This is John Oloughlin's first real collection of short prose, written during the autumn of 1979, which combines literary with philosophical themes. Surprisingly, the overall result is not displeasing and, although the subject-matter and settings of one or two of the contents are now slightly dated, the best retain a freshness and relevance to the contemporary and, so to speak, future world which should stand them in good stead for several years to-come. Of the eight examples included, the author especially recommends the title piece, 'A Visit to Hell', as a reflection, albeit slightly distorted by literary licence, of contemporary life in all its diabolical frenzy and hell-bent cacophony!