emphasised Priestley's concern for social problems and the welfare of ordinary people.
During the Second World War Priestley became a popular and influential broadcaster with his famous Postscripts that followed the nine o'clock news BBC Radio on Sunday evenings. Starting on 5th June 1940, Priestley built up such a following that after a few months it was estimated that around 40 per cent of the adult population in Britain was listening to the programme.
Some members of the Conservative Party, including Winston Churchill, expressed concern that Priestley might be expressing left-wing views on the programme, and, to his dismay, Priestley was dropped after his talk on 20th October 1940.
After the war Priestley continued his writing, and his work invariably provoked thought, and his views were always expressed in his blunt Yorkshire style.
His prolific output continued right up to his final years, and to the end he remained the great literary all-rounder. His favourite among his books was for many years the novel Bright Day, though he later said he had come to prefer The Image Men.
It should not be overlooked that Priestley was an outstanding essayist, and many of his short pieces best capture his passions and his great talent and his mastery of the English language. He set a fine example for any would-be author.
When Priestley left the army he studied at Cambridge University, where he completed a degree in Modern History and Political Science. Subsequently he found work as theatre reviewer with the Daily News, and also contributed to the Spectator, the Challenge and Nineteenth Century. His earliest books included The English Comic Characters (1925), The English Novel (1927), and English Humour (1928). His breakthrough came with the immensely popular novel The Good Companions, published in 1929, and Angel Pavement followed in 1930. He emerged, too, as a successful dramatist with such plays as Dangerous Corner (1932), Time and the Conways (1937), When We Are Married (1938) and An Inspector Calls (1947).
The publication of English Journey in 1934 emphasised Priestley's concern for social problems and the welfare of ordinary people.
During the Second World War Priestley became a popular and influential broadcaster with his famous Postscripts that followed the nine o'clock news BBC Radio on Sunday evenings. Starting on 5th June 1940, Priestley built up such a following that after a few months it was estimated that around 40 per cent of the adult population in Britain was listening to the programme.
Some members of the Conservative Party, including Winston Churchill, expressed concern that Priestley might be expressing left-wing views on the programme, and, to his dismay, Priestley was dropped after his talk on 20th October 1940.
After the war Priestley continued his writing, and his work invariably provoked thought, and his views were always expressed in his blunt Yorkshire style.
His prolific output continued right up to his final years, and to the end he remained the great literary all-rounder. His favourite among his books was for many years the novel Bright Day, though he later said he had come to prefer The Image Men.
It should not be overlooked that Priestley was an outstanding essayist, and many of his short pieces best capture his passions and his great talent and his mastery of the English language. He set a fine example for any would-be author.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
September 10, 2015
A collection of essays on the things - spiritual, intellectual and material - that provide the author with a frisson of delight. Some of these I immediately identified with (the sublime smell of a cooking sausage), others I will never have knowledge of (Priestley was a great pipe-smoker); every essay, whether it deals with something within my circle of experience or not, is a delight to read. Each word has been carefully selected and polished until the sentences flow. Most attractive of all, though, are the warm glimpses of character afforded by these essays. Priestley emereges, not as a distant playwright, but a living breathing man with a distinct sense of humour. One who has a delight in the whimsical and a clear view of his own faults. Eminently likeable, these essays made me think, consider, and begin to wonder on what provides me, too, with the 'dingle-dangle of delight'. A gem that deserves to be on all good bookshelves.
June 23, 2024
Some of the delights resonate, but many are dated, and I found the tone a bit smug.
November 3, 2012
J.B. Priestley has long been one of my favourite authors, indeed he is probably top of the list because I not only enjoyed most of the things he wrote, but I admired him as a great literary all-rounder and a true professional --the sort of author who could turn his hand to any kind of writing and do it well. I like most of JB's novels, from The Good Companions to The Image Men, and his plays were always thought-provoking or, sometimes, just good fun. But his essays are what I have always enjoyed the most, and the great thing is that his range within the field of essay-writing is as broad as the rest of his output. He could produce the political piece, the social comment, such as in the collection 'A Voice in the Wilderness'; but he was, too, a master of the entertaining, light-hearted short essay, such as you find in 'Delight'. He sub-titles his preface to this volume "A Grumbler's apology", but I think he overstated his tendency for grumbling. Mind you, he wasn't really the "Jolly Jack" figure, either. He was just someone who looked at life with the wisdom of a man who cared for people, a man who could be very serious, but always had a twinkle in those eyes! A good man, a very good writer...still worth reading after all these years. I first read 'Delight' in the 1950s as a teenager, and it was just as much fun when I re-read it in the 60th anniversary edition.
