All I Ever Wrote: The Complete Works by Ronnie Barker (Sidgwick & Jackson, £14.99).

EVERY so often, someone at the eastern end of the Evening News sub-editors desk will begin: Four candles?

Then, the rallying cry will continue: Four candles? Yes, sir. There you are.

No fork 'andles.

And that, really is as far as it gets, because no one can remember the rest of the sketch. Until now

Released as a bumper paperback, this is just what it purports to be, classic gems from 12 years of The Two Ronnies, Futtock's End, Clarence, poems, songs and, of including course, the Three Classes skits from Frost On Sunday A. I am upper class. B. I am middle class. C. That doesn't leave me much of a choice.

Ronnie Barker was (still is) a comic genius, performing lots of his own material, sometimes writing anonymously, always inspired and a past master of the art of sketch writing.

It is a genre that began in music hall when two men performed backchat during changes of scenery.

Adapted for radio and adopted by television, it is now a huge part of comedy, though it can be very hit and miss.

A good sketch has to have a good plot, good development and a good pay-off. Everyone knows about comedy sketches. They are not erudite and we can all quote lines from our favourites.

It's thanks to people like Ronnie Barker that this important part of our social history exists. Sadly, not all of what he wrote remains, but what appears here is of the highest order.

Smile, chortle and laugh.

David Chapman