Astonishing. Astounding. Darkly delightful.

I bought this omnibus a few years ago. I had been meaning to read the 'Enderby' novels for some time. Eventually I began reading the first one, Inside Mr Enderby, and after only a few pages I realised that I had set off on a journey into a masterpiece. This is probably the best novel of the four, but that's a bit like saying a very very wonderful thing is better than a very wonderful thing. All four novels are superb.

The second, Enderby Outside, has the most action. Enderby becomes (or thinks he has become) a criminal and he is on the run. He chooses a very exotic refuge and William Burroughs has a cameo role here (though he is disguised in it). This novel, like its precedessor, is scathing, hilarious, relentlessly ironic, mildly misanthropic, elitist (but humorously so), brilliantly written, vulgar and sublime.

In the third, The Clockwork Testament, the satire is harder and sharper and the cultural criticisms are eye-watering. Burgess is reacting to a world that has changed considerably from the world of the time of the first Enderby novel. Enderby, always lost in the world, is now absolutely out of place. He pushes on regardeless, paying the ultimate price.

In the fourth, Enderby's Dark Lady, set in an alternative present to the world of the third book, Enderby is thrust deep into the politics of aspirational actors and composers. He forms an unlikely alliance, a friendship which could have gone deeper had he chosen, and he achieves a very small triumph at the end, a pyrrhic victory, despite everything. This novel ends with an outrageously brilliant piece of science fiction.

Anthony Burgess has one of the most enthralling prose styles I have ever encountered, intricate, lyrical, original, full of wordplay and language tricks, but his brilliancies are never at the expense of meaning. I rank him with Nabokov as a stylist, on the highest plateau of all.

Anthony Burgess's "The Complete Enderby" is a four-novel sequence that is a delight to read, and a shining example of Burgess's unique storytelling style. It's an epic saga that spans multiple decades and locations, filled with humor, pathos, and the undeniable charm of its eponymous hero. This work is a clear five-star choice for me.

The four novels - "Inside Mr. Enderby", "Enderby Outside", "The Clockwork Testament, or Enderby's End", and "Enderby's Dark Lady, or No End to Enderby" - are all centered around the character of F.X. Enderby, a somewhat reclusive, misanthropic poet. Enderby is one of Burgess's most memorable characters, a man who is at once sympathetic, infuriating, and utterly fascinating.

Burgess's portrayal of Enderby is a masterclass in character development. Over the course of the four novels, we witness Enderby in various stages of his life, from his humble beginnings as a poet to his adventures in different parts of the world. Burgess takes us deep into Enderby's psyche, revealing a man who is as flawed and complex as he is endearing.

The writing in "The Complete Enderby" is nothing short of brilliant. Burgess's prose is sharp, witty, and filled with linguistic playfulness that reflects his love for language. Each novel is crafted with a distinct style and tone, but they all share Burgess's trademark humor and keen eye for detail.

One of the standout features of "The Complete Enderby" is its exploration of the nature of creativity. Through Enderby's journey as a poet, Burgess delves into the joys, frustrations, and absurdities of the creative process. He examines the role of the artist in society, the tension between art and commerce, and the often blurred line between fiction and reality.

In conclusion, "The Complete Enderby" is a remarkable work by one of the greatest writers of the 20th century. It's a rich, multifaceted saga that will make you laugh, think, and perhaps even shed a tear or two. It's a testament to Burgess's immense talent and creativity, and it's a book that I am more than happy to award five stars.