February 4, 2025
Glimpses and glimmers of brilliance and a beautiful turn of phrase at times but dated and difficult to associate with also.
December 25, 2025
J.B. Priestley is far too well known for any introductions; a prolific writer, he has written books and plays enough to fill shelves after shelves. I too have read many of his works and loved them and like Karen mentioned in her Blog, enjoyed the slightly grumpy tone of his writings.Delight however is a departure not only from his more famous works of fiction, but actually focuses on the those small everyday items that bring joy to the author.
J.B. Priestly begins this slim volume by offering a context of writing this book. He offers his defense for always appearing to be grumbling including that authors have the unique privilege and therefore obligation to speak the truth, especially those truths that may be costly for others who have jobs and other dependencies, because no will fire them from their job with mortgage and impact on his family. Therefore he feels it incumbent for writers like him to speak of the unpleasant. He then goes on to share in small concise Notes like format all things that bring him “Delight” and they include a vast range of small everyday items that often get missed by most. He begins by describing the joy of Fountains and the synchronized way they sprout out water in varied hues and colors. He talks of the joy of reading “Detective Stories in Bed” at the end of a long hard day, where a good narrative instead of some “improving literature” actually provides relief and reset’s the mind for a new day! He also talks about the joy of reading or watching other artists including the works of H.M.Tomlinson and the Marx Brothers. No item is too mundane or small in helping the author finding delight, like Mineral water at a foreign locations after all the struggle of travel, or waking up at the right moment, when the breakfast is being prepared, so that one arrives right on time, when it is still hot and fresh or the joy of inventing games for his children.
I cannot say enough good things about this book! The author in an effort to share his joy forces all of us to think all those little things in life that bring us joy but we often ignore in our search for the big things! He remained me about my undiluted pleasure Reading in bed while it rains cats and dogs outside, of buying books, or Chamber Music etc. Only the brilliance of J.B. Priestley would have managed to convey such outpouring of joy in sparse, concise and at the same time witty prose. Here’s an example, on discussing the effectiveness of Marx Brothers as entertainers – “Karl Marx showed us how the dispossessed would finally take possession. But I think Brother Marx do it better.” Or on the subject of people seeking advise from him ” But because I am heavy, have a deep voice, and smoke a pipe, few people realize that I am a flibbertigibbet on a weathercock, so my advise is asked. And then for te minutes or so I can make Polonius look a trifler. I settle deep in my chair, 200 pounds of portentousness, with some first rate character touches in the voice and business with pipe, I begin “” Well, I must say, that in your place _____”” And inside I am bubbling with delight! There is so much fun and self deprecating humor, that not only does one remember to appreciate small things in life but also approach life understanding that not everything can and should be taken seriously! And through all these notes, never far way, is the author’s appreciation of the inequalities, of the struggles that come in everyday for the common man and his appreciation of the good things in life!
This book is a must have in everyone’s collection and from now on it is my Go – To book whenever I need a pick me up!
J.B. Priestly begins this slim volume by offering a context of writing this book. He offers his defense for always appearing to be grumbling including that authors have the unique privilege and therefore obligation to speak the truth, especially those truths that may be costly for others who have jobs and other dependencies, because no will fire them from their job with mortgage and impact on his family. Therefore he feels it incumbent for writers like him to speak of the unpleasant. He then goes on to share in small concise Notes like format all things that bring him “Delight” and they include a vast range of small everyday items that often get missed by most. He begins by describing the joy of Fountains and the synchronized way they sprout out water in varied hues and colors. He talks of the joy of reading “Detective Stories in Bed” at the end of a long hard day, where a good narrative instead of some “improving literature” actually provides relief and reset’s the mind for a new day! He also talks about the joy of reading or watching other artists including the works of H.M.Tomlinson and the Marx Brothers. No item is too mundane or small in helping the author finding delight, like Mineral water at a foreign locations after all the struggle of travel, or waking up at the right moment, when the breakfast is being prepared, so that one arrives right on time, when it is still hot and fresh or the joy of inventing games for his children.
I cannot say enough good things about this book! The author in an effort to share his joy forces all of us to think all those little things in life that bring us joy but we often ignore in our search for the big things! He remained me about my undiluted pleasure Reading in bed while it rains cats and dogs outside, of buying books, or Chamber Music etc. Only the brilliance of J.B. Priestley would have managed to convey such outpouring of joy in sparse, concise and at the same time witty prose. Here’s an example, on discussing the effectiveness of Marx Brothers as entertainers – “Karl Marx showed us how the dispossessed would finally take possession. But I think Brother Marx do it better.” Or on the subject of people seeking advise from him ” But because I am heavy, have a deep voice, and smoke a pipe, few people realize that I am a flibbertigibbet on a weathercock, so my advise is asked. And then for te minutes or so I can make Polonius look a trifler. I settle deep in my chair, 200 pounds of portentousness, with some first rate character touches in the voice and business with pipe, I begin “” Well, I must say, that in your place _____”” And inside I am bubbling with delight! There is so much fun and self deprecating humor, that not only does one remember to appreciate small things in life but also approach life understanding that not everything can and should be taken seriously! And through all these notes, never far way, is the author’s appreciation of the inequalities, of the struggles that come in everyday for the common man and his appreciation of the good things in life!
This book is a must have in everyone’s collection and from now on it is my Go – To book whenever I need a pick me up!
July 22, 2022
The premise of this book is fabulous - 114 very short essays, each not much more than a page or two, capturing something that brought Priestley delight. But the book was first published in 1949 and the delights of an eminent middle-aged male novelist, playwright and commentator in post-war Britain (such chamber music at home, smoking in a hot bath, manly talk) and Priestly’s particular mid-century mode of expression (one sentence begins “During some tremendous peroration which the chap has been working at for days”) just got too much for me somewhere halfway through.
July 23, 2008
An utterly charming book of essays about things that delight Priestley (an otherwise born complainer) - i am thinking of beginning my own list of delights. Some are striking gifts to the spirit, others are hilarious, and then, well, there are the ones on pipe tobacco and smoking, which don't speak so clearly to me - but then they are his first half of the 20th century choices. Not easy to find, but for the Anglophile a well worth searching out!
September 12, 2025
Delightful is the word to describe these essays. It makes you realize that it’s the small things in life that bring joy. Music, books, fountains, theatre and blossoms to name a few. Well worth a read.
June 26, 2022
A collection of very short essays about what gives the author pleasure and enjoyment. The title is very apt, as this was certainly a delight - full read 😄 Some of the content was a bit dated, but overall, I found it quite charming and sweet.
January 7, 2023
I read this after reading Hannah Jane Parkinson's Joy of Small Things, in which she says she was inspired by Delight.
And it's a great read. OK, so today fewer people take delight in smoking a pipe. But that shouldn't detract from the observation of small detail, the beautiful prose and the pleasure in spending time with this wonderful mind.
And it's a great read. OK, so today fewer people take delight in smoking a pipe. But that shouldn't detract from the observation of small detail, the beautiful prose and the pleasure in spending time with this wonderful mind.
April 21, 2014
I always found Priestly's plays a bit didactic and bombastic, but this beautiful book of witty notes (barely essays) on the things that gave Priestly pleasure is a thing of wonder. Very much a book about finding joy in small things. Some of them place the writing in another era - smoking a pipe in the bath, retiring to an Oxfordshire pub for a cheeky gin and tonic when leaving blitz torn London in 1940, and writers and composers that have long since fallen from favour. There is still plenty for the modern reader - the joys of listening to music when you know you should be working on something else "fiddling while Rome burns", buying books, the Marx Brothers, giving advice (particularly when you know nothing about the subject), malicious chairmanship! Priestly has his tongue firmly in his cheek on some of them, and loves to play the small boy hidden inside the aging curmudgeon - the essay on Lighthouses is barely four sentences long. Delightful.
August 1, 2022
There's just the right amount of grumbling in this book that makes a thoroughly humane and warming collection of essays.
Priestley's miscellany of material objects and spiritual moments will assuredly capture "delight" in any reader. Life-affirming and relatable, you'll feel as though Priestley is sat adjacent to a roaring fire and relating these thoughts to you alone. I like to imagine myself cosily enveloped by hulking chairs, in a bookish room fusty with the miasma of cigars.
On a more economic note this is an easy read. Each chapter (all 114 of them) only consist of max. 4 pages each. So, these bitesize pieces of delight are thoughts that you can dip into each day, like popping a square of chocolate in your mouth and letting it melt after having a sip of tea.
Priestley's miscellany of material objects and spiritual moments will assuredly capture "delight" in any reader. Life-affirming and relatable, you'll feel as though Priestley is sat adjacent to a roaring fire and relating these thoughts to you alone. I like to imagine myself cosily enveloped by hulking chairs, in a bookish room fusty with the miasma of cigars.
On a more economic note this is an easy read. Each chapter (all 114 of them) only consist of max. 4 pages each. So, these bitesize pieces of delight are thoughts that you can dip into each day, like popping a square of chocolate in your mouth and letting it melt after having a sip of tea.
January 23, 2022
This is collection of essays about the little delights in life, written in the late 1940s, is a delight to read ;) - the highlighting of little every day joys such as finishing a piece of work, buying books, finding a book that you love, family silliness and favourite if not healthy meals, ( the author's was crisps and gin and tonic), is something that everyone can relate to.
Some of the subjects here have dated, such as smoking and pipe smoking, but enjoying little things and little pleasures is something that we still do, and something that continues to help us all get through difficult times.
If this was written now, it might be a website, a blog or a series of posts on Instagram, but the spirit would be the same: looking for the little things that make you happy. :)
Some of the subjects here have dated, such as smoking and pipe smoking, but enjoying little things and little pleasures is something that we still do, and something that continues to help us all get through difficult times.
If this was written now, it might be a website, a blog or a series of posts on Instagram, but the spirit would be the same: looking for the little things that make you happy. :)
February 22, 2022
This volume of short essays was first published in 1949. It was post WWII and Priestly felt that people needed to focus on things that brought them delight. He was known to be a grumbler and felt this book was "the grumbler's apology". Each chapter is a quick snippet of everyday things that brought him joy. It certainly brought me joy and was pure delight! "I have always been delighted at the prospect of a new day, a fresh try, one more start, with perhaps a bit of magic waiting somewhere behind the morning"
January 1, 2021
If more people spent more time thinking about all the delightful things in life, such as "Fountains" or "The Marx Brothers" or "Playing Charades" and writing little one or two page essays on these delights, the world would be a happier and more joyful spot, I'm sure.
I have a few books of this format, and I must say, I find them delightful.
I have a few books of this format, and I must say, I find them delightful.
January 6, 2022
I loved this. 114 little essays on things that delight him. And he has such a whimsical, delightful turn of phrase. I wish I had drawn it out and maybe only read one a day. Also there were a number of references that sent me to Wikipedia to get a better understanding - what a lovely photo of Ellen Terry.
July 4, 2024
this had all the ingredients and a premise for it to be a book i would love; a classic composed of short little essays about delight in the beautiful and mundane things.
however, for me, it just wasn't 'enough'. it was good, but i definitely was not as interested in most of it as i thought i would be. i love the concept, but unfortunately that couldn't relate to thoroughly enjoying it.
2.5
however, for me, it just wasn't 'enough'. it was good, but i definitely was not as interested in most of it as i thought i would be. i love the concept, but unfortunately that couldn't relate to thoroughly enjoying it.
2.5
January 16, 2019
Wodehouse would always have been my desert island author until I read this...don't want to be too corny but it is "delightful". I orginally came across an old copy of this in the dusty corner of a private library - I am so pleased it is available again.
July 7, 2020
A few ‘outdated attitudes’ but Priestley himself is just the sort of delight that he is capturing: personal, but deep and fulfilling.
March 14, 2021
Such a cheery book, beautifully written. A real delight itself.
October 24, 2021
Such a charming, joyful book. Reverses grumpiness.
February 8, 2019
I read this book in one sitting last night and it's quickly become one of my favourite ever books. A perfect gift. Written in 1949 by J.B Priestly during the depressing, gloomy period during the aftermath of the second world war, a man who loves a grumble writes about 114 everyday things that bring him delight. This book has aged but many of the simple delights he wrote about still strongly resonated with me 70 years later.
November 12, 2019
One I found in an antique shop in Essex. Really enjoyed English Journey and I will probably get into the novels before long a la proxy Patrick Hamilton. Genial and often entertainingly humorous (and admirably self-ridiculing). Think thoughts-cum-mini-essays. Tossed off as if for a stocking filler, obviously, but still good fun.
April 21, 2024
Just wow. Applauds. This account of little things that surmount to a life well observed, is an absolute nourishment. Reading this felt like the first day of spring. I found myself stepping away from the decaying lens of our world to regard a pleasant sunset placed in front of me. It was really nice.
July 30, 2019
What a charming book! A series of essays about the things and experiences that delight the author, everything from buying books to trying new tobacco. Written 70 years ago the book still feels fresh.
January 5, 2022
Lovely book, with really short chapters/pages on 114 of the things that brought J.B. Priestley delight, from bragging to smoking in a hot bath. Not every 'delight' was as good as each other but some were really funny and/or heartwarming. A delightful book!
January 17, 2024
Priestley's actually alright when you're not forced to study him for the purpose of standardised exams - each entry was so simple yet his language and style really showed an appreciation for the little things in life
April 6, 2024
Delightful! So nice to find an older book where you can still relate to so many of the reasons the author felt ‘delighted’ during his life. Helps to change your perspective for a short while and look at simple things in life with a more grateful/positive attitude.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews